Creative Exterior Designer at General Motors
Ex-sergeant designs exterior of 2010 Chevy Equinox.
by Warren Duffie

Inspiration strikes General Motors car designer Sam Zhao in many forms – a sleek computer, avant-garde architecture, even something as simple as a piece of fruit. The former Marine is a fan of fluid shapes and sculpted, curvaceous lines.

“GM vehicles are known for having big and rugged cubic shapes,” Zhao said. “Today, we’re trying to change that perception and offer sophisticated, cutting-edge design in a smaller package.”

On The Job
Zhao brought his unique vision to the 2010 Chevy Equinox – a midsize SUV that was introduced at the Detroit Auto Show in June and hit dealership showrooms this summer. The Equinox competes against the Toyota RAV4, the Honda CR-V, the Ford Edge, the Nissan Murano and the Hyundai Santa Fe. It blends fun design elements of the Chevy Malibu and Traverse with the upscale elegance of a Mercedes SUV or Audi. The Equinox, which seats five passengers, uses a six-speed automatic transmission and direct fuel injection, affording it impressive fuel efficiency. The starting price is $23,185.

Car and Driver magazine had positive reviews for the SUV, stating it has “dapper new looks … lots of available techno-goodies … we anticipate a more refined and enjoyable experience.”

“We’re very excited about this vehicle,” said Zhao, a former sergeant. “For example, the rear seat slides in and out. The fuel economy is also great for a vehicle in this class – 32 miles per gallon on the highway. It looks nice and upscale yet is very affordable.”

Zhao, 33, designed the SUV’s exterior and is part of a team of up to six designers, engineers and digital sculptors. Based in Detroit, he normally begins his day at 0800, talks to his sculptors about design ideas, does a lot of sketching in his office, and meets with engineers to discuss design issues. He goes home around 1800. In addition to the Equinox, Zhao has worked on the Pontiac Vibe and Saturn Outlook.

“My job requires me to share ideas and communicate with many teams of people,” he said. “That’s really where my military training shines. I know how to deal with people, explain a mission or task, and get them to work together.”

The Company
General Motors is one of America’s iconic companies. Founded in 1908, this automobile juggernaut manufactures, sells, and services vehicles in 140 countries. GM employs 235,000 people worldwide and in 2008 sold 8.35 million cars, earning $149 billion in revenues. GM brands include Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC, Saab and Saturn.

Despite GM’s storied past, slumping sales have chipped away at its luster. The company in June filed for a government-assisted Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, with a plan to re-emerge as a smaller, less debt-ridden organization.

Zhao sees opportunity in these challenges: “If you’re a young, creative designer, GM is a great place to be. As part of its rebirth, GM is reaching out to the global market. We’ll not only design trucks but also small cars – searching for new design ideas from around the world.”

GM offers discounts for military personnel. To learn more visit www.gmmilitary.com.

In Uniform
Zhao and his family immigrated to the U.S. from China in 1982, eventually moving to New York City. When he was 14, a friend took him to the New York Auto Show, where he was mesmerized by the gleaming chrome, polished tires and cool designs. He fell in love with the prototype for the Pontiac Sunfire and decided he would design cars one day. During high school, he kept a notebook bursting with colorful car sketches and scribblings.

However, he also wanted to serve his adopted country, figuring a stint in the military would allow him to learn about other cultures and consumer tastes. In 1994 he and a buddy enlisted in the Marine Corps. After boot camp on Parris Island, Zhao went to Camp Lejeune for training as a motor transport operator. He was then deployed to Okinawa aboard USS Nassau.

One day, while the ship was underway, Zhao was reading an issue of Car and Driver when he spied an ad for the College of Creative Studies in Michigan. Seeing a way to pursue his automotive dreams, Zhao began taking college-level math, English and history classes.

The Transition
In 1998, he left the Marine Corps and returned home to New York. He spent a semester taking art classes at Queens College before moving to Michigan. In 2002, he completed his studies at the College of Creative Studies, landing a design job with Volvo during a student art show held by the college.

Zhao went on to work for American Sunroof Corporation. While working on a project for GM, he fell in love with the legendary company. This was the big time, where world-class designers created famous cars. Zhao wanted in, so he applied. After two interviews, he was brought into the GM team.

“Even though the economy is bad, there is a lot of opportunity at GM,” Zhao said. “Things can only get better. We’re creating some new and exciting products. We need new talent – especially military people bringing creativity and a strong work ethic.”

Zhao’s Advice
Take transition classes and college courses. “They’ll help when pursuing your degree. An education is essential. My degree has allowed me to enter a very specialized field and earn a very good living.”

Focus on what you want to do. “Look at how your military skills can help you get ahead.”