SEE MORE COVERAGE OF CADA SUMMIT 2016
Ralph Gilles said he can’t stand the “commoditization of the auto industry.”
The Head of Design for FCA Global told dealers during his keynote presentation at the 2016 CADA Summit that he sees vehicles as a connection to your soul.
“That’s something we strive for and we hope to achieve,” said Gilles.
Gilles said he’s excited about all of the innovations happening within the auto industry — and those outside it — that are changing the way customers connect with their vehicles. He said that enthusiasm for the automobile is stronger than it’s ever been.
Look at the different concept cars from each of the brands, and you’ll see there’s a strong interest in in-car connectivity, said Gilles.
He said emerging technologies can help solve some of the world’s biggest challenges in mobility, such as issues related to heavy city traffic and giving senior citizens the freedom to drive while reducing vehicle crashes.
Gilles said FCA is working on designing solutions that will maximize occupant space without increasing machine space, creating a relaxing ride for passengers.
He talked about a new minivan designed to be efficient and safe that the company will unveil at the Canadian International AutoShow (CIAS) 2016.
But these advancements in technology bring a host of other issues.
Gilles said that the FCA’s Jeep was the first vehicle ever to be hacked. In-vehicle data will also become a battleground for ownership.
He’s also concerned that as vehicles get closer to the autonomous spectrum, there will be less of a focus on the vehicle’s design. He scrolled through a few photos of future autonomous vehicles to illustrate his point.
The issue becomes: “If you don’t own it, do you care what it looks like,” said Gilles. It could be that cars just become boxes to shuttle you to your destination, said Gilles.
“I want to continue creating vehicles that are emotional, fun to drive but at same address issues [consumers] didn’t know they had,” said Gilles.
The 2016 CADA Summit is organized by the Canadian Automobile Dealers Association, and is supported by an exclusive sponsorship from TD Auto Finance.
