After internships at Mazda and BMW and graduating from the Art Center College of Design in 2003, Carlos Salaff began his career at Mazda Design Americas, a southern-California studio responsible for designing production and concept vehicles that reflect North American tastes and trends.

 

While at Mazda, Salaff played a key role in the creation of several influential concept and production vehicles including the Nagare, Furai, Mazda 3 and MX-5. After a decade designing mass-produced vehicles, he began envisioning a more personal path and in 2013 founded the company that bears his name. 

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Salaff’s work has been recognized around the world, including the Louis Vuitton Classic, the Los Angeles Design Challenge and the 23rd Festival Automobile Paris/Grand Prix Du Design Awards. Salaff is a visionary entrepreneur who has made a name for himself in the automotive industry as the Founder and Design Director of SALAFF Automotive. With a passion for vintage values and modern design.

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Through SALAFF Automotive, Salaff has built passionate teams, and leveraged modern prototyping and manufacturing tools to increase efficiency and reduce costs. Salaff has developed a deep understanding of materials, processes and product creation, from concept to production.

As Design Director at LA-based startup Vibe Inc., Salaff focused on making travel a more engaging, exciting and productive experience. Vibe presented its first concept in 2020: a Space Age-inspired mobile office and lounge called Pod Van. 

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Salaff’s creations have been showcased at some of the most prestigious automotive events in the world, including the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance and the Michelin-sponsored L’Automobile Show Miami, and City of Dreams in Macau.