Sahil Khan Of SKD Talks About His Passion And Establishing A Premium Design House For High-End Automobiles

Sahil Khan, (SKD - Sahil Khan Design)

1. Tell us your interest in car design and how SKD started

I have been designing cars as a passion since I was 14 years old, growing up watching shows such as Pimp My Ride & WEST COAST CUSTOMS piqued my interest in car culture and the modification industry. I laid my first pillar of work in 2014 with the idea of growing in this car modification and designing industry and today I have managed to turn my passion into a successful business.

I believe my designs are a perfect blend of form and function. Today, SKD has become a one-stop shop solution for premium quality car and bike design customization and upgradation, offering a range of services, ranging from ceramic coating, protective film coating, accessorizing, designer car wraps, and body kits, among other things. From adding stylish and functional accessories to designing complete motor vehicle make-overs, SKD also undertakes performance upgradation creating a unique design that is a reflection of the vehicle owner.

2. How has the journey been so far for you?

My journey has shown me many ups and down where I faced multiple challenges in life. My family was not very supportive of my choice of career and I had nobody backing me up but I was confident and consistent in working on my vision and achieving it. I have been fortunate to be able to transform my passion into a business and with every passing day, I want to keep creating and innovating to continue delighting my clients! I have been working with a lot of high-end clientele in India and abroad. I also have a celebrity client base that includes Arjun Kapoor and Anil Kapoor, the late Sushant Singh Rajput was also a client.

SKD has also won numerous accolades since its inception in 2014, including the 'Best Car Design' award at the International Auto Show, held in New Delhi in 2017. Recently, SKD designed two customised Car Warps for the two luxury SUVs, inspired by the Autobot and Maximal characters in the Transformers movie, in a special collaboration with Viacom 18 and Paramount Pictures. So, it has been a great fruitful journey and we look forward to scaling new heights with access to technology for designing, automobile design as a sector is evolving fast, unlocking newer levels of creativity and functionality, which we would not have been able to imagine as a reality. And I aim to be one of the early adopters of this change, by keeping up with the latest trends and technologies, so I can provide my clients with unique, and delightful design experiences.

3. What markets are you currently present in and what are your expansion plans?

SAHILKHANDESIGNS is currently in the premium car care and car modifications segment. In the future, we aim to extend our services to mid-segment car and bike clientele as well, by introducing an affordable range that will be easy on the pocket, while also providing excellent, equally unique services, across all our car and bike client segments.

4. What is the USP of SKD?

We assure you 100% genuine products and also a quick response of after-sale services which non provide in this particular industry. We are known for our professional approach, creative designs, and timely deliveries.

5. How do you see the sector evolving, especially in India?

This particular sector is on an upward trajectory since 2020, India has emerged as a growing market for the automobile design sector however it might be another three to four years before people understand this sector well. I and my team are working hard towards spreading the word about this industry. At SKD, our aim is to increase our customer base here by opening up more design studious across the country. I am very excited to work with clients from my own country and help them transform their high-end automobiles into customized, statement luxury vehicles.