Chongqing - "We need diverse talents, especially as we are experiencing robust growth in the design field," said Klaus Zyciora, Vice President of Changan Automobile, during an exclusive interview with Bridging News at the Chongqing International Talent Exchange Conference (CQITEC) at the Yuelai International Conference Center on December 16.
The conference highlighted talent leadership and strengthened exchanges and mutual learning. Important guests and experts from 42 countries, regions, and international organizations gathered to build a Western talent center and innovation highland.
As an integral part of Changan Automobile, the Changan Design Center has established an international professional layout to align with the continuously strengthening trend of globalization.
"Our strategic imperative is to forge an exceptional and diverse design team—the linchpin of Changan's commitment to unparalleled design excellence," Zyciora said.
Klaus Zyciora, Vice President of Changan Automobile, during the Chongqing International Talent Exchange Conference (CQITEC). (Photo/Chen Yuting)
Diverse talents to drive Changan's global leadership
Currently, Changan has established a global collaborative research and development talent layout in six countries and ten regions. The creative hubs in Italy, Japan, the UK, and China Chongqing cement Changan Automobile's standing as a global design leader.
"We are prioritizing independent innovation and attracting talents globally, firmly positioning Chongqing at the forefront of the dynamic automotive industry," Zyciora said.
Zyciora suggested that rotating team members across different countries could contribute to Changan Automobile's global strategy. "And everybody who has been here is a strong ambassador for Chongqing in the world."
Reflecting on his journey, Zyciora imparted invaluable advice, "I studied at a small university in Germany and then built my global career in an ever-growing automotive industry."
"The vast spectrum of design fields requires diverse talents at the forefront; we need many creative designers in these different fields to bring global visions to life," Zyciora added.
In 2023, UNESCO granted Chongqing the status of Creative City of Design. "This accolade underscores Chongqing's potential as a global design capital. Because Chongqing boasts formidable universities, captivating museums, invigorating lifestyle, and strong industries, they all attract young talents from all over the world," Zyciora said.
Embracing human-centric, digital, and intelligent design philosophy
Since the 21st century, facing the world's population, resource, and environmental problems, the pursuit of sustainability has gradually become the consensus of humankind. "The automotive sector is undergoing a profound transformation with a focus on sustainability, new energy, intelligence, and globalization trends," said Zyciora.
So, the future landscape will be intelligent, highly efficient, and drive fully autonomously to its destination, utilizing breakthroughs and intelligent driving AI, incorporating new energy and other related technologies.
"Perhaps leaning towards digital, automatic, and intelligent solutions, it provides endless possibilities for design and embraces a philosophy that values human nature over mere functionality," Zyciora continued.
As China's first inland national-level development and opening a new area, Chongqing is also the mainstay for the automobile industry, providing every support needed to create an automotive industrial ecosystem.
Changan Automobiles, focusing on new energy, intelligence, and globalization trends, aims to create a smart car and intelligent platform for new vehicles involving full-step control and utilizing a software platform. "This comprehensive approach promotes the digital transformation and upgrades the high-quality development of intelligent mobility, all happening here in Chongqing," Zyciora added.
For example, Liangjiang's new areas are building smart roads, providing telephone cell platforms, connecting Information networks, providing excellent maps, and small cars. "We committed ourselves to put the consumer, the user," said Zyciora. "It is the focus of our designs, utilizing our global capabilities to build a diverse research team, to connect with our users."
Currently, Changan Automobiles employs 72,000 individuals, including about 18,000 engineering and technical professionals from 30 countries. "We are committed to extraordinary design, integrating the advantages of global design resources," said Zyciora. "And now the Changan design team consists of designers from over 25 countries with diverse expertise."