Car Design News returns to Milan

Car Design News  is delighted to announce the return of our exclusive and invitation only CDN Milan Design Night, on Tuesday 16 April 2024. Held in partnership with Maserati and taking place during Milan Design Week, this event will combine a thought-leading panel discussion with networking drinks.  

Rethinking Luxury in Automotive Design is happening at the Maserati showroom on Viale di Porta Vercellina during the annual Salone del Mobile in Milan – one of the world’s biggest design festivals.  

Here we will bring together talents from different disciplines to discuss the evolving definition of luxury in the automotive design world. We will navigate ideas of opulence, material trends, and cutting-edge technology.  

Hosted by Car Design News editor James McLachlan, the panel will include Maserati design director, Klaus Busse and Peter Widmann, senior vice president B2B and managing director of Swarovski Mobility, with more speakers being announced soon. The discussion will be followed by a drinks reception and networking.  

Topics will include: 

• Materials that tell a story as they age and celebrating patina  

• User experience: the role of screens and ‘hidden’ tech 

• What can car design learn from other luxury industries, and vice versa? 

As with other design nights CDN has hosted over the years, the evening will provide an opportunity to build new connections, get inspired and spark discussions over refreshments.  

To learn more about this exclusive event, visit our website and follow us on LinkedIn. If you would like to join as a sponsor, contact us. 

Speakers

Klaus Busse, head of design, Maserati  

Klaus Busse is VP of design at Maserati. In a distinguished career which has included roles such as chief of interior design at FCA North America, Busse has extensive experience from Germany, Britain and the United States and has been recognised throughout the years for his automotive and industrial design work. 

Busse oversaw the Maserati MC20, the brand’s first mid-engine two-seater super sports car, and continues to lead the legendary Italian brand.  

Moderator  

James McLachlan, editor, Car Design News  

James McLachlan is editor of Car Design News, Interior Motives  and Car Design Review