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Success Story

Fast Design Launch for Nikola Motors

Fast Design Launch for Nikola Motors

Customer challenge

Nikola Motors was in a truly unique situation as they had only two people on staff when they launched in 2015: their founder, Trevor Milton and a designer, Steve Jennes. I supported Steve 15 years ago when he worked at Isuzu Motors so he knew to call me to ask for our help. Steve had to design and digitally build the initial electric semi-truck concept in less than 30 days. He was very nervous about taking on these responsibilities as his Alias 3D modeling skills were rusty.

Project goals

Primary Goal: Design the initial semi-truck exterior in under 30 days. In order to get funding from their initial investor, Steve Jennes had to do the work of four (4) people, to get the truck design done in 30 days.

Solution

We provided free Alias training for Steve Jennes via an accelerated program of classroom training and virtual ‘over-the-shoulder’ training, tips and tricks (via Zoom meetings). We also provided Alias resources to assist on hot projects at no charge. Initially, Nikola purchased (1) one annual subscription of Alias Surface. Now they have 10+ licenses.

Business outcome

Nikola was able to get the truck design done in time to get their initial funding to allow them to increase their staff, move to a new facility in Phoenix, AZ, and to add another division for electric powersports. Nikola has a design staff of over 50 people using Autodesk tools.

Conclusion

It was because of our early investment with Nikola where we provided a complete solution that has now created a strong relationship with them where we continue to provide them with Autodesk software subscriptions, training and services. We look forward to seeing them grow. Nikola has a current net worth of $3 BB.

Project summary

    Duration & delivery

  • 1000
  • 2019-09-09

    Autodesk solutions

  • Alias AutoStudio

    Services provided

  • Design Visualization
  • Rendering & Animation

    Customer industry

  • Design
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