Automotive Industry: Detroit’s Cultural Change
Automotive Industry: Detroit's Cultural Change
image: mug25
Once upon a time it was known as the world's traditional automotive powerhouse, but unfortunately 'Detroit' is no longer a symbol of power within the global automotive industry. Detroit's automotive industry has been forced upon a cultural change as a pure form of transformation, which was radical and fundamental. This cultural change involved changing the basic values, norms, and beliefs, in order to significantly improve performance. A mission that appeared impossibly daunting with numerous obstacles: collapse of market shares, overwhelming structural costs, profuse bleeding of cash.
The unusual suspect character that led the effort had no automotive or governmental experience. Steven Rattner left his Wall Street position, and straight into the largest restructuring attempt in American history. The scale and speed of the rescue raised many more questions, especially within the automotive circle. Rattner, who led the task force, believed passionately that the decision to intervene prevented a colossal economic collapse. Part of the suspicion was caused by the appointment of a 'non-car czar' to come to the rescue of a passionate industry.
Automotive Form Follows Automotive Function
Automotive Form Follows Automotive Function
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. This saying first appeared in the 3rd century BC in Greek. It didn't appear in its current form in print until the 19th century, but in the meantime there were various written forms that expressed much the same thought. Toyota in 1997 is widely credited with coining the saying in the Hybrid arena with the Prius.
The Prius is still one ugly car. Not very politically correct, therefore apologies in advance if you own one, and our deepest sympathies to Toyota designers. If you don't own one, or didn't design the thing yourself, you probably agree with this opinion. Luckily they are slightly improving with each new revision. But assassinating the design of Toyota's Prius is not the intention of this opinionated article.
Sex Appeal: Fiat
Sex Appeal: Fiat
It has the reputation of the car all girls adore and has been voted the 'sexiest' car on the road - by women. In a recent survey women were asked for their definition of sex on wheels and the Fiat 500 came out way ahead of Ferraris, Lamborghinis and all those other cars which men think women are impressed by. A car with the roominess of a phone box, and the acceleration of a scooter. But Fiat cannot churn them out fast enough.
Now the next generation of Fiats will feature designs inspired by the 500. With the next Punto and Bravo likely to be the first models to adopt the new look. Although the styling of the current Punto has been widely praised, Fiat considers that it apparently puts off a significant amount of female buyers. The slightly aggressive design will go, in favour of a softer cuter approach. The change of design direction is crucial for Fiat, which needs to widen the appeal of a model range that is very dependent on small cars. More than that, it faces intensifying competition from many downsizing rivals that have not previously had models in the small car segment. But Fiat has to be careful with this strategy.
Retro Styling
Retro Styling
In the last decade car companies have undergone brand evolution that set new exploration leaps into retro styling. Most have reached back into history and grabbed their immortal iconic designs worthy of classic classification. Unfortunately few manage to achieve acceptance, and able to become main emblems of automotive retro-styling winning the hearts of consumers. Some car brands might argue that their modern versions never stray from their core ethos, so perhaps they are not in dire need of visiting the past for inspiration. On the other hand, many current styles don't bear much resemblance to past classic generations.
Very few releases stay true to original concepts and spawn an insurgence of retro inspiration in automotive design. A well achieved modern retro car can be the perfect way to complement a lifestyle. Maybe a way to stand out from the crowd in the company car park. There are two ways to get into driving a retro car. You can either buy a genuine retro classic car from the previous century, or get a modern retro style car.
Mood Navigation
Mood Navigation
Navigation systems have been around for ages and constantly developing every day. Getting directions is fine, but sometimes you want to discover a new world. Maybe find a new activity, a trendy restaurant or shop. But why settle for location? What about setting a discovery quest based on mood? Enter mood navigation, a function that allows users to search for things based on their mood.
You don’t know where to go, but you know how you feel. Choose a mood and be adventurous.
Charity Car Adventures
Charity Car Adventures
Recent generations feel the world is just a little bit too safe for them. Gone are the days where the edge of the map called you forth to discover what lay beyond - satellite maps and GPS have it laid out before you leave the armchair. A bit of cheap nostalgic danger and adventure never hurt anyone.
What if you want things to go wrong? What if you want a bit of unknown in a world full of health and safety measures? What if the words "adventure travel" conjure images of old ladies on a guided tour to Everest base camp with all the danger and real adventure neatly removed? What you need is a charity car adventure on a budget like the Mongol Rally. Gumball for the masses at a time of global recession!
True Meaning Of Green $
True Meaning Of Green $
A new generation of mean, green, marketing machine has been shifting attitudes towards electric cars. Most large automotive companies are still pouring money into electric vehicle development, and venture capitalists are still hot on their heels. Despite the epic financial recession, venture capital investment in green automotive technology keeps rising, and the biggest winners; smart automotive suppliers. But it isn't just about electric vehicles, it is also about time automotive companies started considering complete energy and manufacturing cycles.
The problems faced by the traditional automotive industry, particularly companies in the US, have been well documented. Maybe only to support a glorified lessons-learned system that will never see the light of day. But for many outside investors, now is "THE opportunity" to take a chunk of the market themselves by supporting new clean technologies. Those investors are perhaps supported by naive government initiatives to drive green solutions forward. This opinion based on recent investment decisions in the automotive industry. Governments are being urged to use their new-found power over the banks to pursue environmental goals. They should create a "green bank" to finance the building of energy infrastructures for a low-carbon economy. One idea to raise money; banks should issue green bonds. The borrowing could be specifically for low-carbon investment, and the bonds guaranteed by the governments, making them a sound bet for investors.
