In a bold statement about the future of the automotive industry, Mercedes-Benz design chief Gorden Wagener has suggested that artificial intelligence (AI) could replace human car designers within the next decade.
Speaking about the rapid advancements in AI-driven design, Wagener highlighted how AI-powered tools are already capable of generating concept car designs and assisting in the creative process. He believes that within 10 years, AI could evolve to a level where it plays a dominant role in automotive design, potentially even replacing human designers altogether.
While AI is currently being used to enhance creativity and streamline design workflows, traditional car designers still hold the edge in originality and emotional storytelling—qualities that machines have yet to fully replicate. However, Wagener’s comments indicate a future where AI could take over much of the design process, raising questions about the role of human creativity in car manufacturing.
The automotive industry has already embraced AI for tasks such as aerodynamics optimization, material selection, and digital prototyping. If Wagener’s prediction comes true, the role of car designers may shift from hands-on creativity to guiding and refining AI-generated designs.
As AI continues to evolve, major automakers may soon need to decide how much of the design process they are willing to automate—and what that means for the future of car aesthetics.
