Who's Where: Satoshi Wada to open independent design studio

Satoshi Wada, former Senior Designer at Audi AG and Nissan Design Japan, is set to open his own design studio. Called SWdesign TOKYO, his ambitious plan follows on from a growing line of design managers who have left successful OEMs to establish their own design practices. Wada, who resigned from Audi AG in Ingolstadt earlier this month, told CDN he is aiming "to create a new vision with my own independent design studio in Tokyo".

Singapore Grand Prix (2013) RESULT

Singapore Grand Prix (2013) RESULT Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel has won the last two races, in Belgium and Italy, to extend his lead in the drivers’ championship, and he started today’s Singapore Grand Prix in pole position. And, just for a few seconds at the start of the race, it looked like Nico Rosberg in the Mercedes had got his fellow German’s measure as he swept past the Red Bull in the opening few yards. But it was a short-lived lead as Rosberg went too deep going in to the first corner and Vettel swept by to re-take the lead, and kept it to the end in an imperious display of driving in what is now starting to look like an unbeatable Red Bull.

Design Services: Ficosa International

In the hierarchy of car design the exterior of a powerful sports car is usually regarded as the highest level whilst the design of some of the smaller functional components tends to sit at the bottom. But even for companies not obviously dependant on sexy curves to help them make money, design is increasingly being recognised as a critical ingredient for commercial success. Whilst most large suppliers have grown their design capability over the last decade, few have truly embraced the potential of having a focus on Design within their corporate strategy.