Volkswagen design chief seeks friendlier car aesthetics

Andreas Mindt, the head of design for Volkswagen Group, is advocating for a shift away from the aggressive aesthetic currently trending in the automotive industry. In an interview with Autoweek, Mindt criticized the use of oversized grilles and menacing headlights, calling the trend to design cars that look like they are “designed to kill zombies” a “nonsense.”

Mindt noted that some manufacturers use intimidating designs to encourage other drivers to yield in traffic. He expressed a desire for a more “friendly” design language, suggesting that car aesthetics can influence social perceptions, particularly during the transition to electric vehicles. He argued against using electric car design as a way to create social divides between different types of drivers.

This philosophy is being applied to new models, such as the ID. 3 Neo. Mindt acknowledged that the first-generation ID. 3 was perhaps too futuristic and lacked traditional brand identity. The new version aims to better align with Volkswagen’s DNA and incorporate more physical controls in the cabin following customer feedback regarding touch-only interfaces.