Insight

BMW i8 and i3

Cars, cars, cars. What’s going to be big in 2014?

2013 was exciting, interesting as well as a challenging year for the automotive world. It was the year that new cars sales in Britain rocketed, fuel prices soared and Aston Martin celebrated 100 years of building some of the most beautiful sports cars.

But what’s in store for the motoring world over the coming 12 months? Here are Red Marlin’s five predictions for the big motoring stories for the year ahead.

  1. The charge of the electric car.

With the launch of BMW’s i3 to rave reviews across the motoring press and a soon to be released i8 electric supercar receiving similar intrigue, is 2014 the year that the electric car steps it up a gear? With more manufacturers than ever set to produce affordable electric models, could they become more regular sights on roads with the next year?

  1. Maserati strikes 100.

One our favourite automotive brands here at Red Marlin, Maserati celebrates its 100th anniversary this year with the mandatory PR and marketing push focussing on heritage. With the launch of a 5-Series rivalling Ghibli at the end of 2013 and a new SUV planned, these new models could take the firm into new territory and see it hit targets to sell 50,000 models per year.

  1. Money, money, money.

Motoring costs continue to rise hitting consumer’s wallets hard and forcing many off the roads completely. With one recent survey from National Vehicle Contracts saying that nearly half of UK drivers are worried about costs this year, it’s a challenge for all those involved in the automotive industry. With many OEMs building smaller, more economical models and other products launched to help combat rising costs there’s only going to be more of the same this year.

  1. 4x4x4x4x4x4x4

Sales of SUVs grew by 19% in the UK in 2013 whilst sales of traditional saloon models dwindled, and this year looks set to see more of the same. More manufacturers than ever are launching new rugged luxury models with even Bentley and Jaguar set to join the party over the next few years.

  1. Battle for the roads

As more and more commuters take to the saddle in a bid to go green, keep fit and save money, what will this mean for the already crowed city streets? Motorist vs cyclist battles are causing problems particularly in London with the potential to undermine safety. Serious investment in new bicycle infrastructure is needed to keep all road users happy.

What do you think will be the big motoring trends and stories for this year?

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