1:39
- ABC News
- February 11, 2022
Designer Ralph Gilles looks back at his career
Gilles is a 30-year veteran of the automotive industry.
1:39
What is the biggest change you've seen in the industry since you started?
A: When I started in the industry we were known as the Big 3. Today I laugh, it's more like the Big 7 or 8. Every company seems to offer a full suite of vehicle types. The competition is really intense. The modern automobile is so technologically laden it's hard just to call it a car anymore. It's really rolling technology. And we are feeling more and more like a tech company.
We have software and coding people who are now attracted to the auto industry. The electrification movement, the infotainment movement, the autonomous movement -- it's getting more interesting. You look at it as a mature industry but it's actually quite the opposite. It's evolving more than ever.
What will move the needle on electric vehicle sales in the U.S.?
A: I think it's a combination of more delicious offerings, which is what I am trying to do. To me it should be a choice. Have people say that's the better, more attractive car. The current suite of EVs out there tend to be a little bit bland and uninspiring -- great performing vehicles but not necessarily heart-pumping in the cultural or aesthetical sense. So trying to find a way to make them desirable and affordable. The other thing is going to be the infrastructure. Governments are working quite hard on helping the infrastructure catch up because it is a very different system from what we have today. So trying to make the pain points of owning an electric car go away is something everyone has to collaborate on. It's not just a Stellantis problem. It's a societal thing.
How would you respond to criticisms that Stellantis has been slow to produce EVs?
A: I think we're not interested in just making an EV. We want to make the best EVs. We're taking our time and developing them properly. We may not have one on offer today but it's going to be coming very, very soon. We're going to have several coming at the right time. A lot of the first EVs have very modest ranges that aren't really solving the problem for the real consumer. So affordability, range, function -- that's what we're putting in our calculus right now. We're launching them in Europe. We're leaders, we're No. 1 in Europe. As a company we're actually not laggards. We've been quite aggressive. We're trying to match the society's take rate.
![\"PHOTO:](\"http://a.abcnews.com/images/Business/jeep-grand-cherokee_1644435111987_hpEmbed_3x2_384.jpg\")
How is designing an EV different from a gas-powered vehicle?
A: Some of the things we're running into is trying to give the vehicle a personality. Trying to give it an emotional quotient. EVs don't make a sound. Part of an excitement of a vehicle, especially with our Dodge brand, is the aural part of it. It's something we're intrigued about.
On the Jeep side, it's creating an EV that looks futuristic but still capable. Aerodynamics are absolutely paramount. The EV gives us a benefit -- we have frunks now. We have good packaging solutions. The center of gravity is in a good place. It's more giving the car personality while balancing the needs of physics.
The Dodge Viper sports car was discontinued in 2017. Could it return as an EV?
A: I can't talk about future product. I love that people talk about this nameplate so much. So that's inspiring to us.
![\"PHOTO:](\"http://a.abcnews.com/images/Business/gilles-ny-auto-show-gty-rc-220209_1644434300708_hpEmbed_10x7_384.jpg\")
What is your daily driver?
A: I have a mixture of vintage cars because I do like the analog. I like to time warp back to the analog times. I have a Grand Cherokee, with a plug-in coming, and I steal my daughter's [Alfa Romeo] Stelvio because I love that car. I have a few Alfa Romeos, a Lancia Delta and a cute little Peugeot 205 that I restored myself.
Looking back, is there one vehicle you would have tweaked before production?
A: (He laughs). OMG I need a couch now. Are you asking about my failures? (laughs again). I would have fought harder to make the wheelbase of the Chrysler 200 another 2 inches longer. Let's put it that way.
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