The post-war revival of the British motor industry, as well as the dramatic growth of the German and Japanese vehicle producers in the 1960s and ‘70s, makes for an optimistic outlook for the Industry’s future post-COVID-19. The likely downturn in the global economy once the effects of the Coronavirus have diminished is likely to see some changes being made within the automotive sector in my view, however.
As the battered economies of countries the world over begin to recover from the devasting impacts of COVID-19 in the coming months, past history has shown us that consumer demand for new cars might lean more towards smaller, more economical and environmentally considerate affordable ‘low cost’ cars, rather than the unnecessarily large, costly, and mostly pointless, luxury SUVs and crossovers that new car buyers seem to have been conditioned towards in recent years.
After WWII and the 1950s Suez Crisis, countless affordable economy cars sprouted up across the Planet, especially in war-ravaged Germany, France, Italy and Japan, as well as the UK and USA. Numerous economy microcars and bubble cars appeared, such as the ghastly BMW Isetta, Messerschmitt, AC Petite, the American Crosley and so on. In 1959 BMC’s influential Mini thankfully banishing most of these horrors to the history books, with the compact Issigonis masterpiece shaping the smaller economy cars we drive forever more.
As we all become more conscious of our tighter budgets and tougher economic pressure post-COVID-19, future demand for more affordable and eco-friendly new cars like the planned electric Fiat Centoventi, Citroën Ami and Dacia Urban City car are liable to increase as interest in more conspicuous, expensive machines like the Audi Q7 or Cadillac Escalade declines (one hopes!).
Until such brighter times months ahead, remember to adhere to the Government’s sound advice to stay home, avoid social contact, unnecessary travel and self-isolate if you or any members of your household feel unwell. Stay safe, stay healthy and stay inside.