latter in the most recent past: besides show cars for Hyundai (incl. Hyundai Clix, Frankfurt International Motor Show 2001) and Mazda (Mazda 6 MPS Concept, Paris Motor Show 2002), his last outstanding effort was the design of the ‘Luminus’ shown on the Edscha / IVM Automotive stand at the 2003 Geneva Motor Show. Luminus, based on a modified Mercedes-Benz A-Class, demonstrated the comprehensive skills of the designers and engineers of IVM Automotive. They equipped the vehicle with a panorama roof measuring just about 1.5 square meters, thus glazing it almost over its entire length and width; the roof slides along the roof rails. They furnished the Luminus interior with two independently operating roller blinds and high-grade leather appointments; and on a projection screen they presented further (vir- tual) innovative ideas for roofs, doors and lids. “For the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show we again have built a show car for a customer, but we can’t talk about it as yet. And we’re engaged in concrete talks for the 2004 Geneva Motor Show”, Wolkind disclosed after persistent inquiry.

A lover of Cuban cigars, he is assisted by a

44-strong team of university-educated de- signers, clay modellers and Alias modellers, studio engineers and model makers. They demonstrate creativity, professional competence and a feel for shape and configuration

day in, day out – sketching exteriors, interiors and color & trim concepts, making clay models by hand, performing digital design with Alias, and finally producing models from electronic data records with milling cutters. “At the end of the digital process chain, we also offer our customers the possibility of viewing design concepts in a 3D virtual dis- play”, Wolkind explained. This enables designers to assess a vehicle in all its dimensions, colors and variants in an early concept phase.

DESIGN OF THE FUTURE

Because he is not a man to bank on getting lucky, the chief designer pursues a clear vision: “In future we intend to increasingly realize design studies of our own, which we then present to our international customers.” IVM Automotive already possesses the prerequisites to do so, Wolkind is sure – good ideas in particular: “We have creativity in abundance. And that is vital in a market as competitive as ours.”

So far, however, most industry observers still associate creativity much rather with the independent design studios in Italy. “We’re just as good”, says Wolkind: “We just lack the history, which is why, with many customers, we’ve only been able to make a name for ourselves so far as technical designers. But we’re going to change that.”

Christina Kaulhausen

A CAR IN

FOUR ACTS

Design sketch, clay model, 3D image – this is how first ideas turn into a new car at IVM Automotive. Before it makes its first appearance, for example as a show car, it’s not only ideas and machine tools that are buzzing: professional work to tight schedules is essential.

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