3. Vehicle styling

Styling
Styling has existed from early times. However, the
terms ‘stylist’ and ‘styling’ originally came into
common usage in the automotive industry during
the first part of the twentieth century.
The automotive stylist needs to be a combination
of artist, inventor, craftsman and engineer, with the
ability to conceive new and imaginative ideas and
to bring these ideas to economic reality by using
up-to-date techniques and facilities. He must have
a complete understanding of the vehicle and its
functions, and a thorough knowledge of the materi
als available, the costs involved, the capabilities of
the production machinery, the sources of supply
and the directions of worldwide changes. His
responsibilities include the conception, detail,
design and development of all new products, both
visual and mechanical. This includes the exterior
form, all applied facias, the complete interior, con
trols, instrumentation, seating, and the colours and
textures of everything visible outside and inside
the vehicle.
Styling departments vary enormously in size
and facilities, ranging from the individual con
sultant stylist to the comprehensive resources of
major American motor corporations like General
Motors, who have more than 2000 staff in their
styling department at Detroit. The individual
consultant designer usually provides designs for