"WHERE'S THE PASSION?"
When you work in the auto industry, you spend quite a bit of time writing about cars, talking about cars, comparing cars, thinking about cars, and driving cars. The best part is, even in the midst of a sour economy and poor sales facing the auto industry, we (
NADAguides.com) still love everything about cars!
Today’s blog post is going to be short, but I hope that it really hits home. Our
NADAguides.com team attended the monthly MPG luncheon at the Proud Bird in Los Angeles. I have been going to these luncheons on and off for years. For those that aren’t familiar with the Motor Press Guild - it’s one of the largest monthly gatherings of automotive professionals…from PR and advertising reps, to auto insiders, media and more.
The last luncheon was, perhaps, the best one I have ever been to. Well, that’s not entirely true, as many of them have been memorable, but this one stuck out to me. First, I think they had near record attendance. The speakers for this program were designers Henrik Fisker (Fisker Coachbuild), Freeman Thomas (Ford) and Dave Marek (Honda/Acura).
I really don’t want to get in to the actual presentation itself, but rather a remark made by one of the speakers. I was particularly moved by Henrik Fisker and his response to a question about “why he is coming out with a high end product like the Fisker Karma.” He could have come up with a host of answers, but his answer actually stuck with me. Fisker said, “The auto industry is about passion.” He went on to talk about how the industry needs to be energized and made excitable again to consumers. He didn’t talk about the car, didn’t push his company…just expressed the passion. It was moving.
I couldn’t agree more with Henrik. The auto industry needs to be injected with more spice, more creativity and more cars that are simply fun to drive, but also meet the new mpg and environmental standards. This doesn’t mean they need to all be hybrids, but a good balance combining performance, sex appeal and earth-friendly attributes will draw consumers out.
Our next
NADAguides.com vehicle review is on the
2009 Acura TSX. This car exudes the exact passion I am talking about. Hats off to Dave Marek if he had his hand in this car…it’s a blast to drive!