VW Group Designer Fears AI May Take Their Jobs

AI is revolutionizing automotive design. Skoda’s Head of Exterior Design, Karl Neuhold, praises AI’s efficiency but warns it could reduce the need for human designers as tools make the workflow significantly faster.

Skoda’s Head of Exterior Design, Karl Neuhold, says he uses generative AI to instantly turn simple sketches into high-quality renderings. He praises the technology’s speed and precision, noting that tools like Vizcom, ChatGPT, and Gemini have revolutionized the design workflow by producing professional-grade results in seconds.

Karl Neuhold acknowledges the growing significance of artificial intelligence in modern vehicle design, characterizing it as the future of the industry. He emphasizes that professionals must remain current with technological advancements to maintain their competitiveness, noting that success in the automotive design sector now requires proficiency in AI tools alongside traditional sketching skills. Regarding this shift, Neuhold remarked, “We can work exceptionally fast, and people can express their ideas with greater efficiency and precision.”

Simultaneously, Neuhold cautions that designers must approach this evolution with a strategic perspective. The increasing capability of AI presents a tangible challenge to traditional labor roles; as AI accelerates workflows and enhances creative output, design studios may require smaller teams to achieve the same objectives. Consequently, Neuhold warns that these shifts could create significant barriers for aspiring designers entering the profession.

Despite these challenges, Skoda’s design lead encourages applicants to submit hand-drawn sketches to showcase foundational skills. While industry experts like Mercedes’ Gorden Wagener warn that AI could eventually make some roles obsolete, major manufacturers are already embracing the tech: GM uses AI for 3D rendering and aerodynamic testing, while Ford uses it to colorize vintage prototypes. Through all this, the human creative spark remains essential to car design.

• See More: Volkswagen Boss Seeks Help From The European Union