Welcome to 2026

The start of a new year, it’s about setting direction with intent, clarity and purpose.

In this first blog post of 2026, I want to share where automotive and transportation design is heading, the trends shaping our industry, how AI is influencing creative work, a few highlights from CES 2026 and a few mentoring insights to help you approach the year with clarity and confidence.

Top Stories in Automotive & Transportation Design

Automotive design continues to evolve as brands refine their identities towards a digital-first future. OEMs are focusing on recognisable silhouettes, strong lighting signatures, and architectural surfacing to stand out in an increasingly competitive landscape.

The final quarter of 2025 saw OEM’s like Mercedes-Benz and Audi searching the archives and finding a new direction influenced by their design heritage.

Interior design has become a primary brand differentiator. Experience, emotion, and personalisation now matter as much as exterior form. “Hey Siri” type prompts are fast becoming a strong branding tool and the company to nail next-gen UX first will have a strong advantage when it comes to brand excellence.

(Image: AutoExpress)

BUTTON’S RETURN

It appears that the next generation of cars launching in 2026 are equipped with physical buttons. The VW ID. POLO is one such example, it’s steering wheel and cockpit area are loaded with them! I for one welcome the reintroduction of physical buttons, simplified design and sensible screen size!

(image: Hagerty)

European Industry

2025 was a rough year for the Automotive Industry, however 2026 might already be looking a lot brighter. Conversations with some industry experts lead me to believe that the future in Europe is bright.

One of the headlines at the end of last year was that Europe is taking a new stance on the EV mandate and looking at alternative ways to manage future climate goals. That’s not say it has abandoned its sustainability goals, but it has shifted toward a more flexible, phased approach that balances emissions targets with industrial and consumer realities.

This creates an environment where manufacturers and emerging mobility tech can coexist while the industry transitions at a pace it can absorb and infrastructure as well as consumer trends have time to adapt.

(Image: Audi MediaCentre)

Design Trends to Watch in 2026

Premium interiors are evolving into digital cocoons.

Instead of dominating cabins with screens, designers are embedding technology seamlessly into materials and surfaces. Hidden-until-lit interfaces, ambient lighting, spatial audio and haptic feedback create calm, immersive environments where each occupant experiences a personalised micro-space.

Other key trends gaining momentum:

• Pure exterior surfaces with controlled tension, simplified yet well executed detailing.

• Elevated CMF using recycled and sustainable luxury materials

• Cabin zoning and modular interior architectures

• A strong trend towards Kei or Kei car type vehicles in Europe and Asia. (Dacia Hipster, Mitsubishi Delica, Suzuki Jimny, Honda Super-N)

AI in Automotive Design

AI is increasingly becoming a creative partner rather than a tool of replacement. In early-stage design, generative systems are being used to explore form language, proportions, and in some cases even component details. Systems such as Udin’s Optic and Vizcom continue to be refined and offer advanced features and 3D model generation.

Design teams are using AI-assisted concept generation to accelerate ideation, allowing more time for refinement, storytelling, and 3D development.

(Image: Toyota UK)

Tech Section: CES 2026

TENSOR Robocar

Tensor’s highly anticipated “Personal Robocar” seems to be a highlight of CES 2026.

Showcasing level 4 fully autonomous hands off, eyes off driving and innovations like a retractable steering wheel and flexible cabin layout, the Robocar focuses on safety, comfort, and automation. With 5G, video conferencing and 11 radars and 37 cameras coupled with advanced AI compute behind the scenes it seems to be fully loaded. Targeting late 2026 availability in key markets, it signals a shift toward vehicles that redefine interior space and occupant experience.

(Image: Motortrend)

Sony x Honda - Afeela

Sony Honda’s Afeela continues to position itself as a technology-led mobility brand, focusing on immersive digital experiences and seamless human-machine interaction. Showcased again at CES 2026, Afeela reinforces the idea of the vehicle as a connected, adaptable space where software, entertainment, and design work together rather than competing for attention. Afeela aims to launch in the US in 2028.

(Image: Sony Honda)

Dreame Kosmera Nebula 1

At CES 2026, Dreame Automotive surprised many by unveiling the Kosmera Nebula 1 supercar concept. Known until now for home tech, the brand used the dramatic, high-performance concept to signal serious ambitions in mobility and design, a reminder that new players are increasingly comfortable stepping into traditionally closed automotive territory.

Hyundai x Boston Dynamics

Atlas Humanoid Robot

Boston Dynamics & Hyundai plans to begin using production-ready versions of Atlas in manufacturing settings as early as 2028, starting with tasks like parts sequencing and progressively handling more complex and heavy operations.

It has some cool features such as the ability to swap its own battery, lift up to 50kg instantaneously and has 360° joints can operate in harsh -20° temperature and it’s designed to operate in the heavy industry sector.

(Boston Dynamics)

Screens

Rollable screen tech was one of the standout display innovations, especially from Lenovo. The company showcased several rollable OLED laptop concepts, including the Legion Pro Rollable and the ThinkPad Rollable XD Concept.

The Legion Pro rollable display can mechanically expand from a standard size to an ultra-wide format at the press of a key.

Wooden smart “screens” from start ups like MuiBoard bring wooden screens with LEDs behind the wood to produce a “only displayed when required” look. It connects with all your tech and brings it into one smart .. plank?

Interesting tech that could easily be applied to automotive interiors of the near future!

The Wacom MovinkPad Pro 14 is a portable, all-in-one creative tablet aimed at designers who want serious pen performance without being tied to a computer. With a high-quality OLED display, Wacom’s Pro Pen technology, and standalone capability, it’s positioned as a flexible sketching tool for creatives who work on the move. Having tried the previous generation Movink I’d be keen to invest in the Pro 14!

Mentoring Corner — Starting the Year Strong

Failing to plan is planning to fail.

Many designers start the year wanting to “do more.” The strongest designers start by first planning at the beginning of each year. Your portfolio, skill development, and career moves should all point in the same direction and be consistent towards your goal.

Year on year I’ve noticed the same trend amongst graduates and juniors, no clear plan. As the saying goes “Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance”

So I’ve established the ADCW (Automotive Design Career Workshop) it’s designed to help you plan your next moves, clarifying your goals, prioritising tasks and setting you up so that you can maximise productivity. It’s a focused session that helps you position yourself more confidently for opportunities.

More Details and Register for free here:

https://www.creacionautomotive.com/adcw

The Automotive Design Forum

2025 saw some great guest speakers at the forum and I’m looking forward to hosting some interesting and exciting speakers in 2026. This year’s first guest speaker is Steve Waddingham, Historian at Aston Martin Lagonda. With some great insights into the brands rich design heritage. The event takes place on January 14th, at 18.30

More details and registration here:

https://meetu.ps/e/PDVX9/1f63Mx/i

Looking Ahead

2026 looks cautiously optimistic for Europe, companies are making moves and I’m sure we’ll see some new roles advertised soon, meanwhile the US & China still showing strong hiring trends thanks to continued industry growth.

Thank you for being part of this community.

I’m looking forward to sharing more insights with you throughout the year.