What Trends will set the Future of the Car Industry?

The number of new cars that are being launched at every other motor show across the world is phenomenal. But what trends will make the future of the car industry secure? This is a difficult question to answer. There is no readymade solution. Right now, as far as design is concerned, proportion and styling have given way to decoration and ornamentation. Gaudy treatments of the grilles and a heavy accent on black and chrome is very much in fashion. For example, General Motors is thriving on a fusion of design and style while Ford Motor Company is replacing sophisticated body designs with noses and cockpits that are looking flashy. Volkswagen is giving attention to functions and designing while Mercedes is replacing grace and sophistication with show and flamboyance. It is not anymore fashionable to think big for size. Downsizing is probably becoming one of the topmost priorities for all sizes and price classes of cars. Weight is being considerably reduced across most models. As far as the Japanese market is concerned, with the exception of Toyota, Honda and maybe Nissan, all other car makers are struggling for liquidity and looking out for foreign partners. Subaru is barely surviving with the support from Fuji Heavy Industries. Even with the alliance from the Volkswagen Group, Suzuki has reached nowhere. The cooperation formula is gaining importance once again. The Fiat and Chrysler merger along with the Daimler and Renault partnership comes to mind. To establish a new brand for cars is becoming a very difficult job. There is always a chance for any innovative effort to be bogged down by economic pressure. For example, Tata’s Nano has not at all sold well in India. Saab has also found the same fate with its new models. The settling down of trends with the new models is an uncertain issue as none of the new models have really made an effective impact on the demands of the volatile market. The cars are also not very competitively priced. Distribution has become a tough task. As far as hybrids and electric vehicles are concerned, most of the prospective buyers are asking a question whether the battery is safe and can it be charged with low cost electricity in off-peak times.