Ford is taking a look outside of the auto industry and has released it’s first ever trend report, Looking Forward with Ford. The report makes prediction about consumer habits and behaviors expected to shape 2013 and beyond. As they try understand what’s happening in social, technological, economic, environmental and political arenas, Ford has been analyzing cultural shifts to gain insight into what may influence consumers’ values, attitudes and behaviors.
With help from their in-house futurist Sheryl Connelly, those insights are incorporated into Ford’s inaugural trend report, capturing 13 micro trends they will be watching over the coming year. From the return of trust in companies and brands to the rise of personal accountability, global data from Ford’s trend report suggest the year 2013 will be one marked by acceptance and optimism rather than mistrust and disappointment.
“Ford values the insights of trends to help guide our product development strategies so we can be as educated as possible to anticipate the cutting-edge technologies and automotive solutions customers will want, need and desire – well into the future,” said Connelly, Global Trends & Futuring manager for Ford. “These trends and insights help Ford in our role as an innovator to create products that not only exceed consumers’ expectations, but that push the boundaries of imagination.”
Check out more info in the video below:
13 trends for 2013
Ford’s inaugural trend report explores 13 micro trends for 2013, focusing on these key topics expected to influence consumers and brands in the new year:
- Trust Is the New Black
- Consumer Republic
- Get Real
- Pioneering Pathways
- The Micro Skills DIY
- Help Me Help Myself
- The Economics of Local Pride
- The Rise of the Intima-City
- Defying Distraction
- The Minimal Maximist
- Return to Your Senses
- Forever Young
- Post-Green
“Ford is more than just a car company, we are also a ‘lifestyle enabler,’ and our work in trends and futuring is meant to help our customers achieve just that,” said Connelly.
