Nissan Design Europe this month celebrates 15 years at its London stuido, home to the brand’s creative hub and the starting point for some of Nissan’s most popular models.
The studio officially opened its doors for business on 25 January 2003 in the Paddington area of London. It followed an extensive renovation program which transformed a disused and graffiti-covered transport depot – officially called The Rotunda – into an urban design space.
Known internally as NDE, for a decade and a half it has been at the heart of Nissan in Europe – particularly on crossovers. The original Nissan Qashqai concept (2003) began life on the drawing boards of NDE, as have all the production versions which followed.
NDE has also been the driving force behind the Qashqai’s baby brother, the Nissan Juke. The first hints of its muscular stance appeared on the Qazana concept (2009).
A European design studio for Infiniti, Nissan’s premium brand, opened on site in 2014.
Mamoru Aoki, vice president, Nissan Design Europe, commented: “NDE has made an outstanding contribution to Nissan’s global product range of today, especially with the Qashqai and Juke, which have delivered new levels of choice, versatility and innovation for consumers.”
To celebrate 15 years in its current London home, Aoki has created a personal list of his 15 favourite designs of the last 15 years, including a mix of concept cars and production vehicles from Nissan and Infiniti.
Mamoru Aoki, vice president, Nissan Design Europe
“We are celebrating our 15th anniversary this month, but it is just the start. We have a talented team at NDE today, working hard to continue the Nissan success story in Europe for another 15 years and beyond,” Aoki said.
Here are Mamoru Aoki's top 15 designs from the last 15 years, listed in chronological order:
Qashqai concept 2003
“Previewed Nissan’s plans to innovate and create a new type of vehicle. It was the starting point for what is now the hugely popular European crossover segment.”
Micra c+c 2005
“The Micra was already full of character and a small car icon around the world, but this really emphasised its cuteness.”
Terranaut concept 2006
“A preview of the Nissan Pathfinder SUV, uniquely focused on adventurers, scientists and geologists who travel to extreme regions all over the globe.”
Qashqai 2007
“Nissan’s first C-segment crossover. By the end of 2007, Nissan had sold almost 100,000 in Europe. The model enhancement in 2010 was also very successful.”
NV200 concept 2007
“An innovative mix of mobile office and utility vehicle in one unique package. The active, intelligent person’s dream vehicle, based on the NV200 van.”
Qazana concept 2009
“Following the Qashqai’s success, this previewed Nissan’s plan for a smaller crossover. The concept and the styling were bold and unique.”
Juke 2010
“Nissan’s first B-segment crossover for consumers. An icon of Nissan design, it was further proof of the high potential of what could be created at NDE.”
Qashqai 2013
“The second generation of Qashqai. It was a big step forward in almost every way, while keeping the practicality and on-road performance – the ‘Qashqai-ness' – of the original.”
Nissan Concept 2020 2014
“A masterpiece of automotive design, created to showcase the future Nissan design direction that we call ‘Emotional Geometry’.”
Infiniti Emerg-E concept 2014
“The ultimate expression of Infiniti, Nissan’s premium brand, which blends inspired performance and future design direction with zero emissions.”
Gripz concept 2015
“A study of a near-future B-segment crossover blended with sports car characteristics. It also shows future Nissan design direction, and is consistent with the vision of the Concept 2020.”
Infiniti QX30 concept 2015
“Infiniti's design vision for a new premium compact crossover, targeting a new generation of individualistic premium customer. It led to the QX30 production vehicle.”
Blade Glider prototype 2016
“A futuristic, high performance EV in a revolutionary sports car design. A running prototype, it has been hugely popular wherever it has been seen all around the world.”
Navara EnGuard concept 2016
“Shows a potential aftermarket customisation direction for Navara, with innovative use of Nissan EV batteries to create portable power units for businesses which work remotely.”
Infiniti Q60 Project Black S 2017
“Explores the potential for a new Infiniti high-performance model line. A radical reinterpretation of the Q60 coupe, hinting at a performance hybrid powertrain and inspired by Formula One energy recovery systems.”
