You read the news, we read the news, so we're all pretty much aware of what's going on in the business. But, what about the future, what's coming up next? With everything we know now about what car manufacturers are planning in the next 12 to 18 months, I thought it could be an interesting exercise to list those to watch out for.
Below, you will find hints as to why said manufacturer might spark some interest over the next few seasons.
1- Ford: Full steam ahead where the Blue Oval is concerned. The Mustang, the Super Duty, the Fiesta, the Focus, the next Explorer, should I keep going? Ford is slated to munch on huge chunks of every segment in which it competes. Given what we have already driven, this is far from being far-fetched. The Euro-sourced cars will be the new life-blood here.
2- Hyundai: The underdog that no longer is. The Korean giant maintains increased sale numbers as though they were going out of style. Here as well, product is dictating where consumers will drop their hard-earned cash. With stylish value-infused cars like the Sonata, the Tucson and the Genesis duo plus the up-coming Equus experience, is there nothing they won't build? Pickups it would seem...
3- Volkswagen: Having just regained its top position as Europe's best selling brand (from Ford...), VW has a slew of products that continue to set the bar where driving pleasure meets affordable class. The next Jetta is right around the corner and being the German make's bestseller in North America, you can bet that it will impress. Next, the Polo... Wait for this one.
4- Kia: The more youthfully-oriented half of the Korean conglomerate that is the Hyundai-Kia beast, Kia has just about completed the downright revamp of its entire line-up. The Forte sedan and Koup and Sorento introduced us to the new face of the brand and soon, the Magentis (aka Optima), the Sportage and the new 5-door Forte will all grace showrooms.
5- Chrysler-Fiat: We all wanted Chrysler to survive so when Fiat joined to party, the fiesta really began. First in line with favours? The cute and loveable 500! More Fiats and even Lancias to come! Alfa Romeos? You bet! Let's get down! From Chrysler, look for the new Grand Cherokee and some real 4 and 6-cylinder engines to really compete. Cleaner designs and better lodgings as well.
Below, you will find hints as to why said manufacturer might spark some interest over the next few seasons.
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| 2011 Ford Mustang GT (Photo: Justin Pritchard/Auto123.com) |
1- Ford: Full steam ahead where the Blue Oval is concerned. The Mustang, the Super Duty, the Fiesta, the Focus, the next Explorer, should I keep going? Ford is slated to munch on huge chunks of every segment in which it competes. Given what we have already driven, this is far from being far-fetched. The Euro-sourced cars will be the new life-blood here.
2- Hyundai: The underdog that no longer is. The Korean giant maintains increased sale numbers as though they were going out of style. Here as well, product is dictating where consumers will drop their hard-earned cash. With stylish value-infused cars like the Sonata, the Tucson and the Genesis duo plus the up-coming Equus experience, is there nothing they won't build? Pickups it would seem...
3- Volkswagen: Having just regained its top position as Europe's best selling brand (from Ford...), VW has a slew of products that continue to set the bar where driving pleasure meets affordable class. The next Jetta is right around the corner and being the German make's bestseller in North America, you can bet that it will impress. Next, the Polo... Wait for this one.
4- Kia: The more youthfully-oriented half of the Korean conglomerate that is the Hyundai-Kia beast, Kia has just about completed the downright revamp of its entire line-up. The Forte sedan and Koup and Sorento introduced us to the new face of the brand and soon, the Magentis (aka Optima), the Sportage and the new 5-door Forte will all grace showrooms.
5- Chrysler-Fiat: We all wanted Chrysler to survive so when Fiat joined to party, the fiesta really began. First in line with favours? The cute and loveable 500! More Fiats and even Lancias to come! Alfa Romeos? You bet! Let's get down! From Chrysler, look for the new Grand Cherokee and some real 4 and 6-cylinder engines to really compete. Cleaner designs and better lodgings as well.
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| Fiat 500 (Photo: Fiat) |