19.1.2004
Interview with "Car Designer of the Century", Giorgetto Giugiaro

In an interview given recently Giorgetto Giugiaro described the development process and the styling characteristics of the new Daewoo Lacetti.

GM Daewoo's product push continues with the February launch of the sporty Lacetti hatchback in European markets. With design by Giugiaro, a comprehensive range of standard equipment and outstanding value for money, this front-wheel drive model is an attractive proposition for younger drivers with a keen sense of design.

In an interview given recently at his company's headquarters in Moncalieri near Turin, Giorgetto Giugiaro described the development process and the styling characteristics of the new Daewoo Lacetti.

Question: Mr. Giugiaro, when did you start on initial designs for the Daewoo Lacetti?
Giugiaro: It was in September 1998 and by May 1999 the basic lines of the design were settled. As partners with the car industry we constantly strive to offer a rapid and efficient design process.

Question: In your view, where are the greatest stylistic differences to its predecessor, the Daewoo Lanos?
Giugiaro: (with a laugh) If I look at photos of the Lanos, it is as if I last saw a woman at the age of 14, and now, looking at the Lacetti, all of a sudden she's 25. Stylistically, the Lanos was simply one vehicle generation behind, and with its smoother, less pro-nounced contours, it is quite clearly a creation of its time.

Question: Apart from the exterior shape, there have been quite a lot of changes in the interior, haven't there?
Giugiaro: Yes. A lot of Lanos drivers will be pretty surprised! The Lacetti's interior has a lot of nice stylistic details and yet the inside of the car doesn't feel heavy or over-loaded. The most striking features are the four round air outlets in the dashboard, which with their metallic surrounds are in perfect harmony with the silver trim running horizontally across the dashboard.

Question: Now let's look at the exterior - what in your view is the most attractive part of the Lacetti?
Giugiaro: Oh, definitely the rear. Seen from behind, the new Daewoo is totally distinct from all the other vehicles in this segment.

Question: That is first and foremost down to the striking rear lights. The headlamps, too, are very assertive. Is this a trend in the car industry, for designers to be paying more attention to the lights?
Giugiaro: Yes, front and rear lights have now developed from purely functional com-ponents into aesthetic details with their own unique look. Lights like these on the Lacetti enhance a car's appearance just as a good-looking watch or a special jeweled ring does for a person.

The Lanos, introduced in Europe in 1997, was the first Daewoo model to be shaped by the renowned Italian styling experts. Other Giugiaro designs include the Daewoo Matiz (launched in 1998), Kalos (2002) and Evanda (2003).