Driving into the Future with Nissan

Nissan’s Ariya Concept is a testament to the company’s vision for the future of personal transportation. As I sit behind the wheel of this striking electric crossover, I can’t help but feel a sense of wonder and excitement. The sleek lines, the powerful dual electric motors, the advanced driver assistance technologies – it’s all a glimpse into Nissan’s Intelligent Mobility, a blueprint for how we’ll be moving around in the years to come.

Gio’s Odyssey: From Daydreams to Reality

I had the privilege of sitting down with Giovanny Arroba, the mastermind behind the Ariya Concept’s design, to get a behind-the-scenes look at how this futuristic vision came to life. Arroba, a self-proclaimed “car nerd” from an early age, has been part of the Nissan design family for over two decades, and let me tell you, the man has stories.

“I grew up wanting to be an architect, but cars have always been my true passion,” Arroba confesses, a mischievous glint in his eye. “When I discovered Nissan’s design oasis in San Diego back in the early 2000s, it was like I had found my calling. From that moment on, Nissan has been a part of me, and I’ve been a part of Nissan.”

Arroba’s journey to the Ariya Concept was paved with a relentless pursuit of perfection, blending his architectural sensibilities with his deep understanding of automotive design. “It’s all about balance,” he explains, “striking that perfect harmony between sharp, dynamic gestures and the effortless flow of the surfaces. That’s the signature I try to weave into every Nissan design.”

Shaping the Future, One Sketch at a Time

As Arroba walks me through the design process, I can’t help but be captivated by his infectious enthusiasm. “It all starts with a sketchpad and a pen,” he says, his hands dancing across an imaginary page. “That’s where the magic happens – when I can let my mind wander, daydream, and translate those ideas into something tangible.”

But Arroba’s work isn’t just about pretty pictures. He and his team meticulously translate those initial sketches into digital models and full-scale clay sculptures, ensuring that the vision becomes a reality. “VR is an essential tool for us,” he explains, “because it allows us to experience the car before it even exists. We can fine-tune the details, refine the proportions, and really get a feel for how the driver and passengers will interact with the vehicle.”

Nissan’s Global Design Symphony

Arroba is quick to point out that the Ariya Concept is a true global effort, drawing on the diverse talents and perspectives of Nissan’s design team around the world. “It’s like an orchestra,” he muses, “with each designer playing a different instrument. We all bring our own cultural influences, artistic passions, and inspirations to the table, and together, we compose this symphony of design.”

From the sleek, aerodynamic exterior to the serene, intelligent cabin, the Ariya Concept is a harmonious blend of form and function – a reflection of Nissan’s commitment to Intelligent Mobility. “We wanted to merge the unique experience of an EV with the seamless, adaptive technology that Nissan Intelligent Mobility represents,” Arroba explains. “The result is a car that’s not just visually striking, but one that truly anticipates the needs of the driver and passengers, offering a journey free of accidents or harmful emissions.”

A Road Trip with the Future

As Arroba and I bid farewell to the Ariya Concept, I can’t help but wonder where this remarkable vehicle will take us next. “I’d love to drive it up the Pacific Coast Highway,” Arroba says, his eyes gleaming, “carving through the curves with the ocean by my side. Or maybe take it on an extended tour through Spain and Portugal, or along the rugged west coast of Scotland. The possibilities are endless!”

Nissan’s partnership with Expo 2020 Dubai is another exciting step in their quest to shape the future of transportation. By showcasing their Intelligent Mobility technologies at the global event, Nissan is inviting the world to imagine a better, more sustainable way to move.

As I leave the Nissan design studio, I can’t help but feel a sense of optimism about the road ahead. With visionaries like Arroba leading the charge, the future of personal transportation is looking brighter and more intelligent than ever before. And I, for one, can’t wait to be a part of that journey.

So, let’s drive into the future together, shall we?