The next time you see James Bond driving his legendary Aston Martin, don't be surprised if it has been designed by India's very own Dilip Chhabria.
Ford Motor's Aston Martin, the last word among all British automobile marques, is famous for its styling and thoroughbred performance.
Chhabria has signed a contract with the company to develop a running prototype for one of its forthcoming models.
Chhabria will be designing two models every quarter and will also be prototyping some of them for Ford's Premier Automotive Group.
The Chhabria-designed Aston Martin will be displayed at the Mecca of the global automobile industry, the Detroit International Motor Show, which opens on January 5, 2003.
DC Design is the name of Chhabria's design firm.
The all-new design, executed by Chhabria, has a good chance of entering production. Chhabria was awarded the contract after his impressive display at the Geneva Motor show in March last year, where DC Design showcased Infidel, a sports car prototype with a medium-sized engine.
Confirming the development, Chhabria said his association with Ford's Premier Automotive Group would be a long-standing one.
Chhabria believes Ford approached him for his ability to rapidly execute all-new running prototypes at a cost lower than that of other European design houses.
The Premier Automotive Group also has other marques like the Jaguar, the Volvo and the Land Rover.
Chhabria, probably the only automotive designer of some repute from India, has made his name in the country re-designing passenger cars, buses, two-wheelers and tractors.
In fact, DC Design has tied up with leading tractor maker Mahindra & Mahindra to develop designer tractors for hauling luggage at airports. The firm has a production facility at Silvassa.
