CAR TREND:
TOUCH SCREEN DASHBOARDS

Now turning to car trends and the evolution of user interfaces.

This year it’s all about the touch-screen dashboards
Carmakers are replacing more and more analog dials and controls with touch-screen displays. 

They were used in nearly every electric or hybrid vehicle unveiled at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show, such as Volkswagen’s E-Up! concept car and Citroen's Revolte - whose touch-sensitive screens find the nearest charging stations. 

The Range Rover also integrates more controls now into touch-screen than previous models.

Bottom line: knobs, buttons and hard controls are an endangered species .

LATEST TRENDS:
LUXURY CARS

When it comes to the high-end cars- consumers today expect a car to be environmentally ethical. 



Lotus, Ferrari and Porsche now all have hybrids with varying levels of technology, from fuel cells to plug-in engines.

The new BMW  7 Series will have better performance stats in the hybrid, than the traditional fuel-powered.

Rolls Royce is rumored to be conceiving an all electric model.

Porsche’s 918 Spyder concept marks a new phase of its racing design–one that combines electric technology with speed. 

However, for these companies one of the bigger design challenges is to handle the extra weight, multiple engines and heavy batteries can add hundreds of pounds. They have to maintain the performance that built their brands.

Ferrari has unveiled the 599. The 599, which could take up to five years before being produced for market, is said to get 25 mpg. It doesn’t sound like much compared to 50 common in the sedan market, but compare it to the low teens that “standard" Ferraris get. 

Over at Mercedes, a $100,000 hybrid plug-in on the market is out there but now it has upped its own creation with the F800. Technology is certainly driving the luxury brands to enter the hybrid space, but there’s another nagging influence too. The European Union is enacting stricter and stricter emissions standards, forcing these former bruiser engine companies to think green or pay the price

LUXURY CAR TREND:
'VEHICLE CUSTOMIZATION'

The latest in car trends: Vehicle Customization

This means made to measure cars, just the way you want it.

 

BMW is going strong with its Made-to-Order Cars. They can than build a car exactly the way you want it, and fast.  This gives them a competitive edge over Mercedes and Audi. Today 15% of people custom-order their cars. BMW hopes to get 40% of its buyers to do it by 2015.

 

Let’s say you want titanium silver with a 5-liter turbocharged V8 engine; multicontoured, heated seats; navigation system; and some odd ball color interior - then you can get it.

Vehicle customization has been around for a while, but it is only recently that people are picking up on it.

BMW is launching a marketing push to convince more consumers to order their car exactly the way they want it and have it delivered in two to six weeks. To entice you, BMW provides a video link of your car being "born" while you're waiting for delivery. 

A survey by J.D. Power & Associates found that customers whose cars are equipped exactly the way they want - are more satisfied with their purchase.

Another big trend continuing at BMW: the X model.
There is a $750 million expansion at the Spartanburg plant going on to make room for a second BMW SUV, the "redesigned" X3.

TRENDING:
BMW 'VEHICLE CUSTOMIZATION'


Now turning to the latest car trends..."Vehicle Customization"

Meaning made-to-measure cars, jusssst the way you want them BMW is going strong with its Made-to-Order Cars.

This gives them a competitive edge over Mercedes and Audi.

Today 15% of people custom-order their cars.

BMW hopes to get 40% of its buyers to do it by 2015.

So you if you want...let's say Titanium silver with a 5-liter turbocharged V8 engine; multi-contoured, navigation system; and some odd ball color interior - then you can get it.

Vehicle customization has been around for a bit - but now people are realllly using it.

BMW is launching a marketing push to convince more consumers to order their car exactly the way they want it and take delivery in two to six weeks.

To entice you - BMW provides a video link of your car being "born" while you're waiting for delivery.

The big trend continuing at BMW - that X model There is a $750 million expansion at the Spartanburg plant going on - to make room for a second BMW SUV, the "redesigned" X3.

A survey by J.D. Power & Associates found that customers whose cars are equipped exactly the way they want - are more "satisfied" with their purchase.

CAR TREND:
LUXURY HYBRIDS


The big trend remains the luxury hybrid. Porsche now has a fuel efficient vehicle - the Cayenne S sports utility car.

400 pounds lighter, sleeker and more Porsche-like in appearance, it has eight-speed automatic transmission. The Cayenne S and Cayenne Turbo go on sale in July 2010 as a 2011 model.

What makes the Cayenne S Hybrid unique is its ability to cruise at high speeds on electric power alone. The gasoline engine can be completely switched off and disengaged at speeds of up to 97 mph.

CAR TREND:
FORMULA 1


Mercedes is using Formula 1's Michael Schumacher to attract younger drivers

Daimler AG's Mercedes wants to recover from a 10% sales slide in 2009 by lowering the average age of its customers. To attract the new customer base, it reached a publicity coup by luring seven-time champion Michael Schumacher out of retirement to race for its new Formula One tea. Mercedes wants to shake off its "old man's car" image.

Some 38 percent of Mercedes' clients in its biggest market of Germany are older than 60 and now targeting younger drivers with four new compact cars.

"Schumacher fits perfectly with the Mercedes brand", says Daimler. People in their 30's who grew up idolizing him are now looking at making their first premium car purchase

CAR TREND:
SELF-PARKING SYSTEMS


More manufacturers are rolling cars out with systems that guide you into parking spaces.

Ford, Lexus, Lincoln, and Mercury are now offering self-parking features on nine different 2010 models.

There are computer-controlled sensors that find open parking spaces based on their estimation of the proximity of other vehicles. Once an open space is detected, it directs the wheel to parallel park. The driver controls the speed with the gas and brake pedals but the maneuvering of the vehicle into the spaceis done by the car itself.

Car companies are trying to distinguish themselves from competitors and it's getting harder and harder to do that with traditional methods like increased safety and reliability.

Lexus has introduced the system to showcase its flagship LS as "one of the most technologically-advanced cars in the world." Lexus has found that those who buy luxury vehicles are more receptive to the feature.

About 10% to 15% of the top-of-the-line Lexus models are now being purchased with the option. Keep in mind, the option comes with a price tag, anywhere from $400 up to $4,000 US.

CAR NEWS:
CHINA SALES


Just some telling stats, from a April 29, 2010 New York Times article about that most traditional of traditional status symbols: big, luxury cars:

Sales of Mercedes-Benz cars in China soared 112% in the first quarter of 2010, to 23,600 vehicles.

Rolls Royce says that sales in China, its third-largest market after the US and Britain, rose 200% in the first quarter of 2010.

SUV sales in China are expected to double, from 847,000 units per year to 1.54 million in 2015. (Source: TruckTrend.com, March 2010.)

Before you think this is only about China or Asia: the Austrian Traffic Club (VCÖ) said the number of registrations of SUVs showed a 22.5% year-on-year increase in 2009.

CAR TREND:
HOLISTIC DESIGN


Car designs are now going holistic. All of their components are being integrated seamlessly. The most significant trend is the way front and rear lamps bleed into the surrounding body panels, with its shape being defined more by the shapes of the surrounding elements. Also, some of its corners are bleeding into thin strands that reach out of the main light graphic. Another trend are body-types that are the alternative to the sedan. These new body types vary in shapes and sizes, and are simple additions to the fleet of luxury car brands. Brands such as BMW, Mercedes Benz, and Audi are following this trend.

CELEB DESIGNER:
VICTORIA BECKHAM FOR RANGE ROVER

Victoria Beckham is a fashion trendsetter. Her husband is sports star David Beckham and she is known for nothing other than style these days. Victoria is now known as a designer and now she's moving from jeans and dresses and sunglasses to cars. She will be designing Range Rover interiors - high heels and luxury wheels! She has just been named Ranger Rover's new Creative Design Executive. The company seems to feel she understands luxury products and is a Range Rover fan and owner for years. Victoria will be collaborating on future special edition Range Rover design projects and will be starting with her new design - a Special Edition Range Rover called: EVOQUE - as in evocative. It's the 40th anniversary of the Range Rover. Evoque will join the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport in dealerships in fall, 2011 as the smallest, lightest and most fuel efficient luxury SUV that the brand has ever produced.

CAR TRENDS:
TAG HEUER


Now turning to two major trendsetting companies that have announced a worldwide marketing partnership. Luxury Swiss watchmaker TAG Heuer and the high-end electric carmaker Tesla Motors - have teamed up as TAG celebrates its 150th anniversary. TAG Heuer has become one of the world's best-known luxury brands -- it makes avant-garde watches, eyewear and premium mobile phones for refined consumers around the globe. Their customers' and Tesla's customers match up quite well. Advertising Age magazine recently named Tesla one of America's "hottest brands." Owners of both companies' products are people who appreciate engineering excellence and prefer products that put a premium on efficiency and technological innovation. The Tesla Roadster has quickly become the must-have car among Hollywood celebrities, European royalty and socially responsible trendsetters worldwide. Tesla remains the only automaker selling highway-capable electric cars. The Tesla Roadster accelerates faster than nearly any other supercar yet is twice as energy efficient as a Toyota Prius On display at the recent Geneva Motor Show was the 2010 TAG Heuer Tesla Roadster. A one-of-a-kind collector's car with a unique interior that uses TAG Heuer's avant-garde design elements and a specially designed center console due to TAG Heuer's cutting edge concept watch. It also features a TAG Heuer mobile phone as well as a one-fifth second Heuer Limited Edition Stopwatch. Based in here in California, Tesla has delivered more than 1,000 cars to consumers in 21 countries. The newest addition to the TAG Heuer legacy is the Calibre 1887, an in-house, Swiss manufactured, integrated column-wheel chronograph movement that pays tribute to the original Heuer oscillating pinion of 1887, one of the brand's first patents and a major benchmark in modern watch making. If you're interested: Tesla sells cars online and from showrooms and galleries in South Florida, London, Munich, Monaco, California's Silicon Valley, Los Angeles, Colorado, New York, Seattle, and Chicago.

It's delivered more than 1,000 cars to customers in at least 21 countries worldwide.

CAR TREND:
TESLA ROADSTER


So many celebs drive this car in Hollywood now and the trendsetting company Tesla Motors, maker of plug-sports cars has a new lease program. The car costs $110 thousand US. You can now lease a 2010 Tesla Roadster or Roadster Sport with a three year, 30,000 mile contract and with monthly payments of $1,658. At the end of the term, you'll be able to purchase the groundbreaking Roadster or pay a fee and walk away. The roadster, rockets from zero to 60 miles per hour in less than four seconds. If the price is still too high for you, hang on. The company is also selling a $50,000 BMW-esque sedan for those who don't want a sports car.

CAR TRENDS 2010


Now turning to the latest car trend. Despite the recession, there is a trend toward 'power' in a 'retro' way. After a long wait, you heard the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro is here. Not much has changed styling wise although it is done in a more modern way with retro styling with contemporary elements. Also back are the Ford Mustang and the Dodge Challenger. The new Camaro is available in a V-8-powered SS (as well as V6). The 2010 model lacks the vintage look of the current Dodge Challenger or Ford's 2005-09 Mustang. The 2010 Camaro is not totally retro like the Mustang. Out among traffic, though, the new Camaro stands out and Consumer reaction so far has been very positive.

CAR TRENDS | Spring 2010


Now turning to the latest car trend for spring 2010: Speed.

Despite the recession, there IS a trend toward POWER in a retro way. After a long wait, you heard the 2010 Chevrolet Camaro is here. Not much has changed styling wise although it IS done in a more modern way; retro styling with contempary elements. Also back are the Ford Mustang and the Dodge Challenger. The new Camaro, is available in in a V-8-powered SS (as well as V6)

The 2010 Chevrolet Camaro is a 2-door coupe. A 2-door convertible version. The 2010 Camaro shares some of its basic design with the now-discontinued Pontiac G8 large sedan. Its body styling is inspired by the 1969 Camaro. LS, 1LT, 2LT, 1SS, and 2SS trim levels are offered.

Two engines are available--a V6 and a V8. The V6 is a 3.6-liter unit that produces 304 horsepower. It's available on LS and LT. SS versions with a manual transmission get a 426-horsepower 6.2-liter V8. Automatic-equipped SS models also get a 6.2-liter V8, but it makes 400 horsepower and features GM's Active Fuel Management cylinder deactivation. V6 versions also offer a manual or automatic transmission. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front-side airbags, and curtain-side airbags. An RS Package for LT and SS models includes bi-xenon headlights, specific trim, and on LT versions, 20-inch wheels.

All Camaros are available with 21-inch wheels. Rear-obstacle detection is standard on the 2LT and 2SS and optional on the 1LT. Other available features include a wireless cell-phone link, USB port, satellite radio, and remote engine start. An optional Transformers Special Edition package includes specific trim inspired by the movie of the same

TECH TRENDS 2010:
TOUCH SCREEN DASHBOARDS


This year, one of the most revolutionary new additions to your car is a touch-screen dashboard. Carmakers are beginning to replace analog dials and controls with touch-screen displays. They were used in nearly every electric or hybrid vehicle unveiled at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show , such as Volkswagon's E-Up! and Citroen's REVOLTe, whose touch-sensitive screens locate the nearest charging stations. Previous electric vehicles, such as Chrysler's 200C EV Concept and the Tesla Model S, show off huge swaths of touch-sensitive real estate (the 200C has no analog console controls), while other vehicles feature smaller touch-screen innovations. The decidedly nonelectric 2010 Range Rover comes with a 12-inch "dual view" display, which lets the driver check GPS directions while the passenger watches a DVD, both peering at the same display. The Range Rover also integrates more controls into its touch-screen interface than previous models, further proof that knobs, buttons and other "hard" controls are an endangered interface.

CAR TREND: LUXURY DRIVING, THE SPYKER


If you want the wild Hollywood car today - the SPYKER is for you. It's a Dutch firm and it building exotic cars as fashion accessories. While Ferrari and Porsche have speed and performance - Spyker has cornered the market on style Hot today is the new SPYKER AILERON. It's powered by a 400 horsepower V8. These cars are not for racetrack - they're for getting attention.

If you want a sports car that is the real deal besides Porsche, Ferrari, Maserati and Corvette. In England it's Aston Martin. For almost 90 years, it's the sports car of royalty. The latest is the Aston Martin DBS. It's the flagship model. It's the car Bond drives in Quantum of Solace. Remember that 6 minute car chase scene in opening?

It's all about performance design and control. It's 22 pounds lighter and has a horsepower greater than the DB9. The company says it hits 60 miles per hour in just over 4 seconds, and it has a top speed of 191 miles per hour. Aston Martin now has Kuwati money and it's completely been remade by Ford.

CAR COLOR TREND: WHITE


Now turning to the trends in car colors....What are the most popular? Well, according to the findings of the 2008 DuPont Automotive Color Popularity Report, released this month. DuPont provides coatings for automakers' production lines, and for the collision repair industry.

20% of North America's car buyers choose white. Can you believe? Black and silver are #2 and 3. 17% of buyers prefer those two colors. Blue ranks fourth (13%) and gray is 5th 12%).

Why white? Well, the Pantone Color Institute says: Special pigments called "white effects" can subtly alter a variety of shades, allowing drivers to express their personal styles. Car colors with altered white tones include "Performance White" on the Ford Mustang, Lexus IS 250's "Star Fire Pearl" and "Calla White" on the Audi Q7. This is the second year white has topped the list."These nuances are more obvious in white, It catches the light easily. If you have a pigmented finish, it is going to be more obvious on a white car."

The report, which measures car colors' percentages of North American market share, found that while black, white and silver remain the most well-liked, other trends are emerging. Buyers looking for ways to differentiate their cars from others on the road are trying out tri-coat systems, which comprise a base coat, a mid layer containing the color and a special "effect" pigment, and a clear coat and "earth-friendly" tones like blue are gaining popularity, 13% of buyers preferred blue this year. Blue is especially popular among buyers looking to live a greener lifestyle, since it is widely perceived to be representative of nature.

Interestingly, green was chosen by just 3% of North American buyers.

LUXURY AFFORDABLE CARS


Looking for a luxury car?

Which are the most dependable?

The Lexus, according to a new 2008 JD Power and Associates Vehicle Study says it's the one. It came in first as the most dependable overall. Lexus consistently produces high rankings because it makes improvements in the design and manufacturing based on consumer feedback. This company takes the voice of the consumer to heart. Just in the last year or two - according to Forbes - Lexus showed improvements in it's exterior quality with a paint more resistant to fading and scratches. In the study - Lexus brand recorded the lowest number of reported problems at 120 per 100 vehicles and is the second most desired brand among heavy luxury buyers (Porche is #1) Another car that did well, the Lincoln Town car, the BMW Z4 and the Honda S2000.

CADILLAC GOES SPORTY


Cadillac is not known for its station wagons. Well, there's now the 2010 CTS Sport Wagon, unveiled at this year's Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in Monterey, California. The Sport Wagon has the sharp style of the CTS sedan (Cadillac's most popular model) with fin-like tail lamps that extend from bumper level to roofline and a sculpted lift back. Concealed cargo rails with removable crossbars help manage larger loads and the longer profile accommodates a new panoramic glass moonroof. It's got 304-horsepower 3.6 liter V-6 with direct fuel injection and available all-wheel drive. The Sport Wagon reaches dealerships next spring and in the autumn of '09- a third CTS model - a dramatic two-door inspired by the CT Coupe C concept form January's Detroit auto show gets launched.

TREND: OFFICE IN THE CAR


Now turning to a big driving trend. the trend of in car technology...Having an office in your car.

This is big in LA and now catching on elsewhere. Automakers are aware and have been assisting.

We now need technology in the vehicle to make sure we can run our businesses now matter where we go.

In the US alone - there are 27 million small business owners and the vast majority don't have employees. the owner is the employee....now more cars have features we need..

Take Fords F series....they're popular among equipment-hauling contractors who conduct much of their work at the site where the work is done. as part of Fords Work solutions package - they can get a stationary broadband computer in the dashboard that allows them to print invoices, check inventories and access documents stored in their home or office computers.

IN - VEHICLE ELECTRONICS


So, does your car have a navigation system, or are you still asking for directions and struggling with road maps? The stats are out: 'In-vehicle consumer electronics' will grow at a rate of 13 per cent in 2008 to more than 12.8 billion this year.

So what are we buying?

According to the Consumer Electronics Association, we spend nearly 17 hours a week in our cars and 38% of us will purchase an in-vehicle electronic gadget before the year is out.

At the top of the list: - remote vehicle starters - navigation systems - car alarms - HD and satellite radio - and DVD players.

BMW X6


In the market for a new car. I want to tell you about the new BMW.

Have you seen the BMW X6 yet?? BMW is the star right now - the hot car on the road is the world's first 'sport utility coupe': THE X6.

It's a classy version of the old SUV but it's more like a CAR. It has perfect styling, a sleek roofline and the power, performance and amazing handling like all BMW's. It has 4 sculpted seats and high tech gizmos.

(as long as gas stays under 5 thousand dollars a fill up you should be ok :-)

MERCEDES 'GLK'


If you saw the Sex and the City movie, you noticed the high profile presence of Mercedes.

Marketers went full steam ahead on this film and there's even a new trend now in marketing with companies such as American Express that are now going all out for their female consumers.

Car companies are also targeting females like never before.

Mercedes Benz chose the movie to launch its new SUV: THE GLK.

Available only in January, it's the one Samantha loads up on Rodeo Drive.

Mercedes is known to build the best convertible in the world. Did you know California and Los Angeles are the home to the worlds most Mercedes drivers anywhere on the planet? Every 3 to 4 years Mercedes gives its big models a major overhaul. Well, this is the year, there were massive engineering changes to, what the company calls, the new REFRESHED SLK convertible, the SL. It's compact and is described as the shape of SUVs to come.

It's compact and is described as the shape of SUVs to come.

The name comes from "G" for its cross-country ability, "L" for luxury and "K" for Kompaktheit or "compactness". It's got a four-cylinder diesel engine combined with a 7G - tronic seven speed automatic transmission and 4MATIC all-wheel drive. Features include: a rear entertainment system with two screens and three-zone automatic climate control and an air scarf that blows warm air onto your neck. Sticker price: under $40 thousand US.