The Power of First Impressions
In the world of automobiles, first impressions are paramount. Much like meeting a new person, the initial visual impact of a car can make or break a buyer’s interest. For those who view cars as more than just a means of transportation, a vehicle’s appearance plays a pivotal role in enticing potential buyers to explore its technical specifications.
Volkswagen Group, a leader in the automotive industry, understands the significance of this concept and is embarking on a mission to ensure that their vehicles not only perform exceptionally but also leave a lasting visual impact.
Differentiation Through Design
Volkswagen Group boasts an impressive portfolio of brands, including VW, VW Commercial Vehicles, Skoda, SEAT, Cupra, Audi, Lamborghini, Bentley, Porsche, and Ducati. The challenge lies in making each brand distinctly recognizable. It’s crucial that a Volkswagen looks unmistakably different from a Skoda or SEAT/Cupra and that an Audi stands apart from a Porsche. To tackle this challenge, Volkswagen Group has adopted “Success by Design” as its guiding motto.
Guided by “Success by Design”
“Success by Design” is more than just a catchy phrase; it represents Volkswagen Group’s commitment to prioritizing design as a core driver of its success. Oliver Blume, the CEO of Volkswagen Group and also the head of the Porsche brand, has placed a strong emphasis on the significance of good design in delivering customer satisfaction. He boldly states that the company is on a trajectory to become a “design-driven company,” emphasizing that each brand within the group should have its distinct personality and visual identity.
CEO’s Vision: Design-Driven Future
Oliver Blume’s vision for a design-driven future is compelling. It underscores the idea that superior design is not just about aesthetics but also about delivering a unique experience to customers. Blume’s leadership positions Porsche and Volkswagen Group to be at the forefront of this design revolution.
Distinctive Designs, Shared Foundations
One of the most exciting aspects of this new strategy is the commitment to creating unique designs for each brand while potentially sharing technical foundations. Oliver Blume showcased this approach by comparing the ID. GTI Concept with the Cupra DarkRebel, both of which will share the same underpinnings when they hit the market in 2025. Despite sharing technical foundations, these two models exhibit substantially different designs, highlighting Volkswagen Group’s commitment to increased differentiation.
Design Excellence for Every Brand
Volkswagen Group’s dedication to design excellence extends across its expansive family of brands. Each brand, from the practical VW to the luxury Porsche, will receive special attention to ensure that its vehicles stand out in a crowded market. This comprehensive approach ensures that customers can find a unique identity in every Volkswagen Group brand.
Bugatti’s New Journey
Notably, the lineup does not include Bugatti, but that’s because it’s now part of the “Bugatti Rimac” joint venture. In this arrangement, the Rimac Group holds a majority stake of 55%, while Porsche maintains a 45% interest. This strategic move ensures Bugatti’s continued presence and innovation within the Volkswagen Group ecosystem.
Conclusion: Embracing Visual Excellence
In conclusion, Volkswagen Group is making a bold statement by prioritizing design as a key driver of success. The power of first impressions is a concept well understood in the automotive world, and Volkswagen Group aims to leverage this understanding to set their vehicles apart. By infusing their brands with unique design identities and fostering a commitment to higher design quality, Volkswagen Group is poised to make their vehicles not only technically excellent but visually captivating, solidifying their position as leaders in the competitive automotive landscape. The “Success by Design” strategy represents a visionary approach that promises to redefine the future of automotive design.
