ADLX 00′s Reflections & 10′s Predictions

By Gunnar Heinrich | IMG Daimler, AG

RING out the old! Ring in the new!

As New Year’s approaches those of us on the East Coast, let’s reflect for a moment on the past ten and consider the next ten.

Geopolitically, it’s been a tumultous decade and indeed the same proved true for the auto industry.

For the luxury marques, apart from 2008-2009,  it’s been mostly a boon – with the Germans going from strength to strength financially (despite loss in build quality for Mercedes and styling for BMW); the restoration of forgotten marques Bugatti and Maybach; the rebirth of the deluxe hatch in MINI; new heights in Italian performance with Ferrari and Lamborghini; and the rebirth of Maserati and Rolls-Royce.

Cadillac has restored some of its soul. And the 00′s will also likely be considered Aston Martin’s golden decade thanks to Dr. Bez’s leadership.

Looking forward: by 2020, automobiles will likely become roboticized – at least for highway travel in certain metro areas.

(In)famous Westcoast style car chases, for instance, will become more of a thing of the past as law enforcement will seek legislation empowering them to deactivate runaway vehicles remotely.

And, sadly, some of the great marques will fall to the wayside while upstart Korean companies like Hyundai grow stronger; forging entry into the luxury market just like Toyota, Honda, and Nissan managed 20 years ago.

Exciting times ahead, friends!