RAISE and PRAISE: WHICH Auto Co.'s Are On The UPSWING And WHICH Are Falling OUT Of Fashion?

One thing that we discuss a lot here at AutoSpies are automotive trends. This can extend to certain product features, form factors and, of course, the brands themselves. This is immensely important.

Why, you may ask? Well, the reason is simple: The automotive sector is quite complex and it, by nature, is a cyclical industry. Trends drive the cycles.

Take, for example, the start and influx of LED headlights in autos starting with cars like the Audi R8. Or, how about the launch of four-door, sport-utility vehicles that was kicked off by the BMW X6?

Rather than zoom in at that kind of level of detail though, I wanted to take a step back and look at brands before we move into 2018.

From YOUR perspective, we're a bit curious: WHICH automakers are on the UPSWING and WHICH automakers are falling out of fashion as we head into 2018?

What say you, Spies?

cidflekken - 12/28/2017 1:27:29 AM

+1 Boost

Since when did the X6 kick off four-door SUV's? If you mean sporty SUV's, then that honor would go to the Infiniti FX35/FX45, would it not?

On the downswing, I'd have to say, at least currently, Acura and Infiniti are on the downswing. For different reasons, I just think their reputations have been downgraded to a degree that I'm not sure it's recoverable. There was a time when both companies were at least introducing interesting products or features. But now almost anything they're coming with is met with a fairly large yawn.

Then there's most of the brands in FCA......but were they ever really on an upswing in order to downswing?

On the upswing? It seems like Honda and Lexus are on an upswing currently, though both companies' current styling is polarizing. However, their products are very strong, mainly the Accord and Civic for Honda and the LC and, somewhat, the LS for Lexus.
A year ago I would have thought Volvo would be in a much stronger position today, but it doesn't seem like the XC90 nor the S90 gave them the lift that I thought they would.

MDarringer - 12/28/2017 8:26:53 AM

-10 Boost

Down swing:

BMW / stale styling and dynamically no longer the ultimate driving machine

Mini / a model cannot be made into a full-line brand very easily and Mini has run its course.

Volvo / nothing is really getting the traction they need for sales. Volvo was never a premium brand. so calling it a premium brand and pricing them like Mercedes is obviously not working.

Ford / There's no need for panic, but the product portfolio needs reimagining fast

Cadillac / played out styling and idiotic names...losing ground fast

GM / pulling out of major markets and a product portfolio that in no way is the best in the industry

FCA / with very little product development at Dodge, Chrysler, Maserati, or Fiat, there are massive problems ahead as the products in those respective brands--Pacifica excepted--are dated and outdated designs that are being made to soldier on and on and on

Upswing:

Hyundai/Kia/Genesis / They continue to grow and prosper

Lincoln / With three moves in the right direction signs are looking like there could be a light at the end of the tunnel

Mercedes / They go from triumph to triumph to triumph

TVR / Back with a good car

MDarringer - 12/28/2017 1:21:50 PM

-5 Boost

As usual, you're ridiculous. Most mainstream companies had sales issues with the sudden shift away from sedans. Everyone else can see that Hyundai/Kia/Genesis is pouring money into new cars and technologies.

carsnyc - 12/28/2017 1:21:53 PM

+1 Boost

You are right about who's on the down swing.

1lostVW - 12/28/2017 1:47:53 PM

+1 Boost

Aston Martin, company on the edge financially, now with a 5,000 unit recall, dead, done, call the undertaker.

BMW going down the toilet, styling and content are no longer premium, Leatherette aka plastic in a 40k car to keep it affordable/cheap, come on!

MINI a one horse franchise, no leadership, priced like a BMW, wasn't MINI Britain's answer to the VW Beetle,it certainly not the Mercedes W187-220 substitute.

Mercedes Benz, UP UP and away... and more product coming... BMW & Audi slayer.

Audi soon to go down the toilet, old styling and chasing BMW, stair step programs for dealer sales, re-sale value going up in flames.

VW surprising pace of change and new models, Atlas is good start, more to come.
Kia, what was good styling and cheap prices is now weird styling and raising prices, so what about the future investment, Kia is not German.
Hyundai, snore
GM, Lincoln and Ford are about to smoke the big GM SUV's with the Navigator and the Expedition, but!!! the new Silverado is looking like a killer to the F150.
wait and see, the rest of GM... bla.
Ford, they need help... so other than the big SUV's and maybe the F150, loosing ground.
FCA the biggest shell game in the business... Flush.
Subaru, build a really ugly car/suv and they will come, when does reality catch up with the advertising.. maybe going down.

valhallakey - 12/28/2017 6:53:48 PM

+3 Boost

UP: Land Rover, Mazda, Porsche, Alfa Romeo, Genesis
Why? New interesting models, excellent customer care
Down: BMW, Hyundaia, Chevrolet
Why? Losing their identity, bland cars with a few notable exceptions (M2, Corvette)