'5+1' with vice president of colour & material design Claudia Braun

In our recent edition of ‘5+1’ we talked to Claudia Braun. Passionate about cars, materials and colours, she is a pioneer in setting strategies and trends for the cars of tomorrow. After being responsible for Daimler brands like Mercedes-Benz, AMG and Maybach, she started a new chapter last year. Claudia Braun moved from Germany to Sweden to start her new position as Vice President of Colour & Material Design at Volvo Cars & Polestar in Gothenburg. We talked with her about her sources of inspiration, future trends and her learnings in this male-dominated mobility industry.  

1. You are always in touch with the latest trends and innovations and set the colour and material trends of tomorrow. Where do you get your daily inspiration from and have your sources of inspiration changed in the course of your career?

Living in Scandinavia, the unbelievable beautiful nature and the interpretation of luxury in a Scandinavian, sustainable way is very inspiring. And of course there are new trends in all areas, technology, fashion, arts and music which influences my creativity and my work.

2. Digitisation – an innovation that also doesn’t stop at the world of materials such as ’Smart Materials’. What changes and opportunities do they bring along in terms of automotive design?

When it comes to digitisation, the biggest game changer is a strong cooperation between different design areas. The right material for smart materials solutions integrated in an intelligent user experience and achievable through the right form and packaging.

3. In your career as a designer you can look back on many exciting and inspiring projects. What has been your greatest challenge so far and which project has helped you to grow beyond yourself?

I had the opportunity to create and influence the design of absolute dream cars at Porsche and Mercedes like for example the Porsche 911 or the Mercedes-Maybach. The Polestar Precept is my personal game changer. Sustainable innovation was the top priority.

4. A new place of residence usually brings along a different kind or even a new mobility. What does mobility look like in Sweden and how does it differ from Germany?

In the area where I live, there are definitely more boats. I bought a Kajak, which fits more to my personal and sustainable lifestyle. And I drive a Polestar 2, full electric car.

5. Smarter? Tougher? Stronger? Looking back on your career, which qualities have you developed and what have been your greatest learnings in a male-dominated workplace?

Since I work in Sweden I see how much diversity and gender equality can influence the daily work in a positive way. I like a modern leadership style, driven by purpose and feedback culture with a high acceptance of different opinions to create the best, sustainable and most stylish product.

And the +1 question from Claudia to you: “Do you see your future of mobility in car sharing or in owning your personal car?”

Let us know what you think.

– Probably shared mobility. But in nuanced cases like pandemic, it depends on how safe it’ll be made. (via Instagram)
– Depends on the circumstances. In the city, it’s car charing. In rural areas, car sharing is currently too hard to maintain. Unless cars are autonomous. (via Instagram)
– Car sharing with people I choose. (via Instagram)
– Owning a personal car. (via Instagram)

Pictures: Volvo Car Group
Interview: Jill Eickholt