Stellantis in Auburn Hills today launched a weekly podcast featuring its chief design officer, Ralph Gilles, titled “Car Concepts with Ralph Gilles.” The content is intended to explore where the passion for cars meets the passion for art.
New episodes of “Car Concepts with Ralph Gilles” will be released every Thursday in 2026, beginning Oct. 29.
In each episode, Gilles sits down with designers, engineers, executives, and creators to uncover the stories, processes, and inspiration behind past, present, and iconic vehicles.
“There’s an incredible amount of passion in the automotive industry, and the best stories belong to the people behind the products,” says Gilles. “This industry is full of talented designers, engineers, creators, and unforgettable characters, and everyone has a story about how they got here, what shaped them, and what keeps them going.
“I wanted to create the types of conversations you have when hanging with friends in the garage, talking about cars, creativity, life, and the experiences that define us. While the cars bring us together, the people and their stories are what inspired this podcast.”
According to the creators, “Car Concepts” is built for anyone who has ever stopped to admire a great-looking car and wondered how it came to be. Conversations trace design as a story, vehicle, and process, from the first sketch to the production vehicle, and examine how the craft continues to evolve with new technology and tools.
The podcast’s target audience includes:
- Car enthusiasts who want the stories behind the vehicles they love.
- Students and up-and-coming designers looking for insight from the leaders who have walked the path before them.
- Design enthusiasts beyond automotive who appreciate creativity, craftsmanship, and human ingenuity.
- Business leaders across the automotive industry, from suppliers and partners to the brands that serve consumers, fueled by the passion for vehicles.
Every episode is recorded inside Stellantis’ historic Conner Avenue Assembly Plant in Detroit, with heritage and new vehicles providing the backdrop for each conversation.
Guests on season one of “Car Concepts with Ralph Gilles” include:
- Scott Krugger, head of North America design, Stellantis
- Cristy Lee, TV host, mechanic/builder, real estate developer
- Bob Lutz, automotive industry executive (retired)
- Garrett Reed, creator, American Muscle HD
- Gilles Vidal, head of enlarged Europe design, Stellantis
- Gorden Wagener, head of Mercedes design (retired)
The podcast can be seen on YouTube and heard via Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Spotify, and Audible.
For more information, visit here.
