Richard Kim is a designer known for his work with BMW of its i3 and i8 Concept. Later served VP of design at Faraday Future, a company developing electronic vehicles. Today, Richard Kim serves a role as design director at Canoo, the first subscription only electric vehicle.
“Creating a brand and product from a totally blank sheet of paper is not an opportunity you get very often. It’s very exciting to design everything about a company.”
From working on BMW i3, i8 concept and Faraday Future in the past and now to Canoo – the first subscription only electric vehicle – What inspires you to shape future?
(Richard Kim) I’ve had the privilege of working on projects and brands that were in the most early stages of their birth. You learn to immerse yourself in understanding the problems and study the potential needs of the future customer. Creating a brand and product from a totally blank sheet of paper is not an opportunity you get very often. It’s very exciting to design everything about a company, not just another car. You don’t have the advantages or disadvantages of brand legacy or heritage, which makes the challenge very different.
Please explain Canoo’sbusiness model, ‘Subscription Only Electric Vehicle’.
(RK) Canoo is building a subscription based business model consisting of a single monthly payment to cover all costs for your vehicle usage. You simply can’t buy the canoo, but it will feel like yours with 24/7 access without the troubles of ownership and you can cancel at anytime. Canoo will launch in targeted U.S. cities in 2021 for B2C (Business to Consumer).
“Cars will still exist to be an extension of one’s personality and style but we believe Canoo has prioritised value and functionality specifically for city use.”
