The Masters Who Gave Life to Nissan ARIYA #02

Engineering Monster will deliver the essence of Nissan’s technology by interviewing the engineers who participated in the development of “Nissan ARIYA”, which symbolizes “Nissan Intelligent Mobility”. We will also deliver the behind-the-scenes of the development that created innovative technology and the DNA of Nissan that breathes in “Nissan ARIYA” as original content.

This time, Giovanni Arroba, who led the design of the Nissan ARIYA, talks about his thoughts and vision that he has poured into creating a premium EV.

The design team works like an orchestra.

How to incorporate the technology installed in the electrified premium SUV into the design was our starting point, as we sought for "words" that would allow designers to share a common understanding. We explored various words and eventually arrived at the "key" elements of design: new technology brought about by electrification, clean and powerful energy.

The design team is like an orchestra. Once the keywords are found, each designer starts playing their own tune with a shared understanding in mind, whether it's for the exterior, interior, color, UI/UX, and more. Gradually, those tunes merge into one, giving rise to the vision of "Nissan ARIYA".

A prominent feature of "Nissan ARIYA" is the large grille in the center of the front. While a pure EV does not require a grille for cooling, we needed a grille to house the function of emitting sonar signals.

To allow the sonar waves to pass through the acrylic, we applied paint to the backside of the thick acrylic. By painting the backside and leaving the front side clear, we were able to achieve a clean and unique appearance.

The interior of "Nissan ARIYA" is a very simple space. We focused on how to reflect advanced technology in the design and how to create a sense of "ma" (the Japanese word for "space in between"). The two screens located on the upper part of the instrument panel serve as the connectivity that bridges the real and digital worlds of "Nissan ARIYA". We refer to this area as the "engawa" (a traditional Japanese veranda or open corridor).

We wanted to incorporate the unique aesthetic sense of Japan into the electrified crossover.

Before I knew about the job of a car designer, I had aspirations to become an architect and had been fascinated by Japan's aesthetic sense since then.

From castles to ordinary houses, Japanese architecture is very clean. The interiors are primarily composed of tatami mats, and at first glance, it may seem like there is nothing else, but upon closer inspection, the lattice and shoji screens beautifully harmonize the balance of the space from the sides.

Our team succeeded in giving “Nissan ARIYA” a pure and clean shape at a certain stage. However, I felt that the current state was too clean. Something is still missing. I thought that I needed more beauty, simplicity, and balance of beauty that would draw me in. At that time, the idea of incorporating traditional Japanese motifs suddenly came to me. The beauty that Japanese houses have should have a high affinity with the electrified crossover model.
I was convinced that “this is the only time to express this”.

I didn’t want to build “Nissan ARIYA” in a stereotypical way. Right now, the automotive industry is undergoing a paradigm shift that is said to happen once every 100 years. That’s why we redefined the shape of the next generation car with “Nissan ARIYA”. That’s what we designers worked on, thinking like that.

A beautifully crafted suit should be dressed in beautiful technology.

I consider car design as the first touchpoint with technology. To create a car, we need to balance various requirements such as packaging, technology, aerodynamics, and regulations. Until the completion of the Nissan ARIYA, I had multiple conversations with Chief Product Specialist Fukuda and Chief Vehicle Engineer Nakajima. Sometimes, we had intense discussions, but it was not a fight, rather a positive tension to achieve a perfect balance.

Nissan ARIYA is not only the next-generation premium EV but also defines the future of the Nissan brand. It is because the entire team shared this vision that we were able to push the limits and utilize the craftsmanship of each individual. Technology is very beautiful. That’s why the suit dressed in that technology should also be beautiful. I always think this way. That’s why I want to deliver new experiences to customers through design.

Nissan’s DNA is very rich, including the GT-R and Fairlady Z. I am proud that Nissan ARIYA has become an electric vehicle with the essence of Nissan’s DNA.

Cars are attractive when they move. I want to deliver its form quickly.

A car as a product has its appeal when it is in motion. I believe it becomes a special presence for people when it is on the move. Currently, I can only show you its still appearance, but I am eager to deliver the sight of “Nissan ARIYA” in motion as soon as possible. I am filled with such excitement. Until then, I would like you to feel the captivating proportions of “Nissan ARIYA” from every angle, whether from afar or up close.

“Nissan ARIYA” is not only a premium EV that achieves harmony with the city but also a model that harmonizes with nature.

If I were to drive “Nissan ARIYA”, I would start from Yokohama, head towards Kyoto to enjoy the traditional Japanese scenery, and then dynamically drive through the magnificent landscape while crossing the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge from Kobe.

The article is from its original version released on 14 April 2021.