2016 Ford Trend Report Shows Consumers Hopeful Despite Challenges
In a world of constant and dramatic change, new insights from Ford’s Looking Further with Ford 2016 trend report reveals a renewed sense of inspiration and ingenuity among consumers striving for a better quality of life in the New Year, as they are motivated more than ever to make the world a better place. The report shows that despite an underlying sense of disillusionment, consumers are more inspired to defy the odds and use innovation to embrace new platforms for change.
Through the trends Ford has identified for 2016, the company is exploring how technology, sustainability and collaboration are being leveraged so that it can help create solutions to improve how consumers live, work, and even travel in the future.
“In our four years of researching and compiling consumer trends, never have we seen optimism, resilience and self-reliance figure so prominently,” said Sheryl Connelly, Ford global trend and futuring manager. “It gives us hope for what the future holds, and we see that same creativity and enterprising spirit driving innovation in every part of our business at Ford.”
The trends highlighted in this fourth annual report go beyond the auto industry to help Ford comprehend what’s happening globally in social, technological, economic, environmental and political arenas.
These insights drive every aspect of the company’s business; overall strategy, development of future products and services, and the customer purchase and ownership experience – helping Ford create innovative mobility solutions that address consumers’ rapidly changing needs.
The trends point to a heightened focus on mobility as a means to help develop new ways to address the complexities of urban transportation, global gridlock and increased connectivity among consumers. Nearly 75 per cent of adults worldwide say greater mobility is important for global stability. Ford echoes this view, and is dedicated to using technology, sustainability and collaborative approaches to make the world a better place.
“There’s no escaping the impact the rapid pace of technology has on culture,” said Connelly. She added that, “What’s fascinating to watch is how companies like Ford adapt and innovate at this pace. These insights help us to create products and services that not only exceed today’s expectations, they provide innovative ways of looking at how to tackle challenging situations of tomorrow.”