Today we unveiled our new, state-of-the-art Design Studio Shanghai. It’s based in one of the most vibrant and creative cities in Asia, and expands our global design footprint by joining our existing studios in Gothenburg and Camarillo.
The Shanghai studio aims to be one of the most comprehensive design studios of global car brands in Asia. Mirroring our design headquarters in Gothenburg, the Shanghai studio has all the functions needed to facilitate the whole design process – from concept to production.
The impressive capabilities allow for producing scale to full-size models for interior, exterior, colour and material, as well as UX design. On top of milling machines, 3D printers and fully equipped workshops for producing accurate models more efficiently than ever, the Shanghai designers also have access to VR environments where they can explore designs in the virtual world.
“Our Shanghai design team is a crucial and integrated part of our global design network,” says Jeremy Offer, our head of global design. “The new premises and the latest technologies help strengthen the collaboration across our three design studios globally, as we continue to take Volvo Cars’ premium Scandinavian design to the next level.”
With the opening of Design Studio Shanghai, we’re also reinforcing our strategic investment and long-term development in China, on top of our R&D centre in Shanghai and our plants in Chengdu, Daqing and Taizhou.
The architecture – Scandinavia meets Asia
Our new design studio certainly is a space that encourages innovations and inspires creative ideas. With large floor-to-ceiling windows, sweeping staircases and high ceilings, the two-storey building offers a stylish workspace with plenty of open space.
Optimised for collaboration, the 5,500 square metre studio provides a top-notch space to seat more than 100 designers and creative engineers. Work areas are kept clean and simplistic to ignite just the kind of inspiration that can help push the boundaries of how we design cars.
The interior is clean and bright with many thoughtful design details and carefully selected materials fulfilling the high Volvo Cars standards. At the centre of it all, you find the grand 1,000 square metre show hall which is equipped with optimal lighting and features an outdoor viewing garden.
All in all, the architecture of our new design studio is a stunning blend of our Scandinavian design heritage and inspiring East Asian influences.
The team – local expertise, global footprint
The Shanghai design team, established in 2010, boasts talents with strong expertise from diverse backgrounds. Energetic, enthusiastic and creative, they have become a vital part of our global design family, and they continuously deliver outstanding creative design for all projects.
One of the first design projects the team took lead on is the Volvo EX90 Excellence. Revealed last month in Shanghai, this limited edition and top-of-the-line variant of our all-electric flagship SUV, the Volvo EX90, takes the premium experience to the next level. As the safest four-seater ever from Volvo Cars, the Volvo EX90 Excellence allows you to travel in ultimate, first-class style and comfort.
“The Volvo EX90 Excellence is a fantastic example of the fast-growing capabilities and competence of our Shanghai design team,” says Sophie Li, our head of design for the Asia Pacific region. “With the aim to bring premium Scandinavian design closer to our customers in Asia Pacific, our team draws inspiration from both Scandinavian nature and Asian art to ensure our products attract and resonate with consumers in these markets.”
About Trading Enterprises – Volvo
Trading Enterprises, part of Al-Futtaim Automotive, is the exclusive distributor of Volvo cars in the UAE since 1985. The ISO9001:2008 company represents the world-renowned Volvo cars brand well known for its intuitive innovations, safety, environmental performance and Scandinavian design through its sales and after-sales network in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Trading Enterprises – Volvo offers a complete range of premium mobility solutions in the premium segment that includes: Sedans (S60 and S90), SUV vehicles (XC40, XC60 and XC90) and Crossover SUVs (C40 Recharge). Trading Enterprises is regarded as pioneers in the region by Volvo when it comes to adopting Volvo best practices and has introduced the region’s first Volvo Retail Experience Showroom and Volvo Personal Service – which offers a human-centric approach to sales and service.
About Al-Futtaim Automotive
Al-Futtaim Automotive, one of the main five operating divisions within the UAE-based Al-Futtaim Group of companies, is a conglomerate of motoring-related businesses, franchising some of the world’s most-recognised automotive brands and services.
Operating in 10 countries across the Middle East, Asia and Africa and empowered by around 9,000 associates, the UAE-headquartered Group’s services span across distribution of new and used vehicles, manufacturing, leasing, and aftersales.
Ranging from passenger cars to SUVs, commercial vehicles, industrial and construction equipment as well as motorbikes and quads, Al-Futtaim Automotive Group offers an integrative customer-centric experience for motorists, fleet operators and contractors alike, and strives to become the leader in tailor-made mobility solutions
About Al-Futtaim Group
Established in the 1930s as a trading business, Al-Futtaim Group today is one of the most diversified and progressive, privately held regional businesses headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Structured into five operating divisions; automotive, financial services, real estate, retail, and health; employing more than 33,000 employees across more than twenty countries in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, we partner with over 200 of the world’s most admired and innovative brands. Al-Futtaim Group’s entrepreneurship and relentless customer focus enable the organisation to continue to grow and expand, responding to the changing needs of our customers within the societies in which we operate. By upholding our values of respect, excellence, collaboration, and integrity, Al-Futtaim Group continues to enrich the lives and aspirations of our customers every day.
