Innovations in the automobile industry have always been undertaken in response to change and the changing needs of the customers. Current innovations do take into consideration the emerging issues such as environmental awareness, safety concerns, comfort, fitting of new software to increase efficiency, and the general view of luxury. The current innovations in cars have influenced the market trends and growth of the industry thus contributing to the growth and development of the economies. Innovations range from hardware designs to software. The current innovations and trends in cars have been influenced by consumer attitudes towards car purchase with a focus on fashion-conscious strategies (Morrison, 2007).
Innovations in interior design have focused on ergonomics and the comfort of the passengers. This has been enhanced through “the development of shapes, proportions, surfaces, and placement of instrument panels such as seats, doors, pillar, trims, and headliner among others,” (Automobile, 2010, p. 1). Current innovations in cars’ interiors incorporate customized materials to create uniqueness and individuality in the clients. Interior design has been focused on ensuring that the driver and passenger interact with their vehicles and increased flexibility to serve their dynamic needs (Dodge, 2009; Fusion exterior design, 2009).
The focus of exterior design has been on “surfaces, proportions, and shapes of the vehicles,” (Automobile, 2010, p. 1). The innovations in exterior design have focused on the customization of past designs with few differences in engine capacity. Current innovations in the exterior innovations of cars focus on creativity and research to produce cars that fit in with the individuality of the customers through eliciting emotional reactions.
There has been an enlarged scope of design choices with customization of past designs to fit in a new era that has drawn a lot of inspiration from art in all areas such as the Japanese art of folding paper in the design of the BMW X Coupe concept car (Springer Link, 2007). The color and materials design has focused on research, designing, and development of interiors and exteriors. Current innovations have also focused on creativity in design and research to incorporate new materials. The process has focused on the specifications, needs, and individuality of the customers with the incorporation of customized cars that fit in with the culture and relate well with the clients (Foresee car design, 2010).
Diesel cars have been termed as slow and noisy though cheap (Ecomoto, 2007). However, current innovations have produced diesel cars fixed with high-performance engines. In addition, the cars have been fitted with particulate filters with high speed of the engine and clean filters.
Petrol cars are economical due to their economic value, especially on short distances. They are the highest used. Current innovations have been in the incorporation of dual systems that allow cars to run on either gasoline or LP gas. Manufacturers have also adopted direct injection fuel systems where injection of petrol is into the cylinder and not mixed with air to improve the fuel economy (Springer Link, 2007).
Car innovations in the recent era have thus focused on mitigating effects such as environmental pollution and effects of global warming (McLernon, 2009). International concerns have focused on the green concept and hence the development of green cars. There has been increased development of hybrid and electric cars and air and battery-powered cars such as the Toyota Prius which minimize carbon emissions (Zero pollution motor air car, 2010).
The adaptation of the green concept has been revealed in the exterior design through the use of recyclable materials for car bodies. Interior design has incorporated materials that are environmental-friendly in car parts and the design of interfaces such as speakers. Focus has also been on the provision of sound-proof systems to avoid pollution (Ecomoto, 2007). There has been increased innovation in fuel vehicles such as liquified petroleum gas (LPG).
This is because LPG is termed as a green fuel due to its ability to decrease exhaust emissions and run smoothly decreasing engine wear and tear (Ecomoto, 2007). Another innovation in cars has been the LPG cars that have engines meant to run on propane (Zero pollution motor air car, 2010). However, the cars have dual systems for gasoline and LP gas because of the few LP gas stations available. The engines are designed to automatically switch between the two fuels (Ecomoto, 2007).
The government has influenced developments in the car industry, especially in the green concerns. The government also steps in during economic recessions to boost the industry in matters such as funding of the car industry, providing incentives such as tariff reduction and packages for greener production especially in the manufacturing industry (Coopers, 2008).
The greatest impact of the new car innovations is on the environment. The new innovations will enable car users to reduce air pollution due to the reduced levels of carbon dioxide emitted by cars. This will in turn have a long-term reversal effect on climatic change (Guardian, 2004)).
The new car innovations will help car owners to reduce the amount of money spent on car fuel. This is because the new car innovations will produce cars that are fuel-efficient and which can use alternative forms of fuel. Thus, society will be able to save or reallocate the money that was initially spent on car fuel to other more important uses. Lastly, the new car innovations do not compromise the luxury and comfort of car users. People will still be able to enjoy these benefits but at considerably lower costs.
Reference List
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McLernon, N. (2009). The U.S. is Green with In-sourcing Innovation. Web.
Morrison, A. (2007). The Automobile as Accessory: current car trends. Web.
Springer Link. (2007). Cultural differences influence government policy on vehicle innovation. Web.
Zero pollution motor air car. (2010). Green hybrid electric cars. Web.