Bonus: Autocar meets Nissan Europe design chief Giovanny Arroba
About this episode
Giovanni Arroba, Vice President of Nissan Design Europe, shares insights on the creative process and regional influences in automotive design. He discusses the unique environment of Nissan's London design studio, its historical significance, and the collaborative approach with global teams. Arroba reflects on his journey from sketching cars in school to leading design projects like the new Micra and Leaf, emphasizing the importance of capturing distinct personalities in each model. The conversation highlights how cultural elements shape design and the balance between heritage and innovation.
Giovanny Arroba was recently named the new head of Nissan Design Europe, which is based in an old bus depot near Paddington Station and has led design of vehicles such as the Qashqai and Juke.
Autocar associate editor James Attwood meets Arroba to discuss his global experience, how he uses music and architecture for inspiration, his plans for future Nissan vehicles – and why he's a big fan of graffiti.
James Attwood
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Nissan Juke
"...kine, first generation cashkine, first generation juke and the ones afterwards as well. But I think bei..."
The Nissan Juke is a small SUV that stands out because of its unusual shape and design. It's fun to drive and is popular with people who want something different from regular cars.
The Nissan Juke is a compact crossover known for its distinctive styling and sporty performance. It has a cult following due to its unique design and fun driving dynamics, making it a frequent topic of conversation among car enthusiasts.
Tata Motors Aria
"...as able to enrich the Japanese landscape, so even Aria was pinned here, and that's a global product. So..."
The Tata Motors Aria is a type of SUV that is meant to be comfortable for families and good for carrying things. It's not very well-known, but it shows how Tata is trying to make cars that can compete worldwide.
The Tata Motors Aria is a crossover SUV that was designed to offer a blend of comfort and utility. Although it didn't achieve widespread popularity, it is significant as an example of Tata's efforts to enter the global automotive market.
Arts Center College of Design
"...my teacher said, you know, actually, there's a school up the road, which Arts Center College of Design was 10 minutes away from where I grew up..."
Arts Center College of Design is a school in California that teaches students how to design things, including cars. Many famous car designers have studied there.
Arts Center College of Design is a prestigious design school located in Pasadena, California, known for its programs in industrial design, including automotive design. It has produced many successful car designers who have gone on to work for major automotive brands.
automotive design
"...I was like, that's what I want to do. I want to design cars..."
Automotive design is about creating how cars look and work. Designers think about how to make cars attractive and easy to use.
Automotive design is the process of developing the appearance, functionality, and ergonomics of vehicles. It involves a blend of art and engineering to create vehicles that are not only visually appealing but also practical and safe.
Nissan Qashqai
"...the Kashkai, the Juke."
The Nissan Qashqai is a compact SUV that is popular for being practical and good on fuel. It's a comfortable car for everyday use.
The Nissan Qashqai is a compact crossover SUV that has been popular in Europe for its practicality and efficiency. It offers a comfortable ride and a range of engine options.
Nissan Magnite
"...the Magnite, the Kashkai, the Juke."
The Nissan Magnite is a small SUV that is affordable and has a stylish look. It's designed to be practical for people who want a good deal.
The Nissan Magnite is a subcompact SUV that offers a stylish design and competitive pricing, aimed at the budget-conscious consumer. It features modern technology and a spacious interior.
Nissan Ariya
"...let's say like the Ariya, brand new platform from the ground up..."
The Nissan Ariya is a new electric SUV from Nissan, designed to be stylish and high-tech. It's part of Nissan's push to create more electric vehicles for the future.
The Nissan Ariya is an all-electric crossover SUV that showcases Nissan's new design language and technology. It represents a significant step forward in Nissan's electric vehicle lineup, offering advanced features and a modern aesthetic.
platform
"...we design a car from the ground up with a brand new platform..."
A platform in cars is like the base or foundation that supports everything else. It's what the car is built on, and different cars can use the same base to save time and money in making them.
In automotive design, a platform refers to the underlying structure of a vehicle, including the chassis and components that support the body and drivetrain. Different models can share the same platform, allowing manufacturers to streamline production and design.
micro
"And of course it's a micro, so there's the previous micro lineage and there's history of micro. And I think the K12 was one of the big inspirations because that car had such a big personality."
A 'micro' car is a very small vehicle made for city driving. They are easy to park and use less fuel than bigger cars.
The term 'micro' refers to a category of small cars that are designed for urban environments, focusing on efficiency and compactness. These vehicles often prioritize maneuverability and fuel economy over size and power.
retro
"It was actually one of the first cars to define what retro was an automotive actually before. I mean that the concept of the BE one was 1985 and then it came out to the market in 87."
Retro in cars means taking design ideas from older cars and using them in new models. It makes new cars look like the classic ones people loved in the past.
In automotive design, 'retro' refers to a style that draws inspiration from past designs, often evoking nostalgia. This concept has been popular in recent decades as manufacturers look to connect modern vehicles with classic aesthetics.
Volkswagen Beetle
"Again, before the beetle, beetle came out. I think the redesign new beetle was 98, 97."
The Volkswagen Beetle is a famous car that was first made many years ago. It was redesigned in the late 1990s to look modern but still keep some of its classic features.
The Volkswagen Beetle, originally introduced in the 1930s, was reimagined in the late 1990s with a modern design while retaining its iconic shape. The redesign aimed to appeal to both nostalgic customers and new buyers.
Mini
"And then the mini was 2000, 500 didn't come out to 2006."
The Mini is a small car that was first made a long time ago and was brought back in 2000. The new version kept the fun look of the old one but added modern features.
The Mini, originally launched in the 1960s, was revived in 2000 with a new design that retained the compact and playful spirit of the original while incorporating modern technology and safety features.
Fiat 500
"500 didn't come out to 2006. So really that be one was a trailblazer and bring some of that kind of retro charm back to a modern product."
The Fiat 500 is a tiny car that came back in 2006. It looks a lot like the original version from the 1950s but has new technology and better fuel efficiency.
The Fiat 500 is a small city car that was reintroduced in 2006, echoing the design of the original model from the 1950s. It combines retro styling with modern efficiency and technology.
design heritage
"So we saw we saw to that heritage because I think Nissan does have a lot of heritage that we should play on. And so the BE one was an inspiration and then obviously the K the K 12 with its big googly oval eyes."
Design heritage means the style and look of cars that a company has used in the past. It helps to keep a brand's identity and makes their cars recognizable.
Design heritage refers to the historical design elements and philosophies that a brand incorporates into its vehicles. For Nissan, this includes recognizable features and styles that have defined its cars over the years.
K12
"And so the BE one was an inspiration and then obviously the K the K 12 with its big googly oval eyes. And we wanted to bring a bit of charm back to the lineup because we clearly had it in the past."
The K12 is a model of the Nissan Micra, a small car that is easy to drive and park. It has a unique design that some people find charming.
The K12 refers to a specific generation of the Nissan Micra, a compact car known for its practicality and distinctive design features, including its unique headlights. It was produced in the early 2000s.
Nissan GT-R
"...you've got everything from a GTR to a frontier pickup to patrol. And then you have a little charming witty micro as well."
The Nissan GT-R is a fast sports car that is famous for its performance and technology. It's loved by car fans for how well it drives and its racing history.
The Nissan GT-R is a high-performance sports car known for its advanced technology and powerful engine. It has a strong motorsport heritage and is popular among car enthusiasts for its speed and handling.
Nissan Frontier
"...you've got everything from a GTR to a frontier pickup to patrol. And then you have a little charming witty micro as well."
The Nissan Frontier is a pickup truck that is strong and good for both work and play. It's popular for its ability to handle tough conditions and carry heavy loads.
The Nissan Frontier is a midsize pickup truck known for its durability and off-road capabilities. It is designed for both work and recreational use, making it a versatile choice for drivers.
K cars
"...in Japan, we have K cars, which is a completely unique segment to Japan, but there's a lot of charm in that segment as well."
K cars are tiny cars made in Japan that have special rules about how big they can be. They are popular because they are cheap to buy and save on gas.
K cars are a category of small, lightweight vehicles in Japan that are subject to specific regulations regarding size and engine displacement. They are popular for their affordability and efficiency.
Nissan Leaf
"...ut little things like that, you know, like on the LEAF, we wanted to, again, there's a lot of EVs out th..."
The Nissan Leaf is a car that runs entirely on electricity instead of gasoline. It's popular because it's good for the environment and can save you money on fuel.
The Nissan Leaf is an all-electric hatchback that has gained popularity for its practicality and efficiency. As one of the first mass-market electric vehicles, it represents a significant step towards sustainable transportation and is often discussed in the context of the growing EV market.
EVs
"But little things like that, you know, like on the LEAF, we wanted to, again, there's a lot of EVs out there that are following similar formulas."
EVs are cars that run on electricity instead of gas, which helps reduce pollution and can be cheaper to drive.
EVs, or electric vehicles, are cars that are powered entirely by electricity instead of traditional fuels like gasoline or diesel.
aerodynamic design
"And I think the range especially is what shaped that car in the wind tunnel. That's why it's so, you know, has such a slippery silhouette."
Aerodynamic design is about how a car's shape helps it cut through the air easily. This is important because it helps the car use less energy, which is especially helpful for electric cars like the LEAF.
Aerodynamic design refers to the shape of a vehicle that reduces air resistance, allowing it to move more efficiently through the air. This is particularly important for electric vehicles like the Nissan LEAF, as it can significantly impact range and performance.
dedicated EV architecture
"...that's one nice thing about a dedicated EV architectures. You can really carve out that space inside."
Dedicated EV architecture means the car is built specifically for electric power, making it better suited for things like battery placement and interior space compared to cars that were originally made for gas engines.
Dedicated EV architecture refers to a vehicle platform specifically designed for electric vehicles, optimizing space, weight distribution, and performance. This contrasts with platforms adapted from traditional combustion engine vehicles.
front-wheel-drive
"...It came from a FF front-wheel-drive Tita, actually, platform..."
Front-wheel-drive means that the car's front wheels are the ones that get the power from the engine. This setup can help with control and stability when driving.
Front-wheel-drive (FF) is a vehicle layout where the engine's power is directed to the front wheels. This configuration can improve traction and handling, especially in adverse conditions.
overhang
"...you still had actually quite a long-front overhang. Whereas the new LEAF, we're able to shorten the front overhang by 100 millimeters."
Overhang is the part of the car that sticks out in front or behind the wheels. A shorter overhang can make the car easier to handle and look better.
Overhang refers to the portion of a vehicle's body that extends beyond its wheelbase, typically at the front and rear. Reducing overhang can improve maneuverability and aesthetics.
25-year rule
"...classic cars are always being born, right? Because there's a 25-year rule now, which is scary because 25 years ago, those cars, those are not... They don't look old like your definition of an old car, but my gosh, 25 years ago."
The 25-year rule means that cars older than 25 years can often be treated as classic cars, which can make it easier to own and drive them. This rule helps people enjoy older cars without having to meet newer car regulations.
The 25-year rule refers to a legal provision in many countries that allows vehicles older than 25 years to be exempt from certain emissions and safety regulations, making them easier to import and register. This has led to a resurgence in interest for classic cars, as many models from the late 1990s and earlier are now considered classics.
Nissan Not Nissan
"...ite car from maybe one from Nissan and one that's not Nissan from history? Okay. Favorite car from Nissan."
The Nissan Note is a small car that has a lot of room inside, making it good for families. It's practical and easy to drive.
The Nissan Note is a versatile hatchback that offers a spacious interior and practical features. It is often discussed for its family-friendly design and efficient use of space.
Nissan 300Zx
"...ugh one to ask. I have to say, I really love the 300ZX. That era of Nissan, the 90s, super sleek, super..."
The Nissan 300 ZX is a fast and stylish sports car from the late 80s and early 90s. People love it for its cool looks and how well it drives.
The Nissan 300 ZX is a sports car that was produced in the late 1980s and early 1990s, celebrated for its performance and sleek design. It is often discussed for its role in the Z-car lineage and as a symbol of Nissan's engineering prowess during that era.
Alfa Romeo Stradale
"I really love the Stradale, the Alfa Romeo Stradale. I just find that... I mean, it's a very rare car. They only made a few handful, but I just... I love that thing."
The Alfa Romeo Stradale is a special car that's not made in large numbers. It's known for being stylish and fun to drive.
The Alfa Romeo Stradale is a rare and iconic model known for its unique design and performance. It represents the brand's commitment to blending style with driving dynamics.
Lamborghini Espada
"I also love very edgy cars like a Bertone, Lamborghini Espada, or something wild like that."
The Lamborghini Espada is a classic car from the late 60s and early 70s. It's known for its unique look and strong engine.
The Lamborghini Espada is a grand tourer produced by Lamborghini in the late 1960s to the early 1970s. It is known for its distinctive design and powerful performance.
Italian design houses
"So, as a designer, I was very much influenced, I think, by the Caruzza idea in Italian design houses, because they did cars for everybody, actually."
Italian design houses are companies in Italy that create beautiful and stylish cars. They are known for their unique designs that many people admire.
Italian design houses are renowned for their influence on automotive design, creating iconic styles and innovative vehicles that have shaped the industry.
Nissan Z
"and where I have a great opportunity to work on cars like the Z, the GT-R, or a really cute little iconic city car like the Micra."
The Nissan Z is a sporty car made by Nissan, famous for being fun to drive and having a cool look. It's part of a long line of similar cars from the brand.
The Nissan Z is a sports car that represents a long lineage of performance-oriented vehicles from Nissan, known for their engaging driving dynamics and iconic design.
Nissan Micra
"... or a really cute little iconic city car like the Micra. Perfect. Thank you very much for your time."
The Nissan Micra is a tiny car that's great for driving around town. It's easy to park and helps save money on gas.
The Nissan Micra is a small city car known for its compact size and efficiency. It has been a popular choice for urban drivers due to its maneuverability and affordability.
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