Chuck Kuhn's Asia in Photos: International Car Designers Cater to Chinese Tastes

As the car market booms in China, there is growing need for design education, research and execution to produce automobiles that are appealing to Chinese consumers.

A number of schools are opening that focus on transportation design, including a transportation design center at the Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing.

In April, an awards ceremony for the Car Design Awards China 2010 will be held in the capital prior to the opening of Auto China 2010.

More designers are moving to China from overseas to focus on the burgeoning car market here, said Rudy Wimmer, managing partner of China Bridge International, a design strategy consulting firm.

"Car companies are learning tough lessons here in China about the demands consumers have for design," Wimmer said.

"You have a new market with many more choices and a very immature consumer."

They say "

“I can’t say what made me fall in love with Vietnam - that a woman’s voice can drug you; that everything is so intense. The colors, the taste, even the rain. Nothing like the filthy rain in London. They say whatever you’re looking for, you will find here. They say you come to Vietnam and you understand a lot in a few minutes, but the rest has got to be lived. The smell: that’s the first thing that hits you, promising everything in exchange for your soul. And the heat. Your shirt is straightaway a rag. You can hardly remember your name, or what you came to escape from. But at night, there’s a breeze. The river is beautiful. You could be forgiven for thinking there was no war; that the gunshots were fireworks; that only pleasure matters. A pipe of opium, or the touch of a girl who might tell you she loves you. And then, something happens, as you knew it would. And nothing can ever be the same again.”
― Graham Greene, The Quiet American

Tips on Travel to Vietnam

It's always warm in Southeast Asia apart from high mountains, so leave the heavy clothing at home. Cotton and breathable fabrics are always better than synthetics -- although cotton does wrinkle a lot when traveling! December through April is roughly the dry season in that region, although it can still rain a little. December is a good time to go in terms of temperature -- cooler than in the humid summertime. Either way, wearing more clothing (shirt sleeves and long pants) is always more respectful towards the Asian culture, especially when visiting temples and rural areas.

Chuck Kuhn's Asia in Photos

Monday, January 18, 2010

International Car Designers Cater to Chinese Tastes

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