Designing the Car of the Future

Everyone has their own personal list of items they want on their next auto. Most will opt for fuel economy as #one, followed with style, comfort, power and reliability. I don't feel the thinking public really wants or needs such items as automatic braking, TV screens front and back or various gimmicks that don't add much to function but add to price. There is a certain percentage of the car buying public that sees diy car repair as an important thing. I agree with this. It can be quite costly to have repairs done by a dealer because the diy person doesn't have the special tools or diagnostic equipment. This option you won't see, no matter how many people want it. It just doesn't generate enough profit for the company.Many people buy a new car and are shocked to find out the recommended service charge will cost them over $1000. If they knew this beforehand, they might reconsider a different brand. It's something car dealers "forget" to tell you. Bells and whistles add cost to a cars price tag. The big three will consider all the ideas and pick the ones that are most popular but also those that return the biggest profit (bang-for-the-buck) for the company. Reducing costs is not easy, but increasing costs to maximize profits is good business. You may see the car of your dreams some day, but be prepared to pay for it.

No one has ever bothered to ask me what I want in an automobile. The last automobile that came close to what I think I want in an automobile was built some time in the 1970's. I have not owned an automobile since the early 1990's, because no one wants to make what I want. But, then, back when I did own automobiles, I tended to buy used and drive them for 10 years or more...

And yes, DIY repair was important to me- not to save money, but because I enjoyed it...

I have never been able to find any vehicle that had 100% of what I want. Some of my wants could be found in some cars, but never 100% in one car. I would have to have two or more cars, but purpose would be defeated.

Having been rescued by tax dollars from the intro of a devastating recession hold on tight for round two...we're not out of the woods yet.

As side from that lets look towards delveloping a CNG distribution infrastructure and lead the way into the next economic rally. As you may recall Henry didn't just build a car he engineered an industry.

Please visit this web site for Tomorrow's Car:-

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tata_Nano.

The car of the future will be a moving sidewalk.

For a good story on this, search out Robert Heinlein's "The Roads Must Roll."

Having survived a devastating recession,

Survived?, Recession over?....says who, if they turned around this fast from the last bailout, it can easily revert back to the verge of bankruptcies and more government bailouts. This recession is not over, and the car company's are not totally out in the clear.

What they did to repay the loans (along with the bailout) was short term fixes, the problem and committments are still there, and when its time to pay the piper, it wouldn't be looking so cheery.

I think I agree with this in large measure. Although, I do enjoy a good sound system for long trips.