Karl Neuhold, head of exterior design at Skoda, stated that the automotive industry may require fewer designers in the future due to the advancement of artificial intelligence. In an interview with Autoweek, he noted that he actively uses generative AI tools and is impressed by their efficiency in visualizing sketches.
Current tools such as Vizcom, ChatGPT, and Google Gemini allow for the transformation of rough hand-drawn sketches into detailed images with realistic lighting and environments. While early versions of these systems struggled with logos and structural elements, recent updates have significantly reduced these errors.
Neuhold emphasized that AI is the future of automotive design and urged professionals to master these tools to maintain competitiveness. He noted that the role of a designer is shifting toward using AI to accelerate development and visualization processes rather than focusing solely on manual sketching.
The automation of these tasks could lead to a reduction in the number of staff needed in design studios, as smaller teams will be able to complete work faster. This shift may create barriers for entry-level specialists looking to join the industry.
Despite the rise of AI, Neuhold maintains that traditional skills remain relevant. He advises young candidates to continue presenting hand-drawn sketches during job applications, as these demonstrate creative thinking, a sense of form, and the ability to develop concepts independently.
