Škoda design chief Karl Neuhold is stunned by what AI can do

Škoda Exterior Design Chief Karl Neuhold says he is astonished by how far AI has come in car design. Speaking to the Dutch outlet Autoweek, Neuhold said he had tried the tools himself and the results had left an impression on him. From a simple sketch, he said, the software can produce alternatives within seconds that are better than those a designer could draw by hand.

AI speeds up the design process

According to Neuhold, AI lets teams test ideas that would normally take a long time to visualise. A rough drawing can quickly turn into an image that looks like a finished model. That makes it easier for teams to communicate with each other.

He also called on fellow designers to adapt. Relying on traditional drawing skills alone will not be enough to stay competitive, he said, and AI needs to become part of the workflow.

A risk for young designers

If smaller teams can produce more work in less time, design studios may need fewer staff. Neuhold is most concerned that it will become harder for young designers to enter the profession. Fewer entry-level positions could also stop the new generation from gaining experience.

Still, Neuhold wants young designers to keep their core drawing skills. He said Škoda still asks job applicants for hand-drawn sketches. In his view, producing a convincing image is not the same as designing an original car that fits a brand's identity, technical constraints and legal requirements. Many factors must be considered, from sensors and lighting to proportions and safety regulations.

Copyright and the risk of sameness

AI also raises questions about intellectual property and design originality. When dozens of concepts can be generated with a few prompts, it may become harder for manufacturers to protect their copyrights and to stop cars from looking alike. Rival brands have access to the same tools.

Neuhold accepts that AI has shortened the time from a draft to a final render. However, he argues that understanding what customers want, and surprising them, is still a human job.