With a legacy spanning over a century, Hispano Suiza has seamlessly fused heritage with innovation, crafting vehicles that are as timeless as they are forward-thinking. At the helm of this extraordinary journey is Sergio Martinez Campos, a visionary leader dedicated to preserving Hispano Suiza’s storied past while boldly navigating the challenges of a sustainable future.
In this exclusive interview for Chic Icon magazine, Campos shares insights into how the brand balances its heritage roots with groundbreaking advancements in electric mobility, the philosophy behind their hypercars like the Carmen, and Hispano Suiza’s commitment to sustainability and craftsmanship.
Hispano Suiza has a rich legacy in the automotive industry. How do you balance preserving the brand’s storied heritage with embracing cutting-edge innovation in today’s competitive market?
Hispano Suiza’s legacy is its greatest asset and responsibility. To balance this, we honor the craftsmanship, elegance, and engineering excellence that defined the brand’s golden age while incorporating state-of-the-art technologies and sustainable solutions. Every decision we make respects our history but looks forward. For example, with the Carmen, we reimagined the spirit of the 1938 Dubonnet Xenia in a 21st-century electric hypercar.
As the luxury car market evolves, particularly with the shift toward sustainability, where do you see Hispano Suiza positioning itself in this new landscape?
Sustainability is a cornerstone of our future. We aim to redefine luxury with a commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility. By producing limited, hand-crafted electric vehicles that combine performance, exclusivity, and eco-consciousness, we are positioning Hispano Suiza as a leader in sustainable luxury, catering to a clientele that values both tradition and progress.
Hispano Suiza has introduced an exclusive electric hypercar, Carmen. What challenges and opportunities have you faced in transitioning to EVs while maintaining the brand’s luxury identity?
The transition to EVs was both a challenge and an opportunity. The primary challenge was integrating cutting-edge electric technology while maintaining the emotional connection and luxury experience associated with the brand. The opportunity lies in showcasing that sustainability and luxury are not mutually exclusive. Our three models: the Carmen, the Carmen Boulogne, and the Carmen Sagrera, embody this ethos, proving that performance and elegance coexist with environmental consciousness.
Can you share more about the creative process behind Carmen and how it reflects the company’s philosophy?
The Carmen is more than just a car; it’s a tribute to our family and our legacy. We named it in honor of Carmen Mateu, mother of our president Miguel Suqué Mateu, 4th generation of the founding family.
Every design element reflects our philosophy of “bringing the past into the future.” The process involved studying the brand’s historical DNA, collaborating with top engineers and designers, and pushing the boundaries of electric vehicle technology. The Hispano Suiza Carmen represents the brand’s renewed spirit looking to the future without neglecting its rich history and heritage.
How does Hispano Suiza tailor its customer experience to meet the expectations of such a discerning audience?
Buying a hypercar is a complex and very different process from the traditional one: moreover, each customer is unique, and their motivations are likely to be different.
Our customers expect more than a car; they seek a bespoke experience. We provide unparalleled personalization options, ensuring each car reflects the owner’s tastes and personality. Beyond the vehicle, we foster a direct relationship with our clients, offering exclusive events, access to our heritage, and a commitment to exceptional service that extends far beyond the showroom.
What is your strategy for expanding Hispano Suiza’s presence in markets like the United States, Asia, and the Middle East?
To grow in markets like the U.S., Asia, and the Middle East, we focus on partnerships with luxury networks, exclusive events, and tailored marketing. These regions value craftsmanship, exclusivity, and innovation—qualities intrinsic to Hispano Suiza. Additionally, we emphasize sustainability, which resonates deeply in these markets, particularly as luxury and environmental awareness intersect.
You have recently started a collaboration with the Climate Change Forum. Why did you choose such a partnership?
Our partnership with the Climate Change Forum aligns with our mission to lead the industry in sustainability. We chose this collaboration to amplify our voice in the fight against climate change and demonstrate that even in luxury, brands can and must take responsibility for a better future. It’s about setting an example for the industry.
As CEO, what is your leadership philosophy, and how do you inspire your team to uphold the brand’s legacy while driving it toward the future?
As CEO, I believe in leading by example, combining respect for our heritage with a bold vision for the future. I strive to inspire my team by fostering a culture of creativity, collaboration, and pride in our shared mission. Upholding Hispano Suiza’s legacy isn’t just about honoring the past—it’s about building a future where our values and vision endure. We are a family with deep-rooted roots. This year we celebrate our 120th anniversary and that comes with great responsibility.
Read more SUPERCAR articles HERE
