The car that hugs families

Coventry University graduate wins plaudits and a job thanks to revolutionary car design

A university graduate has landed a job in the car industry after scooping two global awards.

Hanil Kim, who graduated from Coventry University's Automotive and Transport Design Course in July, won the SAIC Design Challenge competition before being presented with the Undiscovered Talent Award at the recent Car Design News (CDN) People Awards in London.

SAIC, one of China’s largest car companies, challenged designers to come up with a concept for two MG models, one of the brands which falls under the firm’s umbrella.

Kim presented his designs for a car called ‘Hug’ which reflects the needs of parents and children to have their own space and time, but also the value of shared space as a family. The design features a vehicle for adults where they can relax or do work, while a second vehicle designed for children can be merged into the same car. The children’s section, which features interactive glass and drawing pads, can also be reconfigured to form one single space for the whole family to use.

After seeing his design shortlisted in July 2025, Hanil was given the opportunity to refine his design at the SAIC design studio in London. 

The CDN People Awards is is an annual event within the global car design sector, supported by world-class judges. To win the Undiscovered Talent Award, nominees had to demonstrate original thought-provoking work, strong technical skills, and an ability to design with storytelling and brand identity in mind.

Hanil Kim said: “Being involved in the SAIC Design Challenge has been a unique experience. I was really nervous about it when I knew I’d been shortlisted and I was really surprised to win, but also very proud. What makes it extra special is the prize of a full-time position with SAIC and I’m now working as an automotive designer at their studio in London, the same place where I refined my winning design. It’s such an incredible opportunity.

“Winning the Undiscovered Talent Award at the CDN People Awards was great. 2025 really was a special year for me. I’ve never been to an event like that before in my life and meeting so many designers and people within the industry was unforgettable.

“I graduated in July from the Automotive and Transport Design course and really enjoyed my time at university, it was really cool and has certainly helped me a lot. My professors were fantastic and I particularly liked the chance to work with partners in industry during my second year, when I had the chance to go to design studios in Leamington Spa.”

The Coventry University Automotive and Transport Design course team have helped and guided numerous students to successfully compete in international design competitions over the past decade, with many receiving prestigious industry accolades.