Skip to main content
Sister Publication Links
  • Automotive News
  • Automobilwoche
  • Automotive News Canada
  • Automotive News China
Subscribe
  • Subscribe
  • Newsletters
  • Login
  • HOME
    • Latest news
    • Automakers
    • Suppliers
    • New Product
    • Environment/Emissions
    • Sales By Market
    • On The Move
    • Auto Shows
    • Munich Auto Show
    • Geneva Auto Show
    • Paris Auto Show
    • Beijing Auto Show
    • Shanghai Auto Show
  • Features
    • Long Read
    • Interview of the Month
    • Focus on Electrification
    • Focus on Technology
    • Segment Analysis
    • Cars & Concepts
    • Supplier Spotlight
    • Europe By The Numbers
  • Opinion
    • Blogs
    • Commentary
    • Guest columnists
  • Photos
    • Photo Galleries
    • Geneva Photo Gallery
    • Beijing Photo Gallery
    • Frankfurt Photo Gallery
    • Paris Photo Gallery
    • Shanghai Photo Gallery
  • Podcasts
  • Car Cutaways
  • EVENTS
    • ANE Congress
    • ANE Rising Stars
    • ANE Eurostars
    • Browse photos from the 2021 awards ceremony
  • More
    • Publishing Partners
    • Social Media
    • Contact Us
    • Media Kit
    • About Us
    • Capgemini: Securing the industry's future through a radical rethink
    • Capgemini: Succeeding with the automated driving journey through AI
    • HEXAGON: Plugging into data is the only way to make winning EVs
    • TUV Rheinland: Battery testing center for large battery packs and more
    • TUV Rheinland: Ideas, services and certifications for smart mobility
    • TUV Rheinland: Testing of automated and autonomous vehicles on test tracks
    • Toyota Europe
    • UFI Filters
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Twitter
MENU
Breadcrumb
  1. Home
  2. Europe Leading Women
September 04, 2016 01:00 AM

Agneta Dahlgren

  • Tweet
  • Share
  • Share
  • Email
  • More
    Print
    Name: Agneta Dahlgren Title: Design director C-segment and electric vehicles Company: Renault Location: Guyancourt, France Age: 49 Family: Husband; 3 daughters ages 23, 19 and 13 Born: Ulricehamn, Sweden Nationality: Swedish Languages: French, Swedish, English Education: Master's degree in industrial design, University of Technology of Compiegne, Compiegne, France; master's degree in industrial engineering, Lulea University of Technology, Lulea, Sweden

    What attracted you to the auto industry?

    The complexity of a vehicle makes it one of the most intricate products ever made. It also makes the auto industry very interesting because it has an effect on society. Industrial design in the automotive industry deals with emotional perceptions that take into account aspects such as ergonomics, technology, security, sociology, connectivity, functionalities and, of course, aesthetics. It also needs to deal with questions regarding the future of mobility and its effect on the environment.

    First automotive job:

    I did an internship at Renault in 1991 where I worked on the strategic design identity of the Renault and Volvo brands. It was about exploring the cultural DNA of each brand. The study was called Water & Wine.

    What was your big break?

    I really loved managing design development for the Renault Zoe electric car. We were a diverse team of men and women from different countries with different backgrounds. We were all convinced that we were re-inventing the DNA of the car and initiating an industry breakthrough. The idea of creating the first mass-produced, affordable electric car was really outstanding for all of us.

    What is the major challenge you have faced in your career?

    That would be my current job. I’m managing the design development of five to 10 cars simultaneously with the objective of providing differentiation while maintaining strong brand consistency.

    Who has had the biggest influence on your career?

    I have been fortunate to meet many talented people throughout my career who have influenced me and my work. Current Renault design senior vice president Laurens van den Acker is certainly one of them. He is a very inspiring person.

    What should be done to encourage women to enter the auto industry?

    In general, I believe there is still prejudice to overcome. For example, we still often ask if something is adequate for a boy or a girl to do. Breaking these barriers and bringing about more equality is a priority. In the automotive industry there should be more done to let women know that this is a place for them. Role models and mentoring will help build bridges and show women what is possible. We should also encourage diversity. I believe a diverse team is the one with the best chances to develop new ideas and find answers to most customer needs.

    I don’t think the car industry should adapt to just female workers’ needs because I’m not sure there are specific female needs. However, maybe we should focus more on parent needs so everyone can find a balance between their professional and family lives. I encourage my younger male colleagues to leave early, even to work part time, to get the proper life-work balance because I support equality between men and women in general.

    What’s your favorite weekend activity?

    I love being with my family and friends. I also like to run.

    What keeps you awake at night?

    I’m a good sleeper except when I suffer from jetlag.

    Name one thing about yourself that most people don’t know.

    I have played soccer for many years. I like sports where individual performance is linked to the team’s performance. Everyone plays a specific position and does his or her best to get the team to win. Soccer is another area where women need to be given more support and recognition. 

    If you could have dinner with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?

    I would choose Harley Earl, who was chief designer at General Motors in the 1940s and ’50s. He was a true pioneer. In 1958 he hired 10 female designers and let each of them design a car that was presented at a specific car show. There were a lot of new ideas such as dedicated storage areas for umbrellas and, amazingly, integrated phones. What’s important to emphasize is that these women designed cars for everybody and not only for women. Do men design cars for men, or the French for French people? Maybe in some ways, but not exclusively. Today’s customers are global, which makes having diverse teams working on cars more important than ever.

    If I had it to do all over again, I would…

    Do everything the same way again. 

    When and where was your last vacation?

    In April we went to Tuscany. In August we visited Japan.

    Name one talent you wish you had.

    I would love to be able to play a musical instrument well.

    Best advice you’ve ever received?

    The only thing that is certain is that you will fail if you never try.

    What advice would you give your child?

    Do your best in every situation, but don’t forget to have fun along the way and that life is not only in front of you but all around.

    If you were a car, what car would you be?

    I would be the very latest Renault Scenic. It’s a midsize, comfortable, functional car that is up to date and intelligent, with a modern look and ideal proportions.

    RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
    Tina Mueller
    Recommended for You
    Tina Mueller
    Tina Mueller
    Helena Bergstroem Pilo
    Helena Bergstroem Pilo
    Hildegard Wortmann
    Hildegard Wortmann
    Toyota and Capgemini leaders on how OEMs can handle industry changes and succeed
    Sponsored Content: Toyota and Capgemini leaders on how OEMs can handle industry changes and succeed
    Sign up for free newsletters
    EMAIL ADDRESS

    Please enter a valid email address.

    Please enter your email address.

    Please verify captcha.

    Please select at least one newsletter to subscribe.

    You can unsubscribe at any time through links in these emails. For more information, see our Privacy Policy.

    Get Free Newsletters

    Sign up and get the best of Automotive News Europe delivered straight to your email inbox, free of charge. Choose your news – we will deliver.

    You can unsubscribe at any time through links in these emails. For more information, see our Privacy Policy.

    SUBSCRIBE TODAY

    Get 24/7 access to in-depth, authoritative coverage of the auto industry from a global team of reporters and editors covering the news that’s vital to your business.

    SUBSCRIBE NOW
    Connect with Us
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • LinkedIn
    • Instagram

    Founded in 1996, Automotive News Europe is the preferred information source for decision-makers and opinion leaders operating in Europe.

    Contact Us

    1155 Gratiot Avenue
    Detroit MI  48207-2997
    Tel: +1 877-812-1584

    Email Us

    ISSN 2643-6590 (print)
    ISSN 2643-6604 (online)

     

    Resources
    • About us
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise with us
    • Advertise with Us
    • Ad Choices Ad Choices
    • Sitemap
    Awards
    • Rising Stars
    • Eurostars
    • Leading Women
    Legal
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy Policy
    • Privacy Request
    Automotive News Europe
    Copyright © 1996-2022. Crain Communications, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    • HOME
      • Latest news
      • Automakers
      • Suppliers
      • New Product
      • Environment/Emissions
      • Sales By Market
      • On The Move
      • Auto Shows
        • Munich Auto Show
        • Geneva Auto Show
        • Paris Auto Show
        • Beijing Auto Show
        • Shanghai Auto Show
    • Features
      • Long Read
      • Interview of the Month
      • Focus on Electrification
      • Focus on Technology
      • Segment Analysis
      • Cars & Concepts
      • Supplier Spotlight
      • Europe By The Numbers
    • Opinion
      • Blogs
      • Commentary
      • Guest columnists
    • Photos
      • Photo Galleries
      • Geneva Photo Gallery
      • Beijing Photo Gallery
      • Frankfurt Photo Gallery
      • Paris Photo Gallery
      • Shanghai Photo Gallery
    • Podcasts
    • Car Cutaways
    • EVENTS
      • ANE Congress
      • ANE Rising Stars
      • ANE Eurostars
        • Browse photos from the 2021 awards ceremony
    • More
      • Publishing Partners
        • Capgemini: Securing the industry's future through a radical rethink
        • Capgemini: Succeeding with the automated driving journey through AI
        • HEXAGON: Plugging into data is the only way to make winning EVs
        • TUV Rheinland: Battery testing center for large battery packs and more
        • TUV Rheinland: Ideas, services and certifications for smart mobility
        • TUV Rheinland: Testing of automated and autonomous vehicles on test tracks
        • Toyota Europe
        • UFI Filters
      • Social Media
        • Facebook
        • Instagram
        • LinkedIn
        • Twitter
      • Contact Us
      • Media Kit
      • About Us