There was a time when cars could be recognised by their tail-lights. But today, many look the same because of one common feature – the LED light bar. From Tesla to Porsche, and especially on Chinese cars, the strip of light has become almost standard. Hyundai’s design boss, Simon Loasby, thinks this trend is finished.
There was a time when cars could be recognised by their tail-lights. But today, many look the same because of one common feature – the LED light bar. From Tesla to Porsche, and especially on Chinese cars, the strip of light has become almost standard.
Hyundai’s design boss, Simon Loasby, thinks this trend is finished. At the launch of the Hyundai Concept Three, he said the light bar once worked well on models like the Grandeur, Kona, and Sonata.
But now, it’s too expensive to make and not every market wants it. In China, customers expect it. In Europe, it’s not as important.
Instead, Hyundai is focusing on pixel lighting, especially for its Ioniq EVs. This style gives each car its own identity, instead of making all models look the same.
Loasby explained that Hyundai’s design approach is 80% different and only 20% familiar, which makes every car stand out.
Interestingly, other brands like Fiat have already copied the pixel look, which Loasby jokingly takes as a compliment. Still, he admits car lighting design may soon hit its limit, just like chrome trim once did.
The challenge now is to find new ideas that are practical for drivers but still emotional in design. For Hyundai, the light bar era is ending, and a new chapter in car design is about to begin.