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American and Australian Teams Collaborated to Build Buick Avenir Concept

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American and Australian Teams Collaborated to Build Buick Avenir Concept

2015 Buick Avenir Concept
© GM

Buick pulled something of a rabbit out of its hat on the eve of the 2015 North American International Auto Show when it came out with the Avenir Concept from what seemed like out nowhere. But, as it turns out, the Avenir Concept didn’t come from out of nowhere at all; it was the result of a collaborative global effort that bridged more than 100 designers, sculptors, and fabricators in Melbourne, Australia, and Warren, Michigan.

“The Buick Avenir concept showcases the very best of GM’s advanced design talent and capabilities,” said Ed Welburn, vice president of GM Global Design. “Developing a concept between studios on opposite sides of the earth is challenging and the Avenir demonstrates how Buick’s strong design heritage linked the teams with a singular vision.”

The teams were able to work harmoniously together despite being separated by about 10,000 miles and 16 time zones. They communicated with one another via live conferences and file-sharing, which enabled the Aussies and Americans to get on the same page in the effort of bringing the Avenir to life.

2015 Buick Avenir Concept

In Australia, the team dreamt up the Avenir’s exterior design theme; in Michigan, the crew came up with the look of the interior. The team in Australia, led by Lead Designer Warrack Leach, came up with a look that was heavily influenced by the iconic Riviera while the Michigan team, working from a sketch put forth by Lead Creative Designer Blake Allen, crafted the Avenir’s luxurious and comfortable interior.

2015 Buick Avenir Concept

“Simply put, Avenir is a beautiful piece of sculpture, delivered on a premium proportion that acknowledges the Buick design heritage in a very progressive way,” said Simcoe. “It has been a wonderful opportunity for all involved.”

Now, all that remains to be seen is whether the teams’ fruit will sow seeds of a future production model.