Are you tired of owning the same car for ages?
Do you imagine riding one day in a white Honda Jazz, and the next day in a red one, just like that? And it would be the same one you own!
This scenario is a distinct future possibility. Several automotive giants have created concept cars that demonstrate the brilliant color-changing technology in automobiles.
The Current Landscape of Car Color-Changing Technology
The most prominent name in the car color-changing game is Audi. The German automaker has put forward a practical demonstration in its Audi A9 concept car, designed by Spanish designer Daniel Garcia. Not only has Garcia designed a vision of a luxury sports car that can repair itself when damaged, but can also change its color with the push of a button. Though the concept seems a bit far-fetched at the moment, it may very well be achievable in the next few years or sooner considering the rapid pace of technological advancement. The Audi A9 concept car presumably utilizes nanotechnology material on the room and windscreen that could potentially change colors and repair itself.
BMW also has a stake in color-shifting technology. This German company wants to tailor the driver experience by allowing unique preferences in a shared mobility landscape. This idea started with this Mini concept car back in 2017.
A shared mobility landscape means a Mini would be co-owned by multiple individuals. The shared vehicle would recognize each owner and his or her preferences and could customize the outside color based on preference or even mood. Other preferences could include automatic seat adjustments and, of course, driving style.
While color-changing technology still needs to undergo extensive development and testing before rollout, automakers might find inspiration from other existing technologies.
A good example is ShiftWear sneakers revealed in 2017. The cutting-edge technology used in these shoes allows wearers to instantly project their favorite images and videos onto the sneakers using just a mobile app. Users can add their preferred images and videos from their smartphone, and tap them on the app to display on their shoes. They can also choose the length of time to display each image or video.
What It Means for the Auto Industry
The fabled color-changing technology would indeed redefine the automotive space and become the ultimate feat in Artificial Intelligence and smart technology.
Automakers could leverage the technology in future models, offering car owners a new level of control and customization on the go. This kind of technology would excite single-car owners and those who choose a shared car ownership model.
Repercussions for car owners and the auto industry might change current perceptions of vehicles.
For example, single-car owners might want to hang onto to their current models longer times if this type of customization would be as simple as a touch of a button. Why buy a new model if it doesn’t provide any significant upgrade in features or benefits.
Consequently, manufacturers will need to come up with new innovative systems to catch consumers’ attention and encourage repeat sales and shorter ownership lifecycles. Alternatively, automakers could set higher prices to make up for lower expected sales.
Such technological-revolution will also see many changes in people’s buying decisions. Usually, potential buyers tend to consider factors such as color, price, make, and model when making their buying decision. However, with the introduction of car color-changing technology in the equation, buyers would likely base their purchasing decisions on other significant factors. These may include the reliability of the technology used, brand name, and how innovative they perceive the company to be, to name a few.
An extension of simple vehicle color-changing technology is the ability to alter designs and project actual images and videos on the car’s body. Instead of merely changing from the car color from red to blue, for instance, car owners could choose a particular design of their liking and have their car display it where they want.
This is more closely related to the ShiftWear concept and presents a massive opportunity for advertisers and marketers. With millions of cars on the road, each would have the ability to display virtually anything—advertisers could pay car owners for advertising space.
Your Honda will not only be an everyday ride then but will also allow you to earn a few bucks while you drive down the road!
Greg Ledford is a car enthusiast and also editor for WapCar.my. He is a fan of car mods and all things electric, loves to construct his interdependent world with car news and reviews. When he is not busy blogging, he enjoys driving around town, rock climbing and barbecue.
Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author.
