Walter de’ Silva

from Quattroruote 540/October 2000 “For Seat we have to create a brand, an identity, also in terms of design - it’s a great opportunity”. This is the challenge that Walter de’ Silva, 49 is taking up from his Barcelona studio, having spent twelve years with Alfa Romeo – with excellent results given that many credit him with the success of the re-launch of the company from Arese. Now the Italian designer’s task is almost the opposite; whilst with Alfa it was a case of reviving and updating a glorious past, with Seat it is a case of creating an image which overrides its inconsistent history. “We have four design directions well established. Firstly, the architecture of the vehicle, tending towards the MPV: the “Salsa” prototype is a forerunner of this; followed by other new kinds of vehicles: style is not enough, we have to be innovative and explore different sectors. Then not forgetting the “family feeling”, which we catch a glimpse of in the “Salsa”: a strong “nose”, accompanied by a robust rear and lastly, interiors, new materials and colours which are in line with the external innovations. All revolving around two fundamental concepts, emotion and sport, chosen to give Seat space on the market within the Volkswagen group”.

Walter de’ Silva who moved to Seat after twelve years with Alfa Romeo

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