FUTURE PRESENT

"We have a huge responsibility from the sustainability point of view" says Martin Ulharik, Global Design Head, Tata Motors

- Martin Ulharik

It's a little over two years since you took over as Global Design Head, how's the journey been?

It's been fantastic, we've been flat-out busy, you've seen some of the work over the last 12 months, the Nexon premier is now and we are overhauling the entire portfolio and also introducing several new products, so it's very exciting.

The Nexon is one of the most important products in Tata Motors' portfolio, so was it a challenge to retain the visual identity?

Yes, it was a challenge and the main responsibility. As you rightly said, the Nexon is the backbone of our portfolio. It's the core of our SUV range and has been very successful so you don't want to mess with the recipe, but at the same time, introduce a new aspect and freshness to the design.

When comparing designing an ICE vehicle to a pure EV, do you get more of a free hand with EVs?

In certain ways, yes. I would say with this generation of products it's the same because they share the same platform fundamentally as it uses the same hardpoints. It's only once you get to a third-generation EV, like the Avinya concept, where you are no longer shackled by the ICE powertrain that you can stretch your legs, but in these cycles of products, it's still the same in terms of restrictions and hardpoints.

Sustainability is a big buzzword today, how do you relate to that as a designer?