CCS Transportation Design student Jason Song was awarded the Automotive Hall of Fame Global Scholars Award on Thursday, Oct. 8, during Car Design News’ Car Design Dialogues Detroit event at the Department at Hudson’s. The award is granted to emerging automotive designers who demonstrate creativity, originality and the potential to make meaningful contributions to the future of the industry. Song’s thoughtful and user-focused approach to mobility design that combines creativity with purpose earned him this recognition. The award was presented through a partnership with the Ralph L. and Winfred E. Polk Foundation, with additional support from GM Design.
Song participated in a panel discussion following the award ceremony alongside CCS’s Undergraduate Transportation Design Chair, Paul Snyder, General Motors’ Executive Director of Industrial Design, Crystal Windam and Car Design News Editor-in-Chief, James McLachlan. The discussion focused on the future of automotive design, specifically the possibilities of artificial intelligence as it integrates with human judgment and creativity, the importance of foundational design skills and career opportunities for emerging designers.
The Car Design Dialogues Detroit 2026 event concluded with the award presentation and discussion. Song’s recognition highlights both his accomplishments and potential as an emerging automotive designer. It also reflects the Automotive Hall of Fame’s commitment to supporting emerging talent and CCS’s ability to prepare creative talent to shape the future of transportation and mobility design.
Read more about CCS’s participation in the Car Design Dialogues Detroit panel here.
