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AI Is Getting So Good Even Skoda's Designers Are Worried

The company's head of exterior design is "shocked by how good it is."

Skoda's Head of Exterior Design Karl Neuhold

Photo by: Skoda

Adrian Padeanu

By: Adrian Padeanu

Oct 16, at 6:53am ET

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Call me Nostradamus, but I believe AI will spell doom for many jobs in the coming decades, if not within years. We've already seen how quickly the technology has evolved, and it's becoming increasingly difficult to dismiss the possibility that machines will eventually replace people in many professions we once considered safe. The automotive industry is no exception.

Skoda's head of exterior design is a case in point, admitting he's genuinely shocked by how good the technology has become. Karl Neuhold told Dutch publication Autoweek that he's experimented with AI himself and was impressed by what it could accomplish with very little input.

'I’m shocked by how good it is. I use it myself, and I’m so surprised by a simple sketch that, in seconds, gives you versions you couldn’t have rendered better yourself.'

2025 Skoda 100 official rendering

2025 Skoda 100 official rendering

Photos by: Skoda

2025 Skoda 100 official rendering

2025 Skoda 100 official rendering

Photos by: Skoda

AI Boosts Productivity, But At What Cost?

Neuhold sees AI as a way to speed up the creative process, letting designers explore ideas that would otherwise take much longer to visualize. A rough sketch can now produce several polished renderings within seconds, helping teams communicate ideas faster and more efficiently.

His message to fellow designers is clear: adapt or risk falling behind. In his view, sketching alone will no longer be enough to remain competitive. Designers must learn to incorporate AI into their workflows rather than ignore it.

There's a catch, however. If a smaller team can produce more designs in less time, automakers may eventually need fewer people working in their design studios. Neuhold acknowledges that possibility and is particularly concerned about what it means for aspiring designers. If AI can produce professional-quality renderings almost instantly, young creatives could find it harder to get their foot in the door and develop the skills needed to build a career.

'Do we even need that many people anymore? Unfortunately, yes. That’s really tough for young designers right now; how are they supposed to become professionals? The quality [of AI] is astonishing, unbelievable.'

2025 Skoda 1000 MBX official rendering

2025 Skoda 1000 MBX official rendering

Photos by: Skoda

2025 Skoda 1000 MBX official rendering

2025 Skoda 1000 MBX official rendering

Photos by: Skoda

AI Could Put Entry-Level Jobs At Risk

It's a dilemma: experienced designers can become more productive, but fewer entry-level opportunities could leave the next generation struggling to gain experience. If junior designers don't get the chance to learn on the job, the industry could face a talent pipeline problem further down the road.

Despite his enthusiasm for the technology, Neuhold isn't suggesting that aspiring designers should abandon traditional skills. When evaluating job applicants, he still encourages them to bring hand-drawn sketches to demonstrate their creativity.

That's an important distinction. Generating a convincing image is one thing; coming up with an original idea that fits a brand's identity, meets practical requirements, and appeals to customers is another. Automotive design involves far more than producing an attractive picture, from getting the proportions right to incorporating sensors, lighting systems, and other technical elements that require passing a multitude of regulations.

2025 Skoda 110 R official rendering

2025 Skoda 110 R official rendering

Photos by: Skoda

2025 Skoda 110 R official rendering

2025 Skoda 110 R official rendering

Photos by: Skoda

Will Every Car Start Looking The Same?

Another bigger question is who owns the ideas AI produces. If designers can generate dozens of concepts with a few prompts, automakers will have to figure out how to protect their intellectual property and ensure their cars don't start looking increasingly alike. After all, rival brands have access to the same tools, which could make it harder to establish a distinctive design identity in an increasingly crowded market.

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Ultimately, Neuhold believes designers must understand what people want from their cars and find ways to surprise them. AI might make the journey from sketch to finished rendering dramatically faster, but someone still needs to decide what the car should look like in the first place.

For now, designers who learn to use AI could gain a significant advantage over those who don't. But for young talent hoping to break into the industry, the bigger challenge may be finding someone willing to give them their first opportunity.

More About Skoda Design:

Skoda's Forgotten Pickup Truck Is Back—And It Looks Better Than Ever

Skoda Turned an Old Hatchback Into an Awesome New Concept

This Rare Skoda Goes Back to the Future

Skoda's Imaginary New Sedan Looks So Good You'll Wish It Existed

Source: Autoweek

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