Hot Car Trends In 2010

By Sarah Harris

As Honda, Toyota, Peugeot and Citroen inadvertently make our roads safer by recalling nearly all their faulty cars, the remainder of the motor industry is leaping ahead in 2010 with a series of advanced designs and technologies to make our driving experience even more pleasurable.

Ford in particular is producing sleeker, sportier looking cars, with their focus (if you will pardon the pun) on bodylines and big wheels – the new Mustang is a prime example of how a car for the “tennies” should look and perform, and this is a trend which is being mirrored by other major car manufacturers – notably Mercedes, Chevrolet and Chrysler. Everybody seems to be including voice activated navigation systems, Bluetooth capabilities and restricted driving modes as standard, and aiming (or claiming) to produce higher levels of car safety, comfort and vehicle security.

However, the biggest leap forward that we are seeing in 2010 is the drive towards environmental awareness and the further development of hybrid cars that are partially electrically driven or use biofuels (E85) as their energy source.

In what was once a market that existed because it was fashionable rather than profitable, increased public awareness of environmental issues and the demand that something be done about it, has lead to a higher volume of hybrid cars being produced and marketed. Hybrid vehicles are now also becoming easier to buy and sell – both in the new and used car markets.

Some of the key issues and perceptions surrounding hybrid cars are still to be resolved (particularly with the Prius!) but steps such as Fords SmartGauge are addressing any remaining public reticence with novelty value. Gimmickry such as the vine leaves on the EcoGuide act as a constant reminder to drivers to drive more efficiently, and advise new converts to eco-driving when to engage battery power in their vehicles.

More efficient uses of electrical power within the vehicle means that batteries are lasting longer and do not require such a long recharging period – in fact most of the recharging is now done by the other functions of the car. As we are seeing cars produce figures of up to 65 mpg (Honda Insight) and well over 40 mpg on average, more consumers are looking at hybrid cars not only for their environmental friendliness, but also their economy and value.

The prices of these vehicles are also coming down. Mazda is leading the way with their hybrid Tribute series costing little more than a gas driven version, and many of the other Japanese manufacturers are looking at developing similar no-frill, economy models. The government’s introduction of tax credits for up to 30% of the purchase price of hybrid cars, or converting existing gas powered ones, will help cushion the blow of purchasing an environmentally friendly vehicle until such time as the costs reach parity.

As hybrid technologies continue to improve, and become less expensive, the best of the hybrid cars may be some way into the future. There may even be a day when vehicles capable of 65mpg seem inefficient – but not in 2010!

Sarah Harris provides marketing support for Massage Therapy, the premier online resource for those trying to locate a massage therapy school.

Toyota Hybrid Concept Electrifies NAIAS

Toyota FT-CH Hybrid Concept

When it comes to hybrid vehicles, Toyota easily leads the industry. The Toyota Prius is a runaway bestseller, while Lexus offers the only compact premium hybrid model on the market.

Toyota isn’t planning on stopping there, however. The Japanese automaker is looking at bringing out several new models over the next five years including plug-in hybrid, battery electric vehicles, and quite possibly the first production ready hydrogen fuel cell vehicle in 2015.

Toyota FT-CH Concept

On Monday at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit, Toyota introduced a concept which appears to offer a strong hint at where the automaker is heading. Designed and styled in Europe, the FT-CH is 22 inches shorter than the current Prius model, but within a hair breadth of its width. This is important because although the trend is toward smaller vehicles, encroaching on cabin space changes the pictures. With the FT-CH, Toyota can still offer adequate room while reducing overall weight and increasing fuel efficiency.

“Within the next 10 to 20 years, we will not only reach peak oil we will enter a period where demand for all liquid fuels will exceed supply,” said Jim Lentz, TMS president. “A century after the invention of the automobile, we must re-invent it with powertrains that significantly reduce or eliminate the use of conventional petroleum fuels. One of many alternatives is through what is commonly called the electrification of the automobile. By far, the single most successful example of this has been the gas-electric hybrid.”

New Technologies Emerging

Clearly, Toyota has no intention of completing abandoning gas-electric hybrids. Indeed, the FT-CH or something like it will feature a lithium-ion battery pack instead of the current nickel-cadmium battery pack found in today’s Prius, Ford Fusion Hybrid, and other models. The FT-CH might also operate as a pure electric vehicle or Toyota could use the platform for hydrogen technology.

In any case, the FT-CH as the pictures demonstrate, offer some hints at where Toyota is going with its designs. Take note of the dash and the see through seats: these features are not currently found in any Toyota model!

Source: Toyota Motor Sales (TMS) U.S.A., Inc.

Honda CR-Z Wows ‘Em!

They kept the Insight design team away from this one!

Today a concept, tomorrow a reality: the all new Honda CR-Z.

There isn’t a whole lot going on at this year’s Tokyo Motor Show, the 41st running of the biennial event. After all, each of the American automakers and most of the European brands stayed away from Japan this time around in a bid to save some money. That left Toyota and Honda to provide the lion’s share of the entertainment and what do they have to offer?

In a word: plenty.

The stars are out at the 41st Tokyo Motor Show, an event that is going on despite numerous automaker wallets being closed. One of the bright shining lights at the event is a stylish sport hybrid coupe that will make people forget about the boring Insight quickly. Dubbed the CR-Z, the concept on display at Tokyo is the second rendition of the coupe, which means that a production version isn’t that far off.

Honda CR-Z Global Debut

Indeed, Honda tells us that the world debut of the production CR-Z will be reserved for the 2010 North American International Auto Show in Detroit this coming January. Yes, my friends, the CR-Z is going from concept to reality in a matter of months, making it perhaps the most attractive looking production hybrid on the market.

“The Honda CR-Z will expand our lineup of hybrid vehicles and reinforce the fun-to-drive values associated with the Honda brand,” said Erik Berkman, vice president of Automobile Corporate Planning and Logistics for American Honda Motor Co., Inc. “Beyond great styling and features, CR-Z will bring new levels of engagement and fun to customers interested a small car or a hybrid vehicle.”

Good, Fair & Ugly

Well, no kidding.

And what this means is this: Honda will be selling the nicest looking and the ugliest looking hybrids made today. I guess they want to serve both ends of this dynamic market. Oh, and don’t forget: the Honda Civic Hybrid is still being built, itself designed to target the middle of the market. It looks as if Honda now has all of its bases covered!

Not much is known about the CR-Z other than it is a two seat model. Yes, the original Insight was also a two-seater, but judging by the styling direction of the Honda CR-Z, Japan was listening and decided to build a car that is economical, efficient, affordable and nice looking.

Good work, Honda!

Photo Credit: American Honda Motor Co., Inc.

See Also — Honda Gets Serious About Acura And Will Offer A V8