自動車技術は急速に進化しています。

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.  

米国のヒスパニック系自動車市場

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%.

アジアの自動車

ニッチな自動車カテゴリーでの販売からもアジアブランドは恩恵を受けており、現在ヒスパニック市場の 60% 以上を占めています。具体的には、トヨタ、ホンダ、日産といったアジアブランドが、米国のヒスパニック系の間で新車志向を独占しています。2010 年、米国のヒスパニック系自動車市場は 6.0% 以上増加し、2010 年の最初の 9 か月間でわずか 4% しか成長しなかった米国自動車市場の全国平均を上回っています。現在、ヒスパニック系による自動車購入は、米国の自動車市場全体の 8.7% を占めています。

自動車技術とモデル

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.

BMW 6 シリーズ コンバーチブルには「ランフラット タイヤ」が装備されています。補強材が組み込まれたこの自立型タイヤは、空気圧が低下したタイヤでも形状を維持し、運転時に十分な性能を発揮します。実際、ランフラット タイヤでは、速度を落として最大 150 マイル走行できるため、タイヤ交換やロードサイド アシスタンスの待機がはるかに楽になります。一部のモデルでは、BMW は「ナイト ビジョン」も提供しています。これは、暗闇でも車の最大 300 ヤード先の歩行者や動物を視認できる、BMW の優れた視覚支援システムを統合したものです。BMW の前面に内蔵された赤外線カメラを作動させることで、ドライバーはナビゲーション システムのモニターに表示される道路上の潜在的な危険を監視し、肉眼で見えるようになる前に回避することができます。