View Poll Results: What will be the "next big thing" in the automotive industry?
Sub-compact vehicles like the SMART or Toyota IQ.
15
13.89%
Hybrid vehicles such as the Prius.
42
38.89%
Hydrogen (and other alternative fuel) vehicles like Honda FCX.
14
12.96%
Crossover vehicles replacing popular SUVs.
20
18.52%
Mass produced "Exotics" such as the LF-A, GT-R, and R8.
4
3.70%
Technology in cars that lets it further "drive itself."
9
8.33%
A significant increase in motorcycles/scooters just like in Europe.
4
3.70%
Voters: 108. You may not vote on this poll
What will be the biggest automotive trend in the next 5 years?
02-14-08, 11:57 AM
#1
What will be the biggest automotive trend in the next 5 years?
What do you think it'll be?
Which segment do you think will "explode" into the scene? Make the biggest cultural impact in the automotive world?
How does the future look to you? And are you excited about these changes?
DISCUSS.
Which segment do you think will "explode" into the scene? Make the biggest cultural impact in the automotive world?
How does the future look to you? And are you excited about these changes?
DISCUSS.
02-14-08, 12:35 PM
#3
Lexus Test Driver
It wasn't an easy pick but I voted crossover vehicles. I think that while individual models are very much hit-or-miss, there's been a very clear movement to them recently. Part of it is the notion that SUVs are gas-guzzling as well as the economy dictating lower price purchases, but I think the real factor is that SUVs are simply going out of style. Crossovers seem to be the "fad" that consumers are moving to.
I considered picking tiny vehicles like the Smart, but I don't see gas prices being a huge economic factor here because they're simply not so relevant as to influence consumers to make extreme decisions (e.g., riding around on scooters) - and honestly, as the economy continues to weaken I think we will see a tiny bit of elasticity in fuel pricing drive down fuel costs (which is already happening).
I considered picking tiny vehicles like the Smart, but I don't see gas prices being a huge economic factor here because they're simply not so relevant as to influence consumers to make extreme decisions (e.g., riding around on scooters) - and honestly, as the economy continues to weaken I think we will see a tiny bit of elasticity in fuel pricing drive down fuel costs (which is already happening).
Last edited by gengar; 02-14-08 at 12:45 PM.
02-14-08, 01:51 PM
#7
Toss up between #1,#2 and #4 for me. I chose #1. I figured people will have two cars - one subcompact/super mini/micro car for the city and DD. The "regular" car (compact, midsize, fullsize) will be used for other occasions.
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02-14-08, 06:02 PM
#10
Lexus Fanatic
There will be many trends, but I think the biggest ones will be a public backlash against excessive HP/torque and also more proliferation of hybrids/alternate fuel vehicles. With the economy slowing, more people will be choosing less-expensive vehicles as well.
As more people grow older, there will also be a backlash against stiff suspensions and low-profile tires. Ride comfort has been all but forgotten in the recent rush to BMW-ize and try to turn everything, even luxury cars, into sports-sedans.
As more people grow older, there will also be a backlash against stiff suspensions and low-profile tires. Ride comfort has been all but forgotten in the recent rush to BMW-ize and try to turn everything, even luxury cars, into sports-sedans.
Last edited by mmarshall; 02-14-08 at 06:08 PM.
02-14-08, 07:56 PM
#15
Lexus Champion
