I want to shock and awe: Dilip Chhabria
Tanvi Sharan

His name is synonymous with car designing. Being feted around the world for his stunning cars and designing the James Bond car are some of his achievements. Now he's out to shock and awe the world with his new set of designs. NDTV caught up with Dilip Chhabria for an exclusive interview.

NDTV: What is the theme of your new designs?
There's no theme as such, but I wanted to shock and awe people. It is also an attempt to showcase our company's design and building capabilities. Our designs are radical and will stun everyone.

NDTV:What has been the inspiration?
There are two projects. The design for the first project is inspired by, believe it or not, our good old Ambassador cars. And the second project is a super sports car in the genre of Ferraris.

NDTV:Why are Indian cars usually boring in terms of design?
Indian cars are boring because when they are on the drawing board, companies try to cater to the masses only. Naturally, they want to play safe and go by the general demand. Another thing is who'll do it. Indian companies do not have global competency in design. Most importantly, it's dictated by Indian needs. Indian cars are mostly driven by drivers, so there has to be more space at the back. While in the US and Europe, it's vice versa, hence more scope for experimenting with the design.

NDTV:What's your favorite car?
My favorite car is Porsche 911. Its design is timeless. However hard I try to better it, I cannot. It's been frustrating, but I cannot stop admiring this classic beauty.

NDTV:Why do you find cars so attractive?
I find cars irresistibly attractive because it?s a rolling art, it's dynamic. A car is different things to me at different times. It cocoons me when I need comfort; it gives me my own space and gives me a sense of privacy. I can travel in it and explore the world? I can even talk to my car! There's the thrill of going in a direction of my choice. I play music and have a blast on the roads. Save for an orgasm, nothing betters a car.

NDTV:How do you think will alternative fuel cars fare in India?
The future of alternative fuel cars in India does not seem too bright at the moment. For them to be successful, they have to be viable economically, and manufacturers will have to better the internal combustion engine. Right now, alternative fuel engine is not very efficiently produced. Hence, it's not economical. Who'll pay the increased cost of running an alternative fuel car ? government, manufacturer or consumer?

NDTV:With fuel prices getting higher constantly, how do you see the future of car sales?
Car sales are going to get better with time. Despite oil touching 100$ per barrel, there has been a record sale of cars the world over. And there will continue to be a double digit growth in future also.

NDTV:Tata Nano was unveiled recently at Auto Expo 2008. How will it affect the auto industries in India and worldwide?
Tata Nano will make a huge impact not just in India, but also globally. Other cars will appear obscenely expensive when compared to Nano. So of course, it'll affect pricing. It'll also affect the two-wheeler industry; even Tata's Indica will feel the heat. But its most important impact will be that it will make the auto industry a sunrise industry. I salute the vision of Mr Ratan Tata. My only concern is where are the roads to run them in India when everyone will want and can afford to own a car.

NDTV:How is the demand for customized cars in India? Who do you cater to?
There's a huge demand for customized cars, so much so that we do not know how to accommodate that kind of demand. Aspirations are rising and everyone wants to stand out in the crowd. We mostly cater to the higher slots, but our cars are not always very expensive. So there's something for everyone.

NDTV:How do you differentiate a great car from a good car?
Great cars are irreplaceable. It is timeless and has a wow factor to it ? design-wise. People will stop and admire it even after years.

NDTV:Where do you see the Indian auto industry heading five years down the line?
Indian Auto industry will go the Chinese auto industry way. In 2001, India and China were neck to neck and look at it now! They produce almost four times more than we do. But there'll be a phenomenal growth in the Indian auto industry, and as I said, it's going to be a sunrise industry.