Giovanny Arroba is the program design director of Nissan and the mastermind behind the recently unveiled Ariya Concept. The crossover EV embodies the Nissan Intelligent Mobility vision of personal transportation – one where electrification and vehicle intelligence will offer seamless and adaptive travel experiences free of accidents or harmful emissions. With twin electric motors, powerful acceleration and award-winning driver assistance technology the Ariya Concept is also a complete reinvention of Nissan’s design.
In an interview at Café Z, a trendy coffee oasis with a Nissan Z theme inside Nissan’s Global Design Center, Arroba discussed how the Ariya Concept came to life and how Nissan is now part of his DNA, and detailed the process of turning his dreams into reality.
Q: Why did you seek out a design career with Nissan?
Arroba: After graduating from the ArtCenter College of Design in 2000, I was fortunate to discover Nissan’s design oasis in San Diego. At the time, the environment was an ideal place for a designer to create something new, without the heavy baggage of an existing formula. So starting then, to now, I’ve had the chance to influence and shape the form language of the brand. Now, Nissan is part of me, and I am part of Nissan. I believe we are just warming up as we shape the future of the company.
Q: What was your initial approach to penning the Ariya Concept?
Arroba: It started with our vision of how to shape the future. I wanted to merge form with the unique experience of an EV, and the autonomous and connected technology that Nissan Intelligent Mobility represents. The relatable attraction of the automobile as a dynamic object to be driven is essential for the concept.
Q: Last October, you attended the reveal of the Nissan Ariya Concept at the Tokyo Motor Show. What was your feeling when you saw your latest creation making its world debut?
Arroba: The press conference opening statement, “Welcome to the Future of Nissan,” made a big impression on me and I felt electricity in the crowd. The Ariya Concept is the first visual, the first window into the tech that Nissan will embody. I am extremely proud and happy, and I feel we hit the mark with the design and style.
Q: Imagine the Ariya Concept is a production car. Where do you want to drive it first?
Arroba: I grew up in Southern California, so I would love to drive it up the PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) from Santa Barbara through Big Sur, Carmel and Monterey. Carving along the West Coast with the Pacific Ocean by my side would feel surreal.
On an extended vacation, touring around Spain and Portugal or Scotland’s west coast and the Isle of Skye are high up on my list.
Q: What songs or albums would soundtrack your drive?
Arroba: I love music as much as I love cars. It’s all about what mood I’m in. All genres find a way into my inspiration, but at this moment, my mood has been orchestral electronica. So I would play the album “Kiasmos” by Kiasmos. Perhaps throw in Kamasi Washington’s “Street Fighter Mas.” And Brock Berrigan; “The Scenic Route” album is good on an Ariya Concept road trip. Some D.J. Rogers; “It’s Good to be Alive” has a place in the playlist, because I’m retro like that.
Q: How many were involved with bringing the Ariya Concept to life?
Arroba: It was a multi-department effort including Design, Engineering, Product Planning and Marketing, all working closely together with a shared vision of our brand’s future. Not to mention the countless artisans who built and programmed the concept from an idea into a physical reality.
I think people don’t realize how many designers it takes or how diverse the expertise that’s required to design a car. There are many complexities as it is not a static product, but an integral part of an owner’s life. We must ensure we give it personality that reflects its function and provides an overall lasting experience.
Please click here to view the full press release.
SOURCE: Nissan
