Pininfarina was the first Italian design house, provider of automotive styling, engineering and development services, to seal an agreement with a Chinese auto-maker in May 1996.

In the last 11 years, it has padded out its customer portfolio and now cooperates with a number of major companies in this sector, including Avichina/Hafei, Brilliance, Changfeng, Chery, JAC.

AviChina/Hafei Luzun and HF10 concept minivans

The Luzun production minivan exterior was designed by Pininfarina in 2005.

Developed starting from a platform supplied by the customer, the modern, simple design provides a feeling of compactness and dynamic solidity.

The side panel is characterized by a continuous and tight line that goes from the headlight to the third rear window defining its shape. Luzun made its debut at the 2006 Beijing Motor Show on Avichina’s booth.

The HF10 minivan styling model was created by Pininfarina between 2005 and 2006

. In this vehicle, more little than the Luzun, the surfaces treatment emphasizes its dynamism and elegance.

A scallop that runs all along the side panel marks its design, as an aesthetic and functional element that welcomes the door handles and the rail of the rear sliding door.

Brilliance Junjie saloon

The Junjie is a 3 volumes four door production saloon, restyled in 2003 by Pininfarina dtarting from the Brlliance Zhonghua saloon.

The main interventions have been carried out on the front and on the rear, cutting the jumps and creating - with a special consideration to the European taste.

The design of the interior is completely new: classic, inspired by the European saloon, with fluid lines. At the 2006 Beijing Motor Show, the Junjie was awarded “The best New Car in B Segment”.

Changfeng Liebao SUV

The Liebao SUV production model was developed by Pininfarina between 2005 and 2006.

The design briefing called for an advanced styling solution: great care was taken in the development of the volumes which are characterized by aggressive graphics as the lengthen shape of the headlamps.

The body side is distinguished by character lines over the front and the rear fenders which strongly separate the tyres from the bumper cut lines. The design of the interior focuses on a modern ambiance, clean and functional.

Chery A3 and A3 Sport

A3 is a three-volume 4 doors c-segment saloon, developed in 2004-2006.

The aim of the project was to create a car characterized by a simple and compact exterior and interior design.

The driver’s cab has curved lines reminding the silhouette of a coupé. The platform and all the exterior and interior components was expressly studied and engineered by Pininfarina.

A3 Sport is a 2-box saloon running prototype – with a more sporty appearance. It has in common with the A3 version the chassis, the front and rear part.

For Chery Pininfarina had already developed the M14, the first Chinese car with retractable hardtop.

Interview to Andrea Pininfarina about the Chinese Automotive Industry and Design

[...] How do you apply your design and engineering expertise to meet the requirements of your customers?

When designing a vehicle for a Chinese firm, Pininfarina adopts the same design approach as that used for other auto-makers. First of all, we focus on the market range of the brand so as to precisely define the product we want to achieve. When conceiving the vehicles, we develop the design and car in accordance with the customer’s expectations.

Also with Chinese customers, we aim to construct brand identity, a family feeling for each car manufacturer with which we cooperate, creating a link between the various models designed for the same brand so that they are clearly identifiable by the end customer. We also provide our customers with support in developing the vehicles so that these comply with the stringent quality and safety standards imposed by international markets.

What type of vehicles meet the requirements of the Chinese market?

China has a long history and it is not possible to design a car without taking this account and also the far-reaching changes that have occurred in the last few years of exceptional growth, not only economic but also in terms of increased consumption.

However, I would stress that the Chinese car market is gradually adopting many of the typical styling traits of the world automotive industry, also with a view to promoting penetration of the range of Chinese products on the demanding Western marketplace. The car must, therefore, be suitably and harmoniously proportioned, with sleek, flowing lines visible from various angles of the vehicle and with an attentively-crafted interior and good quality material.

Do you think that Chinese manufacturers will enter the European and USA markets in the short term?

Although their models have improved considerably over the years, I think that Chinese manufacturers will not make their debut on our market for at least five years. First of all, they must align their products with the strict quality and safety regulations of the West. Also, as in the case of the Japanese manufacturers, it takes time to construct “strong” brands for such a highly developed market as that in Europe.

What percentage of Pininfarina Group's business is concentrated in the Chinese market?

At the moment, considering the various contracts, 30% of business in the design and engineering sector is carried out with Chinese customers, [...]

Are there other emerging markets on which Pininfarina may gain a footing?

I consider that India, Russia and Brazil are countries characterised by a consolidated internal market and which aim to develop their car industries. [...] For example, in India we have recently stipulated a preliminary agreement with the National Institute of Design (NID), for cooperation in design activities that include upgrading of education and of industrial inputs, training of students, applied research and specific car design projects.

(Source: Pininfarina)