Nicholas David: Back at GM and happy to be here

January 19, 2012 at 4:57 pm

About a year ago, Nicholas David “came home” to GM, and at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit earlier this month, he took the stage at the Chevrolet display to talk about his latest creation.

Nicholas studied engineering in his home country of Wales, and then went on to receive a Masters in vehicle design at the Royal College of Art in London, before joining GM’s advanced design studio in the United Kingdom. He later moved to Jaguar and Land Rover. When he got an offer to move to California to design for Honda and then Acura, the lure of sunshine and a new challenge got him to move halfway around the world. He said he learned to be a better designer during his stops with the other brands, but GM still held a special place for him. “(GM) was my first job out of college and you hold something inside from that. I had a great time and (I like) working on several brands at once.”

Nicholas David prior to the reveal of the Chevrolet Tru 140S concept car

When GM approached him a year ago to join its design team at its North Hollywood studio, he jumped at the opportunity. What compelled him to return to GM? “I think it’s a very good thing as a designer to work on more than one brand. You get kind of stale working on the same brand over and over. So it’s good, we get a chance to work on Buick, work on Cadillac, also Chevrolet. It was a very exciting opportunity, especially in Los Angeles.”

Nicholas designed the Tru 140S concept vehicle that debuted at this year’s NAIAS. It is targeted at next-generation buyers, based upon feedback received from extensive surveys of young consumers. Nicholas sees what was presented at the show as only a starting point. “This is the first stage. These are kind of research vehicles.”

Nicholas designed the Tru 140S as an exterior design only, because, “The first port of call is always the exterior. That gets you excited. That gets your emotions going.” The research showed next-gen buyers are concerned about the technology and connectivity available inside the car. Next-gen buyers were clear: Technology matters. To ensure Tru 140S best represented the most cutting edge technology available, the designers decided to keep the interiors as digital renderings to be shown as thought starters. Nicholas noted the research helped shape exterior and interior design. “We were surprised by the amount of technology these people wanted inside the car. They wanted a lot of connectivity without impacting safety.”

Nicholas is one of the team of GM designers working on developing cars that appeal to young people demanding style, technology and safety. It’s a challenge Nicholas is eager to confront and conquer. Keep watching to see what’s next.

Kristine

Jan 20th, 2012

Happy happy to have you back at GM, Nicholas. Love the exterior of the Chevy Tru 140s. GREAT WORK!!
Chip Stevens

Jan 20th, 2012

Put a kick ass powertrain in it and BUILD the damn thing. Keep the bean counters away from the concept and get going!
Marc

Jan 20th, 2012

I’m 23 and I love the Tru 140s. I currently drive an 07 cobalt and and like it for the most part. It’s fun to drive and is great on gas. The Tru140s can be much better, I love the design, mpg, and targeted price point. But don’t forget the most important thing QUALITY. If you do all those things I’d love to buy this car.
Keith Allen McCormick II

Jan 21st, 2012

Congrats to Nicholas David and GM! The Tru 140S is AWESOME!
Joe Ploucha

Jan 23rd, 2012

Mind the vehicle weight too. Nice vehicle which needs a hot powertrain with a manual available.
Bill

Jan 23rd, 2012

My daughter is 25 and her 2001 Cavalier Z24 will soon need replacing. As a 30 year GM veteran, I’m trying to get her interested in one of our products. But, right now, we offer very little in terms of what she wants. Camaro is too big and would stretch her budget; Cruze is a great car – roomy, economical, attractive interior – but there is no pizzazz to the sedan styling. The only thing she is mildly interested in is a Sonic hatchback. I showed her a picture of the Tru140S and she loved it. This is the combination we need to build – economical, practical (but a coupe with a great deal of sporty flair to the styling), and priced in the low to mid 20′s. Please build this car and help me keep her in the GM family!
Rick Merrelli

Jan 23rd, 2012

At 63 yrs old, not too much catches my attention. This time “you did good.” Just make sure the bean counters do not cheapen like they have done too many times before.
Simon C. Marsiglia

Jan 23rd, 2012

First of all, welcome home. The Tru140S is one sharp looking car. Can it be a RWD, 4 cylinder turbo priced around $23,000? I know I’m asking alot, but …
Rolf Alexis

Jan 24th, 2012

Congratulations on an excellent design. The proportions are true to the pony car concept and the package is completely modern. I am really excited about your work and I would like to see this car made asap. Glad to have you on the GM Team!
Walter Losey

Jan 26th, 2012

Nice job you did on this car!! I too am interested in vehicle design. I am going to start school in
March for electrical engineering. I worked for GM as a Pinkerton security guard at the Lordstown assembly plant.