La tecnologia automobilistica è in rapida evoluzione.

For most of the 20th century General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler were the biggest companies in one of the world’s most important industries.  But as car trends have vastly changed from SUVs and gas guzzlers to economy sized cars and green machines, “Detroit’s Big Three” have seen their sales fall dramatically.  

Mercato automobilistico ispanico statunitense

Another interesting trend in the automotive industry has been increased market segmentation by companies like Buick, who have created a niche in the Hispanic Market – through which they have increased sales by 83% in the past year.  Several popular car brands: Buick, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Mazda, KIA, Cadillac, and Infiniti, are showing signs of continued growth within the Hispanic market.  Detroit’s Big Three are falling behind in niche categories as they have generally tended to market to a broader audience.  European brands have not been much better in increasing their sales to Hispanic consumers, but Volkswagen, MINI, and BMW are leading the leading the way into these growing niche markets by stepping up their marketing efforts.  On the other hand, Audi has increased their sales to Hispanics over the past year by 23.4%.

Automobili asiatiche

Anche i marchi asiatici stanno beneficiando delle vendite in categorie automobilistiche di nicchia poiché ora rappresentano più di 60% del mercato ispanico. Nello specifico, i marchi asiatici Toyota, Honda e Nissan dominano le preferenze dei nuovi veicoli tra gli ispanici negli Stati Uniti. Nel 2010, il mercato automobilistico ispanico è aumentato di oltre 6,0% negli Stati Uniti, superando la media nazionale del mercato automobilistico statunitense, che è cresciuto solo 4% nei primi 9 mesi del 2010. Gli acquisti di auto ispanici rappresentano ora 8,7% del mercato automobilistico totale degli Stati Uniti.

Tecnologie e modelli automobilistici

BMW and Mini are leading the way in the automotive sector for more innovative technology to become standard in luxury vehicles. Technology that is being introduced by these companies with their 2011 models is focused on their consumer’s preferences in parking, safety, and satisfaction. The 2011 Mini Countryman features the Central Rail System, replacing the usual console; it offers specifically designed holders for your cups, mobile devices, audio devices, and other common items.  Mini’s typical small frame has been elongated and now offers generous leg room for all different drivers as well as a larger trunk space (12.2″“15.4 cubic feet and 41.0 cubic feet with the back seats folded down).

The BMW X3 is now in its second generation (first generation (2004-2010) and has gone high tech by offering such entertainment features as USB Interface, Bluetooth Audio Streaming, and their Navigation and Entertainment Server.  BMW has also gone to great lengths to improve the driver’s control when parking or at crowded intersections.  The rear view camera shows the driver what’s behind the car on the iDrive screen (displayed on the central console – to be used when backing up and maneuvering into tight spots), while beeping to alert the driver of a safe parking distance.  The “Top View” camera uses side and rear view camera to give the driver a bird’s eye view of the X3 and its surroundings.

La BMW Serie 6 Cabrio è dotata di "pneumatici Run-Flat". Questi pneumatici autosufficienti con rinforzi integrati consentono ai pneumatici che presentano una perdita di pressione dell'aria di mantenere la loro forma e il pieno utilizzo di guida. Infatti, il conducente può guidare su un Run-Flat Tire fino a 150 miglia a velocità ridotta, rendendo molto più convenienti per il conducente le condizioni per cambiare un pneumatico o attendere l'assistenza stradale. Su modelli selezionati, BMW offre anche la “Visione notturna”, che integra lo straordinario sistema di supporto visivo della BMW per vedere pedoni o animali fino a 300 metri davanti all'auto – al buio! Attivando una telecamera a infrarossi integrata nella parte anteriore della BMW, i conducenti saranno in grado di monitorare i potenziali pericoli stradali visualizzati sul monitor del sistema di navigazione ed evitarli molto prima che siano visibili ad occhio nudo.