Petrolicious Talks

Running one of the coolest automotive companies in the world isn’t easy, but a lifelong passion for cars helps him lead the way for for Singer Vehicle Design. His path to CEO, how he approaches the business of super-low-volume, highly bespoke services, and where he sees Singer Vehicle Design heading in the future, on this episode of Petrolicious Talks.

Petrolicious is joined by the multitalented automotive designer, industrial designer, and architect, Fabrizio Giugiaro. To get Fabrizio’s insight into the challenges and triumphs that he’s experienced personally or has observed in the industry—his take on electric cars is particularly interesting—give this episode of Petrolicious Talks a listen while you follow along with this visual companion article, which illustrates the design projects in the order they are discussed: petrolicious.com/giugiaro

We catch up with Andrea Zagato, a dear friend and the CEO of one of the most influential design firms in history. Founded in 1919 by Andrea’s grandfather, Ugo Zagato, the Milanese studio has remained not just relevant, but at the forefront of beautiful and functional automotive design. Andrea is the third generation of the family to run the business, and he has pushed the brand forward rather than rest on its past accomplishments. Besides discussing the brand’s history in general terms, Andrea also points to five Zagato designs as being the most definitive.

In our first episode, Petrolicious founder and CEO Afshin Behnia joins FCA’s Head of Global Design, Ralph Gilles. Gilles is undoubtedly an artist, but his relationship to cars goes beyond aesthetics. His FCA résumé includes time as the President and CEO of the Motorsports division and President and CEO of the SRT brand, among other positions within FCA, which helps explain why he’s way more of a tire shredder than a bean counter despite his influence in one of the largest car corporations in history.