Renault designer hails end of bling

Gilles Vidal calls for car makers to eschew excess and pursue "striking minimalism"

- JOHN NEVILLE

Car makers must embrace a global trend towards minimalism, exploring opportunities to use fewer, less complex and lighter materials to create more striking vehicles.

That's the view of Renault design chief Gilles Vidal, who highlighted a shift towards designing for essential use while unveiling the Rafale SUV recently.

"It's time for an era of less bling, I believe," he said. "The challenge for designers will be shaping a brand that is strong and impressive but so much simpler than today. We still want to be making striking cars, but with a more minimalistic, essential design."