The Emergence of Chinese-Influenced Design as an International Automotive Design Language

This article aims to explore the emergence of Chinese automotive design as an international automotive design language. In the past, the Chinese automotive industry was criticized for copying foreign designs. However, recently, favorable government policies and a strong home market have encouraged local brands to explore their unique cultural heritage. The article further investigates how Chinese aesthetics have been adopted by major international auto brands, and finally how a new Chinese car brand is aiming to transform Chinese-influenced automotive design into a global force. Focusing on Geely Design, the globally-based design organization of the Chinese automotive manufacturing giant Zhejiang Geely Holdings group, this article reflects the view of a professional marketing manager with work experience in the Chinese automotive industry and a Fortune 500 Chinese car manufacturer.