- Question: The Vision GST from Mercedes-Benz is a completely new concept. Where did the idea come from?
- Professor Hubbert: It was more than just an idea that prompted us to develop this vehicle. The Vision GST is the result of an intensive dialogue with our customers - a dialogue which we have been actively pursuing for years so that we can identify what drivers want, analyse their requirements and respond to them with new vehicle concepts. The current Mercedes-Benz car range is based on the same principle; in fact, it's true to say that this consistent policy of identifying and responding to customer requirements represents one of the cornerstones of Mercedes' success in recent years - along with the cutting-edge technology and compelling design values with which the brand has always been associated.
- And we intend to carry on with this approach. We want to keep on learning about our customers' expectations and monitoring social trends closely so that we can draw on the findings and so continue to present new ideas for vehicles which will meet the needs of the future. The Vision GST is an example of where this process can take us.
- Question: What do you think will be the dominant trend in the car sector in the years ahead?
- Professor Hubbert: Three trends which I regard as particularly significant for the future have emerged both from our dialogue with customers all over the world and from numerous market-research surveys. First: a desire for a sense of total enjoyment of the experience of driving, of travelling in comfort and safety with the whole family. Second: interest in a versatile vehicle, a vehicle which is spacious, practical and flexible and therefore able to meet the diverse needs of people who are leisure-oriented and like travelling. Third: a desire for cars which are out-standing not only in terms of technology, but also with regard to their emotional intelligence - in other words, vehicles which combine superbly innovative features with compelling aesthetic qualities.
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