Brandy Ryan
While we love seeing the final shape of beautiful cars on the road, we don’t always recognize that every great car starts with ideas, talent, and people. That’s where Car Design News People Awards (CDN People Awards) come in, shining a spotlight on the individuals and teams responsible for the creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation behind automotive design.
What are the CDN People Awards?
Launched in 2022, the CDN People Awards are the only industry-wide awards curated to recognize the people behind car design — from clay modelers, UX/UX designers, and material/finish experts, to studio engineering teams, educators, and rising stars.
Rather than just celebrating the finished car, these awards celebrate the voices, skills, and collaboration that bring design to life.
Why it matters
Design is rarely a solo act. The CDN People Awards recognize that it takes cross-functional work, mentorship, and innovation to move the field forward. By honoring individuals and teams across levels — from students to studio leads — the Awards help energize the entire design ecosystem.
Best Exterior Design Team
Autodesk is proud to sponsor the Best Exterior Design Team category, honoring the excellence and emerging talent in our industry. And we’re thrilled by this shortlist:
- Tata Motors, Avinya Exterior Design Team
- Kia Worldwide Next, Design Exterior Group
- Citroën, Ami & Ami Buggy Exterior Design Team
- Mahindra Group Global Design, Exterior Design Team
- XPENG, Exterior Design Team
- Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A., Exterior Design Team
- firefly, Exterior Design Team
- Hyundai Motor Company Europe, Insteroid Exterior Design Team
- Karma Automotive, Exterior Design Team
- Bentley Motors, Exterior Design Team
- Tata Motors, Sierra Exterior Team
Curious about the CDN People Awards?
For the full list of finalists, go here.
You can read about the 2023 CDN People Awards here, where our own VP Automotive, Concept Design, and XR, Thomas Heerman, was present to award the Best Exterior Design Team.
For a more general overview of the CDN People Awards, head over to CND’s Highlights page, where you can read more about the last three years of this incredible celebration.
And stay tuned! Winners will be announced live on December 4, 2025.
For more product news, stories, and inspiration, check out our Autodesk Automotive on LinkedIn and visit the Design Studio YouTube channel.
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