PRESENTED BY PLANNING GROUP 06/13/13

INSIGHTS & TRENDS AUTOMOTIVE

INFORM

INSPIRE

ECO-URBAN

WHAT IS IT? Opportunities arising from the growing demand of the green-conscious citysumers for environmentally friendly products and services.

ECO-URBAN

Urban Air Urban billboards transformed into floating gardens.

Non-Preso Version Notes: October 2012 saw Los Angeles-based artist Stephen Glassman launch a project on Kickstarter to transform billboards in the city into 'floating' bamboo gardens. The Urban Air project uses billboards' steel and wooden frames, and bamboo planters which can be watered via an integrated misting system. The planters will be equipped with wifi-enabled sensors tracking data such as temperature and air quality.

Daewoo Debut of world’s first wall-mounted washer.

Non-Preso Version Notes: In May 2012, Korea-based Daewoo Electronics introduced the Mini Washing Machine. At around one-sixth the size of a regular washing machine, the appliance is the world’s first wall-mountable washing machine, and is designed for city-dwellers with limited floor space. The eco-friendly Mini runs a 60% shorter wash cycle and consumes 80% less water and 86% less energy than regular machines, retailing for USD 789.

Navia Driverless electric vehicle designed for busy urban areas.

Non-Preso Version Notes: December 2012 saw France-based automotive brand Induct announce the first deliveries of its Navia vehicle as part of a partnership with Switzerland’s Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne. The driverless electric shuttle is designed for use in pedestrian-heavy areas such as airport parking lots, shopping malls and universities. The Navia can carry up to eight passengers with a maximum speed of 12.5 mph, and uses laser range finders, cameras, accelerometers and GPS technology to calculate position, route and distance traveled.

Scrap Car Plant Tree

Vehicle scrappage scheme turns old cars into new trees.

Non-Preso Version Notes: Launched in the UK in October 2012, Scrap Car Plant Tree encourages owners of old cars to donate their vehicle in order to raise money for the creation of new green spaces in UK cities. The scheme enables car owners to donate automobiles to the Trees for Cities charity, by giving details of their vehicle and arranging a pick-up time. Scrap Car Plant Tree tows cars within one to three days, after which they are taken to a scrap yard or put up for auction if still roadworthy; funds go to helping plant new trees in the UK.

Electric urban car collapses for easy parking.

Hiriko Fold

Non-Preso Version Notes: In September 2012, researchers at MIT’s Changing Places Group and Spanish non-profit initiative Denokinn began testing the Hiriko Fold; a fully electric vehicle which can be collapsed into a more compact shape for parking. The vehicle can drive 120km on a full charge, and is 2.5 meters long when unfolded. The Hiroko Fold's front chassis is capable of being tilted upwards, allowing three of the cars to fit into a standard parking space, with just one large door at the front to save space. Priced at EUR 12,500, the Hiriko Fold will be available from 2013.

Lotus charger acts as solar refueling station and bench/streetlamp. LumineXence

Non-Preso Version Notes: Available from November 2011, the Lotus charger from Italian product design brand LumineXence is a solar-powered electric vehicle charger which also functions as an LED streetlamp and bench. Via a 2.8 KW photovoltaic surface (which absorbs solar energy) and waterproof electrical outlet, consumers can charge an electric vehicle, while a variety of paint options on offer ensure that the charger fits in with its surroundings. The covered bench and streetlight features mean that the charger would be especially useful in urban environments where space is at a premium.

HUMAN BRANDS

WHAT IS IT? Consumers embrace brands that contribute to society or stand for something. They want to feel their decisions are part of something bigger rather than just a transaction.

HUMAN BRANDS

Radio-controlled miniature MINI vehicle used during Olympic events. MINI

Non-Preso Version Notes: At the London Olympic and Paralympic Games in August 2012, Mini's 'mini Mini' radio-controlled Cooper hatchback vehicles were used to retrieve javelins, hammers and discuses during athletics events. The miniature cars were built at one quarter of the scale of Mini's Cooper model, and were operated via remote control. The battery-powered mini Minis could carry weights of up to eight kilos.

Mobile app shows drivers how to reduce their carbon footprint. Volkswagen

Non-Preso Version Notes: June 2012 saw Volkswagen release a mobile app in China designed to raise awareness about automotive pollution and show drivers how they can reduce their carbon footprint. The free Blue Mobility app works in the user's vehicle, tracking driver behavior and then analyzing this, in order to generate tips on how to modify driving and make savings on fuel. Blue Mobility also generates scores for each user's performance which can be shared across social networks.

BMW Creates mock-up of child’s dream car. BMW USA

Non-Preso Version Notes: US-based automobile blog Jalopnik posted a letter from a reader that included a four-year-old boy's description of his dream car. The blogger challenged readers to submit designs of the 42-wheeled BMW, which had 19 Porsche engines, and three steering wheels. In February 2013, BMW USA thanked the child for his idea and posted a drawing (created by the BMW marketing team) on Facebook of how his car might look.

Toyota promotes hybrid vehicle with ‘positive moments’ campaign Toyota

Non-Preso Version Notes: In April 2013, Toyota launched an initiative in the UK to promote the Prius Plug-in Hybrid. The Toyota Positive campaign involved a series of films in which strangers were surprised by 'positive' actions. Fashion blogger Burkatron gave shoppers in London free vintage apparel from a selection she curated, while swing band The Jive Aces played free concerts for the residents of two retirement homes. The automaker encouraged viewers to submit their own suggestions for 'positive moments', and the winners were provided with a Prius for a day to help achieve their idea.

BRANDED BRANDS

WHAT IS IT? Two (or more) brands bring their unique competencies to the table to deliver the best to their customers. They combine the best from multiple worlds to re-imagine or invent a new, unique product, service or experience.

BRANDED BRANDS

Aston Martin collaborates with silversmiths on home décor range

Aston Martin

Non-Preso Version Notes: In January 2013, Aston Martin released Silver by Aston Martin, a limited-edition range of silverware for the home, designed in collaboration with silversmiths Grant Macdonald. Launched to coincide with the British automotive brand’s centenary, the range was inspired by Aston Martin's classic cars and included five categories: eating, drinking, gifts, models, travel and picnic and bespoke.

Limited edition Smart car designed by Zadin & Voltaire Smart

Non-Preso Version Notes: In February 2013, automotive brand Smart unveiled a limited edition four two  vehicle designed in collaboration with fashion brand Zadig & Voltaire. Only 300 of the cars were produced, featuring panels finished with the French fashion brand's signature motif. The limited edition four two was priced from EUR 17,100.

Toyota driver can control GPS via Nintendo DS Toyota

Non-Preso Version Notes: In May 2012, Toyota launched a facility enabling drivers in Japan to control in-vehicle Smart Navi GPS units via Nintendo DS and Bluetooth. Drivers or passengers can purchase a ‘Kuruma de DS’ utility card (costing USD 92) which is inserted into the Nintendo console; users can then set destinations via the DS and sync their device with the Smart Navi system to save places if they wish.

Bentley collaborates with Lalique on limited edition fragrance Bentley

Non-Preso Version Notes: In April 2013, luxury automotive brand Bentley collaborated with French crystal maker Lalique on Lalique for Bentley Crystal Edition. The scent for men has notes of wood and leather (inspired by Bentley cars) and is presented in a Lalique-designed crystal bottle topped with the Bentley logo. Only 999 bottles of the GBP 3,000 fragrance were made.

Celebrates 50th Anniversary with BMC Switzerland collaboration. Lamborghini

Non-Preso Version Notes: In March 2013, Lamborghini celebrated its 50th anniversary with a collaboration with bicycle brand BMC Switzerland. Inspired by the Aventador vehicle, the bike was constructed from lightweight carbon and painted in the brand's signature yellow shade. Produced on a made-to-order basis, the Lamborghini 50th Anniversary Edition impec was priced at EUR 25,000.

Mini Paceman modified by Roberto Cavalli for annual Life Ball charity

Cavalli Paceman

Non-Preso Version Notes: The Life Ball is a charity event held in Vienna, Austria every year that raises money to fight the spread of HIV and AIDS. Since 2001, the year of its reintroduction, Mini has been involved with the ball, auctioning a car that has been made over by a world-famous designer. This year Cavalli gets the nod and a Paceman for a canvas.

NEXT TECH

Longer distances, for free, indefinitely. Tesla Supercharge

Non-Preso Version Notes: Tesla announces a significant expansion of the Supercharger network. Supercharging enables Tesla Model S drivers to travel long distances, for free, indefinitely.

In addition to the expansion of the Supercharger network itself, Tesla has improved the technology behind the Superchargers to significantly speed up the amount of time it takes to charge Model S, in some cases cutting charging time in half.

Texas Instruments moves DLP tech into the dash for safer drives.

HEADS UP DLP

Non-Preso Version Notes: This means that information such as navigation indicators can be displayed for the driver right on the windshield, alleviating the need for them to take their eyes off the road. Much of the system is focused around reducing distracted driving, and as TI’s senior vice president, Kent Novak put it “With our partners, we’re delivering the same connected, immersive experiences that consumers expect from smartphones, tablets, gaming systems, and more into the cabins of modern cars and vehicles, but in a less distracting and more usable way.”

Intelligent technology allows cars to talk to one another, on the road. V to V

Non-Preso Version Notes: Much of the auto innovation is intended

to stop or minimize collision. Inter-auto connectivity will give cars the ability to sense each other and act when you can’t. The idea of looking down only to look up at a set of brake lights rushing towards you could be a thing of the past.

BEST OF THE REST

SMART IS THE NEW SEXY

Value-focused and tech-savvy consumers are looking for more in everything they buy — from fitness gear to refrigerators — and autos are no exception.

Fuel efficiency, integrated technology, and a long list of innovations appeal to our practical and impractical sides. 

The 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid has been getting lots of buzz for its 47/47 (city/highway)

Tops every hybrid out there except the Prius (51/48). But the Prius is smaller and less powerful than the Fusion.

SHIFTING INTO AUTOPILOT

More drivers are getting comfortable with the idea of letting go of the wheel (but still being able to sit in the driver's seat).    Audi, Lexus, BMW, Chrysler, Nissan and Volvo are just some of the car brands that have responded with features like automatic braking technology, lane detection, speed monitoring sensors and adaptive cruise control. 

Google has already been testing autonomous cars in California and Nevada. 

Audi’s Connect car, showcased at the 2013 Consumer Electronics Show, self-parks.

SOCIAL MORPHING

Consumers continue to expand their social media use beyond one-size-fits-all fixed social networks like Facebook.

Ford drivers who download Glympse’s location-sharing app and pair their mobile device with the vehicle’s in-car connectivity system, SYNC, can use simple voice commands to share their exact coordinates with phone and social network.

Honda piqued pinners' interest in its CR-V, a female-targeted model designed for "getting out and living," by giving top pinners $500 to take a "Pintermission": a 24-hour break from the site to visit places or buy products that they pinned. 

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