From the historic Model T to the latest sports cars, the automotive industry has transformed our lives in more ways than one. As a result, it’s hardly surprising that it is one of the most lucrative industries worldwide. In fact, the automobile industry is worth $82.6 billion in the US alone.
While they may have been around for a while, the industry shows no sign of slowing down or lessening its impact on other industries such as entertainment, leisure, and travel.
With that in mind, here are just some of the ways in which car design, in particular, has changed more than just the automotive industry.
The Impact Of Car Design On The Entertainment Industry
In some cases, cars are the stars of the film industry and can even take the spotlight away from major stars. For example, whenever anyone thinks of the Bond Films, they almost always think of his Aston Martin too. However, Bond’s own vehicle isn’t the only design that viewers have fallen in love with, as studies suggest that the release of bond films always has an impact on classic car sales – causing a significant spike in sales. For example, a 1967 Toyota 2000GT featured in the film sold for $1,155,000 in an auction in 2015.
Car Movies and franchises are also ever-popular (and lucrative). As a result, it’s hardly surprising that they so often top the cinema charts, whether you are watching the Fast & The Furious or Ford V Ferrari. In some cases, a large portion of the film’s budget is spent on buying or renting vintage cars, or filming daring stunts within them, which help show the cars off to new audiences who may not otherwise come across them.
Outside of the fiction world, car design also plays a crucial role in other forms of entertainment, most notably racing, thanks to events such as the F1. Not only do F1 events draw in millions of viewers (the average viewership per Gran Prix in 2021 was 70.3 million), they also help push new innovations in vehicle design. While F1 cars are designed primarily for their speed and efficiency, they offer new insight into general vehicle development too. For example, developments in efficiency can help make the roads safer for all.
Finally, car magazines, books, and blogs are ever popular -with new articles on car design and buying guides being published each day.
The Impact Of Car Design On Fashion
Aided by its presentation in movies, car design also impacts fashion and style, particularly in relation to gentleman’s attire. For example, when the Bond movies were at their peak popularity, not only did Aston Martin sales increase but watches too – especially as Bond himself sported some of the Top Rolex models when making his screen debut.
Ralph Lauren ad with a prewar Bugatti. Makes one want both the car and the clothes.
Whatsmore, the automotive industry and the watch industry are closely linked when it comes to curating a sleek, sophisticated, and luxurious style – and collectors of one of these two items are likely to become collectors of the other.
What’s more, luxury cars are often used to help brands market themselves towards their target audience. For example, there’s a reason why big fashion brands often feature their models driving or posing next to the year’s most popular cars – and that’s because it’s a great way to enhance their brand’s reputation. By aligning themselves with certain brands, designs and models, fashion companies can help to build their own reputation that brings in the same qualities that audiences expect from the car brands. For example, they can help to create a sense of luxury, class, and sophistication – or even attract thrill-seekers.
The Impact Of Car Design On Travel
The invention of cars revolutionized the travel industry due to the simple fact that it gives every driver the agency to set off on their own adventure. However, as cars become more and more technologically advanced, travel is becoming easier than ever. For example, in-built GPS systems make navigating your way through a long road trip a breeze. After all, you no longer have to spend hours pouring over a map to figure out the most logical route, as the software can do this for you. These functions also make it easier to drive safely at night and can help you avoid traffic.
However, the most significant impact that the invention (and subsequent development) of the automobile in regards to travel lies within accessibility. This is because you can literally get into the driver’s seat and go wherever you like – meaning travel is less a hassle. Traveling by car is also less expensive than other forms of traveling, meaning you can make your vacation money stretch that little bit further each time, whether you are driving internationally or on your home turf. Finally, this level of accessibility and freedom means that heading out on an adventure is a great way to rediscover a love of driving and simply have fun.
The Impact Of Car Design On Technology
Each year, hundreds of new car designs are introduced to the market, and this shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, the number of new models offered each year are predicted to double by 2025. This is great news for drivers and collectors alike, but also for the technology sector – as the two industries grow and develop alongside each other. For example, not only has Tesla introduced autonomous cars to the market but the company is also involved in the development of a smartwatch. Smart watches are becoming ever popular due to the fact that they can make your general day-to-day life easier while also helping you to reach fitness goals.
In short, there are various ways in which car designs, technologies, and manufacturing have shaped other industries. After all, this article does not even touch upon its benefits for manufacturers of materials such as steel, rubber, and glass. Furthermore, the more money and funds invested into new designs and models, the more benefits we will see across various industries.
Sean Connery and Goldfinger Aston Martin DB5 – Copyright Everett Collection
I feel that Tesla is influencing car design by NOT changing their styling every three or four years. It is asking for a more mature customer, not ones who can be influenced so easily. At some point though, when the Big Three have more visually exciting EVs we’ll see if the “no change” philosophy stands up.