When a new car is being designed and produced, several factors could make or break its popularity. Competition is fierce, so they must get it right. Here are 4 things every car manufacturer needs.
A good, functional design
It’s all very well coming up with the sleekest and coolest design, but if it isn’t a functional one, it’s could prove pointless.
A team of people is usually employed to ensure that all elements of the proposed design are fluid, realistic, and will appeal to the masses. Factors such as legroom, head heights, functionality, and ease of use all have to be tested and fully considered before the final design will be approved.
Precision engineering
Building a car involves hundreds of different parts that must all fit together just like a jigsaw, and therefore precision engineering is a must for any car manufacturer.
CNC (computer numerical control) machining is regularly used in the manufacturing sector and involves the use of computers to control machinery and tools such as lathes, routers, and grinders. CNC screw machining equipment can cut precise dimensions and tolerances from an array of different materials such as plastics, composites, and metals. Car manufacturers will heavily rely on a screw machine shop that uses CNC machinery to produce thousands of precision-engineered parts every week.
Target market
Every vehicle will have a target market, and a car manufacturer needs to know who they are aiming at when they start designing a new vehicle or adapting a current model. Lots of market research is done, and a host of information collated, which allows them to have a good idea of the demographic they are aiming for.
The price point is a major factor, and so they need to ensure when agreeing on a standard specification that the cost to the end-user won’t be prohibitively expensive for the market they are targeting. It’s a very long and detailed process, but like with any product, a target market for each new design must be established in the early stages.
When adapting an existing vehicle design the same level of research is carried out, and information gleaned from existing owners. If there is a design flaw or something considered essential has been missed, a car manufacturer will usually try and incorporate it into their next product redesign to ensure that its mass appeal increases.
Marketing and advertising
They could have designed the best car in the world, but if it is going to take off, a car manufacturer needs a solid marketing campaign and a good advertising strategy. Although they will have teams of creative people working for them, they will also use external companies to help work on new campaigns. It usually takes months of strategizing to come up with a final concept, and then the really hard work begins. Not only do they need good quality photography and an unveiling that will wow the audience, but will also need TV adverts, promotional literature, and marketing slogans that will make an impact. An eye-catching design is great, but they must be able to capture the imagination and interest of their target market for it to be a hit.
