Carmakers try to grin and bear it - Smart Car of America Forums : Smart Car Forum

nscaler · 09-02-2009, 07:19 PM

In downturn, carmakers try to grin and bear it- Yahoo! Autos Article Page
Article in autos.yahoo.com.
"NEW YORK – Even with all the bad news that has pounded the auto industry, carmakers are trying to put on happy faces. Literally: They are incorporating smiles and other cheerful characteristics into their designs.

The hope is that consumers will warm to vehicles that might reflect their own personalities and feelings.

"'Charm' — I thought this was very important," says Peter Arnell, inventor and chief designer of the electric Peapod vehicle. "'Happiness' — this was part of the conversation too. I wanted to convey that the car was happy to be a car, to say transportation can be happy."

He adds, "It's smiling at you and you smile back."

That goes along with the cheery Honda Fit, Suzuki SX4 and Toyota Prius. The Smart ForTwo seems to have pursed lips, like it's ready to start a conversation. And is that a little smirk coming from the Mini Cooper that's ready to take on the growling SUVs on the road?"

nscaler · 09-02-2009, 07:22 PM

Can someone fix the title please?
Just take out "n downturn,"
and capitalize the "c" please.

Neonspinnazz · 09-02-2009, 07:27 PM

Funny, I don't see GM making Camaros with smileys as their grill.

Go smart! Be happy to be what you are!

BigWarpGuy · 09-02-2009, 08:01 PM

Like driving a smiley face.

Neonspinnazz · 09-02-2009, 10:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigWarpGuy

Like driving a smiley face.

I'm going to guess that the turn signals are eyebrows. If so, it kinda looks like that car is about to do some naughty things

"Why so Serious?"

Suze · 09-02-2009, 10:35 PM

In your life expect some trouble
But when you worry
You make it double
Don't worry, be happy......
Don't worry don't do it, be happy
Put a smile on your face
Don't bring everybody down like this
Don't worry, it will soon pass
Whatever it is
Don't worry, be happy

~~Bobby McFerrin

MrVvrroomm · 09-03-2009, 07:07 AM

Mazda took a fairly nice looking car and did this to it. What a shame.

**JPaul** · 09-03-2009, 07:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nscaler

Can someone fix the title please?
Just take out "n downturn,"
and capitalize the "c" please.

Done.

sandalscout · 09-03-2009, 09:01 AM

I just saw the new Mazda for the first time yesterday, I thought it was a puegot rolling up behind me at first. It is a shame, because overall the cars looks even better than the previous model, but the bumper mucks it all up.