Q&A: Dilip Chhabria

8th AUTO EXPO 2006

Dilip Chhabria has been in the automobile designing business for 13 years. In an interview to Business Standard, Chhabria says Indian cars have a long way to go.

The big idea at DC pavilion?

This is the fourth time we are participating in the Auto Expo. We have been the mavericks in the Indian automobile industry, creating irrational products that catch the fancy of people, as always.

About cars on Indian roads?

(They) still have a long long way to go.

The best-designed car in India.

Without doubt it is the Suzuki Swift. For the first time, I am thinking of buying a Suzuki product. We are even planning to redesign the Swift.

Why improve if it is so good?

That is the whole challenge, to improve the Swift design.

Which is the worst-designed?

(Visibly uncomfortable) I do not think I want to answer that.

Still, pick one

The Toyota Qualis?

Why is design taken so lightly

Aesthetics is something you do not just acquire. You will have to allocate a lot of resources including money.

About the legality of changes?

(Looks shocked) Who said that? As long as I put the 'DC' logo on the modified vehicles, replacing the company logo, I am very much within the law.

Which car do you drive?

The Mercedes E class

Why not your own designed cars?

They are too expensive