The 2025 Future Automotive Design and CMF Forum took place in Jiading district, Shanghai, on Jan 14, focusing on the latest trends in automotive and CMF (Color, Material, Finish) design.
Co-hosted by the Automotive Design Branch of the China Society of Automotive Engineers and Shanghai International Automobile City, the event gathered around 300 designers, automakers, and technology experts from across the globe. Their discussions centered on addressing industry challenges and driving innovations towards a smarter, eco-friendly, and more human-centric future.
AI is set to revolutionize automotive design, from intelligence and sustainability to personalized customization. Wang Qian, deputy director of the Styling Center at BAIC Research Institute, introduced the concept of "AI Symbiosis", highlighting AI's potential to significantly shorten the creative process. "With AI, some design firms have reduced the initial creative phase from over four weeks to just one," she said.
Wang Shouzhi, vice-dean of the School of Creativity and Art at ShanghaiTech University, emphasized that AI can greatly reduce labor time, though it currently lacks emotional depth. "Don't fear it, get familiar with it quickly. AI can produce excellent results with proper control," he said.
The event also marked the launch of the Chromix-CMF Pioneer Incubator in Shanghai International Automobile City. This platform, integrating creativity, technology, and resources, aims to support small and micro enterprises in innovative design and entrepreneurial incubation. It will provide a cross-cultural exchange platform for designers and enterprises to promote Chinse automotive design overseas.
The "Chromix-CMF Pioneer Incubator" project kicks off at the forum. [Photo/jiading.gov.cn]