by Modern Car Buyers Have Different Priorities
Previously, internal combustion engines were one of the most important characteristics of a car. They shaped the image of brands and even entire countries. However, today the world has changed, and cars have become a common commodity for new generations of buyers.
As stated by Ford Vice President John Lawler, modern customers are no longer concerned with the technical specifications of engines. He believes that the era when power and displacement defined a car is over. This is especially noticeable against the backdrop of the transition to electric and hybrid vehicles.
“Where [internal combustion engines] defined what a car was – horsepower, displacement, torque – I think a lot of that has gone away,” Lawler explained.
Benefits for Manufacturers
For automakers, this trend is a real field for maneuvering. They can use engines from various suppliers, reducing development and production costs. This could also make cars cheaper for the end buyer.
Examples of joint engine development between different brands already exist. For instance, the company Horse Powertrain, created jointly by Renault and Geely, offers solutions for many automakers.
China’s Influence
Chinese manufacturers are also changing the market. They offer technologies at a lower price, forcing Western companies to seek cooperation with them. As Lawler noted, the Chinese have significant production capacity that foreign brands are ready to fill.
Although enthusiasts may miss the era of powerful engines, progress cannot be stopped. As Henry Ford once said, customers don’t always know what they want – sometimes the future is shaped by the manufacturers themselves, not the buyers.
All that remains is to enjoy what is available while it still is. After all, regardless of what the future of the automotive industry holds, it will no longer be the same as before.
