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INFINITI QX Inspiration Concept is still making waves following its recent debut at the North American International Auto Show, showcasing the future of the brand’s design language for an electrified era. As a follow-up to this unveiling of the QX Inspiration, INFINITI is launching a dual partnership with the ArtCenter College of Design in California and the College for Creative Studies in Michigan. The collaboration, including design students from Detroit and Los Angeles, will take place from January to May 2019.
Led by Alfonso Albaisa, senior vice president of global design at Nissan Motor Co., Ltd, and Karim Habib, executive design director at INFINITI Motor Company, Ltd., the programme will create an opportunity for the two to interact with the next generation of automotive designers as they work to create the aesthetics of a future SUV. Throughout the four-month programme, the duo will provide the schools with invaluable insights on company culture and design.
“The collaboration with the ArtCenter College of Design and College for Creative Studies comes at the perfect time for INFINITI,” said Albaisa. “I cannot be more honoured to have the opportunity to work with future talent as they enter the beginning phases of their automotive design career. Our design teams are challenging themselves daily and this experience will allow for us to all gain a new perspective on design throughout the challenge.”
INFINITI most recently debuted its QX Inspiration concept vehicle at the North American International Auto Show. Its design signals a new era for the brand enabled by technology, with a form language hinting at the potency and character of electrified powertrains.
The interior of the QX Inspiration concept is hand-crafted using traditional techniques and a choice of materials inspired by a subtle Japanese sensuality. The development of new electrified vehicle platforms enables the creation of spacious, lounge-like interiors influenced by ‘omotenashi’, the Japanese approach to hospitality. Providing a seamlessly enabling and instinctive experience, the cabin incorporates technologies to create a welcoming environment, while assisting drivers and connecting occupants to the world around them.
Two students, chosen by Albaisa and Habib in May, will have the opportunity to intern at INFINITI’s Global Design Center in Kanagawa, Japan.
INFINITI Motor Company Ltd. is headquartered in Hong Kong with representations in 50 markets around the world. The INFINITI brand was launched in 1989. Its range of luxury automobiles is currently built in manufacturing facilities in Japan, North America, United Kingdom and China. INFINITI design studios are located in Atsugi-Shi near Yokohama, London, San Diego and Beijing. INFINITI will electrify its entire lineup from 2021 onward. The brand has been widely acclaimed for its industry-leading client services, ranking #1 in customer satisfaction with Dealer Service among Luxury Brands by J.D. Power and being a most trusted luxury brand according to AMCI, as well as its world’s first driver assistance technologies and daring designs. From the 2016 season, INFINITI became a technical partner of the Renault Sport Formula One team, contributing its expertise in hybrid performance.
