Why are Indian cars usually boring in terms of design? Recently, a premier TV channel asked this question to Dilip Chhabria, the best known and most successful automobile designer in India
He in turn replied, “Indian cars are boring because when they are on the drawing board, companies try to cater to the masses only. Naturally, they want to play safe and go by the general demand. Another thing is who’ll do it. Indian companies do not have global competency in design. Most importantly, it’s dictated by Indian needs. Indian cars are mostly driven by drivers, so there has to be more space at the back. While in theUS and Europe , it’s vice versa, hence more scope for experimenting with the design.”
He in turn replied, “Indian cars are boring because when they are on the drawing board, companies try to cater to the masses only. Naturally, they want to play safe and go by the general demand. Another thing is who’ll do it. Indian companies do not have global competency in design. Most importantly, it’s dictated by Indian needs. Indian cars are mostly driven by drivers, so there has to be more space at the back. While in the
When the entire world is eyeing Indian car market, does the designer’s response post a new challenge to Indian car owners and car manufacturers?
Labels: Auto market competition, Car-Designs, Indian car market
5 Comments:
I disagree with DC. He is indeed an accomplised car design engineer. But his comment does not reflect the ground realities of India society. Indian are never individualistic. they like to be in groups of communities. Hence the cars here are designed to cater to families or large number of people. that's the funda......
I think so. anybody is free to comment.
Well DC is right. We look at cars like we looked at horse driven carts, A man in front holds the reigns of
horses and at the back are seated the women and gentry. This perspective needs to change. When engineers design cars, a driver's comfort is priority, because it is driven by the owner.
I totally agree with Mr.Arun.i don't think that the Indian cars are boring. they are designed for the Indian people.
Only with the design factor, it is difficult to sell a car, especially in India.we prefer a four or more seater rather than a a stylish two seater like in US.
Although 'am seeing this Blog a long later,but somehow i do agree with Mr.Arun C,being a Designer my self (A graduate from National Institute of Design,Ahmedabad.)I had met Mr.D.C.,long back in 1995 when i was a student,that time he had given me a vital feedback i.e.if you are converting an existing car, then keeping the Chassy intact you can change the position of rest everything to make a suitable car for your own needs.So now the main factor is who is the end user, and how he/she uses it.(It differs subjectively, be it an Indian or a foreigner).Of course in India people prefer to drive by themselves and more often with families and relatives. so you can never satisfy everybody.
I don't think DC is right. India's population is a billion, so it would be smart of them to design cars that can cater for many people. Designing two man cars are not the best choice they can make
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