CDE Munich is proud to announce its continued support of automotive design students and their international schools with the high profile showcase of next generation concepts and talent as a key feature of the event in March 2026.

A growing and key component of CDE is fostering closer collaborations between design schools, the auto industry and media.

CDE uniquely hosts tutors and students from international design schools with a program dedicated to the direct exchange between automotive brands, their participating designers and the universities.

Schools signed up for 2026 include Hochschule München, Hochschule Pforzheim, Umea and Hochschule Hof.

Highlight student presentations to date include:

The unveiling of a full-scale model created by Dominik Anders, a Transportation Design student at Hochschule Munich. The project was supported by Hyundai, Munich-based design studio Apostrophe Design and Vizcom, a tech company focusing on AI-tools to improve design processes.
A BMW-Outlaw project from Hakan Atasalan - who is now employed by BMW Group as an exterior designer
A Mini future interior concept from the thesis of Valentin Binder

Many global OEMs are already confirmed for 2026, from Lamborghini and Volkswagen to Norton Motorcycles and Pagani and several more, returning to the event which is building an international reputation as the place to host concept car reveals, new model debuts and to showcase the work of up and coming automotive designers.

Taking place from 2-4 March, CDE 2026 promises to continue the momentum it has built up since it was established in 2023. Leading lights of global automotive design come together in a unique and intimate setting to present their latest creations, share inspirations, ideas and discuss the latest developments across the automotive industry. Uniquely, this happens in front of a live audience of some 100 international media, content creators and students from Europe’s leading design schools brought together at the prestigious Drivers & Business Club in Munich.

2025’s event in May proved to be the best so far, with model debuts from Genesis, Lamborghini, Slate, Yugo and others. Lively debate ensued with senior executives from BMW, Volkswagen, GM, Hyundai and others discussing the future of mobility, new vehicle and concept designs, creativity and storytelling, AI in transportation design, and the evolution of user interface and experience (UI/UX). So far, the roster of CDE partners has included Alcantara, Bridge of Weir Leather, Feadship, Gentex, Siemens, UE Studios and Vizcom.

Featured Image: CDE 2025, Hyundai Student, Domink Anders

Tagged: Design Excellence

CDE Munich 2026 to Showcase Next-Generation Concepts and Talent in Partnership with Leading International Schools