Materials Textures/ Patterns:

     •Carbon fibers with three dimensional touch, where you can feel the weaving pattern.               Check out the Nissan concept vehicle.            

 

Heads-up Displays more frequent (HMI)

     •Showcased in Toyota and Mazda.

 

More trucks emanating toughness persona:

     •Trucks are still a strong market and the "Green" focus while still relevant and important,          seems to be a bit less at the forefront.     

     •Ford's new F150 with aluminum panels is pioneering the effort for lighter weight trucks.

 

Concept car lighting interior and exterior explorations:

     •Use of laser technology (headlights by Audi).

     •Light pipes - An example is the tail light concept of the Toyota concept car symbolizing             electric current.       

     •Interior lighting to reflect various modes such as entry, passenger use and instrument               identification.               

    

Form: Two extremes embraced

     •Sinuous with lots of twisting surfaces as seen in the Nissan concept, Toyota concept.

     •Clean, simple and refined as featured in Volvo. 

 

Sustainability: Most hybrids kept a very low profile this year- not much in the limelight. No major introductions in this segment by the major players

 

Emotional "Faces" of cars/trucks:

     •Angry, aggressive

     •Calm, passive

 

Craft: Higher level of craft integrated in concept vehicles- especially interiors. Rich materials, stitching details, fit, finish...

 

Instrument Panels: 

     •Gauges are going away, moving to heads-up. 

     •Screens clean up "Clutter" of electronics and readouts. 

 

Safety:

     •Focus on connected safety systems.

     •Commitments to automated "Driver-less" vehicles by 2020, pledge by Nissan.