2008 Automotive Trends
At a time in history when oil is high, the U.S. dollar is under pressure and top concerns for automobile buyers include fuel efficiency and the environment, it is nice to know you can always count on one thing to remain constant. With each new year, the automotive industry will do the impossible and reinvent itself one more time. As the great Yogi Berra once said, "This is like déjà vu all over again."
Several of the changes for 2008 are subtle. For example, the switch in terminology by one car company from Crossover Utility Vehicle to 4-door Crossover Sedan, (2009 Toyota Venza) may seem unimportant. But by choosing to highlight the word “sedan” instead of “utility”, the manufacturer hopes more of us will consider such a vehicle the next time we purchase. Other changes have a greater impact on what consumers may ultimately prefer to drive on a daily basis. Here are a few of the trends from the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan.
Trend One
Blue and green are the hot colors for today and no group understands this better than automobile manufacturers of the early 21st Century.
Volkswagen’s BlueMotion and Mercedes-Benz BLUETEC technology represent just two of the new blue brands taking center stage at various auto shows around the world. On a more simplistic level, Toyota employs a blue stripe in their Hybrid Synergy Drive logo. Even performance driven BMW is on record saying they need a green brand identity as tougher U.S. fuel economy standards begin to take hold, (source- Automotive News). Don’t be surprised if the word “blue” appears somewhere in the new emblem.
Several important players continued to make noise in the green market at the NAIAS in 2008. Chrysler launched their new ENVI brand, (Environmentally Responsible Electric-drive Vehicle Technology) with not one, but three unique concept vehicle for each of its automotive brands; Dodge, Chrysler and Jeep.
Not to be outdone, General Motors took the stage with green concepts for Hummer, Saab and more, as well as announcing a new partnership with Coskata to commercialize its unique process for turning biomass into ethanol. Determined to take the lead in clean burning and electrical vehicle technology, GM is set for even bigger achievements in green as we approach the next decade.
Trend Two
Is it just me, or have the front sections of vehicles become larger and more aggressive with each new design? For the past several years, the focus seemed to be on sweeping side profiles and shapely rear overhangs, (hence the term Bangle-butt). Now it appears the spotlight has shifted to sculpting massive front noses with elongated hoods. Completing the package, uniquely shaped headlights are capable of illuminating an entire city block.
Several of the most intriguing vehicles on display in Detroit were the Mitsubishi Concept RA, Buick Riviera Concept and Honda CR-Z Concept. Designed for the active driver, each displayed a forward visage of significant proportions.
The trend continues with production vehicles including the Mitsubishi EVO X, SLR McLaren Roadster and Audi TT-S. Even the almighty 2009 Corvette ZR1 provides the appearance of a more powerful facade, in this case designed to enclose a commanding V8 engine.
Trucks, SUV’s and CUV’s also show a liking for full frontal exposure. The 2009 Ford F-150 and 2009 Dodge Ram both feature massive grilles and equally impressive chrome logos. Highlighting the future, the Mercedes-Benz Vision GLK Concept, Toyota A- BAT Concept and Nissan Forum Concept offer head -on features impossible to miss. Bigger is better, or at least so it appears in current automotive design.
Trend Three
Geely was the first Chinese automotive manufacturer to display in the United States in 2006. Changfeng Motor appeared at last year’s North American International Auto Show and for 2008 three additional companies were added to the list including Chamco Auto, BYD Auto and Li Shi Guang Ming Automobile Design.
It seems the time for buying reasonably priced vehicles from China might be closer than we think. Exactly how North America will respond is anyone’s guess, especially with recent product quality concerns. But there is no reason to doubt one day soon your neighbor will pull into their driveway from behind the wheel of a brand new Chinese built vehicle. Geely appears to have the upper hand, but time will tell. For now at least, the wait continues.
Conclusion
It is the goal of the automotive industry to flow with the times and morph into something new to suit the needs and wants of consumers. The 2008 NAIAS showcased the good, better and best models currently available. It also drew attention to ideas being contemplated on drawing boards around the world. Just when you think we have it figured out, styles change and new trends emerge. Like so many who enjoy the business, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
