Few people think about how a car's appearance affects the way it is perceived on the road. Volkswagen Group's top designer explained why the trend toward “angry” grilles and narrow headlights could be a dead end. Here's what's behind his view, what impact it could have on the market, and why it may be time to rethink the approach to automotive styling.
For motorists, this news may be a reason to consider how automotive design trends are changing and where they could lead in the coming years. As aggressive-looking vehicles become increasingly common on the roads, the opinion of Volkswagen Group's chief designer, Andreas Mindt, has taken on particular relevance. According to him, there is no objective reason for cars to look threatening, and this kind of styling offers no real benefit to drivers or those around them.
According to Autonews, Mindt said in an interview that automakers are deliberately emphasizing “angry” front ends, massive grilles, and narrow headlights. The reason is simple: these vehicles stand out more in traffic, are noticed more quickly in rearview mirrors, and therefore get other drivers to yield more often. However, Mindt believes this is not the direction the industry should continue moving in. He is convinced that cars can and should inspire affection rather than fear or irritation.
According to Mindt, Volkswagen Group does not plan to join the race for the most aggressive design. The designer noted that many brands are trying to look “cool,” but VW is taking a different approach by creating friendly and neutral designs. This is especially important as the industry transitions to electric vehicles, when society is already divided between supporters of new technologies and fans of traditional gasoline engines. Mindt believes EVs should not emphasize the superiority of their owners but instead bring people together rather than set them against one another.
Still, the group does not plan to abandon aggressive styling completely. Mindt acknowledges that for some brands within the group, such as Lamborghini and Cupra, this approach is justified and fits their character. For mainstream Volkswagen models, however, the focus is on harmony and friendliness. This approach could become a new trend if other automakers follow suit.
Interestingly, similar debates over the practicality of certain decisions in automotive design and engineering have arisen before. For example, in a story about hidden problems with high-mileage Ford Focus models, experts also discussed how exterior and interior changes affect the way a car is perceived and used. This confirms that even details that may seem secondary can significantly change how people view a vehicle and how popular it is on the market.
For reference, Volkswagen Group is one of the world's largest automakers, bringing together dozens of brands ranging from mainstream to premium. In recent years, the company has been actively developing EVs and introducing new design standards. According to experts, moving away from aggressive styling could send an important signal to the entire industry, especially as competition grows and buyer expectations change. Volkswagen has previously also explained why it is moving away from large numbers of touchscreens in its interiors, with the focus shifting toward ergonomics and ease of use. All of this suggests that the company is closely watching changes in customer preferences and is prepared to adjust its strategy as new trends emerge.