CDE Podcast #003 - Eduardo Ramírez

Eduardo Ramírez, Head of Hyundai Design Europe, joins the CDE Podcast to talk about careers in automotive design, customer-centric creativity, and why “fun” and experimentation still matter—especially in an industry being reshaped by electrification. In this episode, Eduardo traces his journey from the Canary Islands and motorsport culture to studying transportation design at Coventry University and the Royal College of Art. He explains why sketching remains essential, how Hyundai’s European studio balances bold design with real customer needs, and what it means to “not fall in love too soon” with an idea. We also dive into Hyundai’s flexibility as a brand, the Instaroid project as a catalyst for internal creativity, and the challenge of designing across EV, hybrid, and hydrogen platforms—plus Eduardo’s key advice for young designers entering the industry. Topics covered: • Breaking into automotive design (education, sketching, mindset) • Customer-centric design and understanding latent needs • Hyundai’s design culture in Europe: boldness and flexibility • Instaroid and the value of playful internal projects • Designing across EV, hybrid, and hydrogen technologies • Advice for young designers: keep learning and enjoy the work Guest: Eduardo Ramírez — Head of Hyundai Design Europe Links & Resources: Car Design Event (CDE): https://cardesignevent.com/ Listen to the podcast: https://cde-podcast.podigee.io/ Follow CDE for updates and upcoming conversations with leading voices in automotive design.