CDE LA 2026

17 Nov // PASADENA

CDE is heading to North America for the first time. On November 17, 2026, the Car // Design Event comes to Los Angeles, bringing our unique format to ArtCenter College of Design in Pasadena.

CDE LA brings automotive designers, journalists, design students and industry peers together in an intimate, invitation-only setting. At the heart of the event are the designers themselves, presenting the ideas, philosophy and creative thinking behind their latest concept cars and designs.

Expect an inspiring evening of concept car presentations and unveilings, conversations and networking — all in the informal atmosphere that has defined CDE since its first edition. With ArtCenter as our host and some of the industry’s leading creative minds coming together, CDE LA marks an exciting new chapter for the Car // Design Event.

We look forward to welcoming you to our first CDE in North America.
’Car Design Event’ was the first event tailored to allow direct contact between journalists and designers in presence of their creations. It was also the first time designers could communicate among themselves in such an open setting. I believe that the event has great potential, and we would like to develop it in the future. Thank you to Jens, Des and their team for making this possible.
Luc Donckerwolke
Luc DonckerwolkeHyundai / Genesis
It was an exciting and interesting event. The discussions about AI, on which we conduct a lot of research, will soon open new perspectives not just at our school, but at design departments as well. During our visit, I could see the enthusiasm among my students. The chance to personally meet some of the industry’s top designers was a great reward for them. Truly an immersive real-world experience.
Professor Othmar Wickenheiser
Professor Othmar WickenheiserHochschule München
The exchange at the ́Car Design Event ́with like-minded people in an environment that breathes car fascination made one thing clear to me: Good design and true progress can only awaken through real passion.
Marc Lichte
Marc Lichte
A beautiful event with exclusive participation of designers, concept cars and historical icons for a ride. For us, the opportunity to present the new design language of Volkswagen Brand together with our new concept car ID. 2all. For me personally, it was the opportunity to meet fellow journalists and designers again in my new role. I was pleased to see the participation of students and young design talents from Hochschule München.
Andreas Mindt
Andreas MindtVolkswagen

THE LOCATION

ARTCENTER CAMPUS PASADENA

THE DESIGNERS

An overview of some of the designers that have attended the Car // Design Event the last few years. 

Thomas Bürkle
Head Of Design
Hyundai
Luc Donckerwolke
Chief Creative Officer
Hyundai Motor Group
Felix Godard
Felix Godard
Chief Designer
Hopium
David Hilton
David Hilton
Designer
David Hilton Design
Marcus Holzinger
Design director
HOTE Design
Lorenzo Kerkoc
Lorenzo Kerkoc
Head of special projects
Pagani Automobili
Felix Kilbertus
Felix Kilbertus
CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER
Pininfarina
Filippo Taiani
Filippo Taiani
Chief Designer
Alcantara
Andreas Mindt
Head of Design
Volkswagen
Won Kyu Kang
Won Kyu Kang
Head of Future Design Group
Kia
John Krsteski
John Krsteski
Chief Designer
Genesis
Eduardo Ramirez
Eduardo Ramirez
Head Of Design
Hyundai
Robin Page
Robin Page
Director Of Design
Bentley Motors
Jo Stenuit
Design Director
Mazda Europe
Prof. Dr. Othmar Wickenheiser
Prof. Dr. Othmar Wickenheiser
Professor
Hochschule München
Achim Badstuebner
Achim Badstuebner
Head Of Exterior Design
Mercedes-Benz
Stephane Schwarz
Stephane Schwarz
Designer
Stephane Schwarz Studio
Jürgen Uedelhoven
Jürgen Uedelhoven
Chief Executive Officer
UE Studios

// INVITATION ONLY

CDE is strictly by invitation only. Selected designers, media, students and guests meet in Munich. For more information please contact us.

Media
Designers
Exhibitors

STUDENTS MEET DESIGNERS

Prof. Dr. Othmar Wickenheiser of Hochschule München brought a group of automotive design students to the Car // Design Event 2023. Since that initional exchange the students are an consistent part of our program. Each year they present their projects, be it as models or digital creations and they have a unique opportunity to meet the designers and other leaders of the industry.

CDE MUNICH 2026 RECAP

Our goal for the Car // Design Event was to create a platform where designers can meet, exchange thoughts and ideas with other designers, journalists and students alike. The intimate setting of the Drivers & Business Club in Munich helped create a very successful event. We would like to thank the brands and designers supporting us from the start in 2023.

OUR PARTNERS

ArtCenter