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Top Design Chiefs Discuss Concept Cars

By Gijsbert-Paul Berk

Concept cars; one sees them today at every international Motor Show. Earlier this year there was even a special exhibition of both concept cars and concept motor bikes in Paris, as part of the 28th Festival International d’Automobile.

Over the years it has become a tradition that a number of leading car manufacturers and famous design studios show their vision for the future at major cars shows. Some of these concepts are far-fetched fantasies, with details – such as door constructions – that are impossible to realize in economical mass production, or use materials that are either too expensive or otherwise unsuitable. Others are more realistic reflections of how some models of the next generation will look.

During the 20th century, the construction and style of automobiles evolved quite dramatically. The dreamcars, or showcars certainly added interest and excitement to the various Exhibitions or Concourses d’Elegance. But in today’s world, is there a future for concept cars?

Today, however, the automobile is a fully mature consumer product. Creating concept cars is an expensive endeavor. And aside from the haute couture fashion houses, no other industry presents products which are not yet for sale. Cars are, after all, merely appliances. One wonders why the industry continues to spend huge amounts on concept cars that the visitors cannot buy. Why create demand for models that are not yet and indeed may never be in the showrooms?