Aston Martin opens first overseas design studio in China

The British brand's first design studio to be located outside of the U.K., the 'Aston Martin Lagonda Creative Lab, NICE 2035' is a partnership with Tongji University in Shanghai, one of the world's leading universities for the study of design and innovation.

Marek Reichman, Aston Martin Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Officer commented, "The Chinese market is incredibly important to the future success of Aston Martin. Collaborating with industry leaders and talented students at Tongji University will allow us to have a deeper understanding of the trends in China, ensuring we are focused on the needs of our Chinese customers."

"The first project of the new studio will be a collaboration on future interior designs for our sports cars and our first SUV, which will be launching in 2019," he added.

Speaking at the opening of the design studio in Shanghai, Dean and Professor of the Tongji University College of Design and Innovation, Professor Lou Yongqi said, "I am sure this unique design studio has the potential to produce some truly inspirational ideas by combining the history of two century old organisations, in the culture rich city of Shanghai."

Reichman, who became a visiting professor of the university, delivered his first lecture to over 100 students sharing his knowledge on the importance of beauty in design.