Davis ThinkingThe latest off BMW’s concept assembly line is a stubby, decidedly unsexy eco-car -- equal parts Mini, VW bug, and Trabi -- that’s getting its very own sub-brand. They call it the Megacity Vehicle or MCV, and its latest design was just revealed last week. It’s an all-electric car--similar to the Nissan Leaf or the Chevy Volt--and as the name suggests, it’s designed explicitly to putter around big cities (just like Ford's newest concept). The details of its design are murky, but what we do know is this: It’ll be a rear-wheel four-seater. It’ll have a lightweight carbon fiber reinforced plastic body to offset the heft of the battery. And, unlike most of BMW’s green concept cars it’ll actually be mass produced.
First of all: It’s going to be another interesting year. Has the global recession really, officially ended? And if so, will the aftermath cause pains for years to come? Whatever the outcome, we find ourselves spotting more recession-proof opportunities than ever before. Why? Consumers, recession-stricken or not, still value innovations that are pragmatic, or exciting, or those that save them money, or entertain them.... oh well, you get the picture.
Let’s face it — people are starting to burn out on all the “going green” talk, especially from the brands that aren’t putting their money where their mouth is. Confused by a whole new green vocabulary and fed up with being told what to do (or more often, what not to do) consumers are quickly becoming eco-fatigued. But in this economic climate where consumers are making a lot more decisions by the numbers, there is a unique opportunity for the brands that allow people to calculate their impact on the environment and their pocketbook at the same time.
While severe financial woes may hold back some eco-initiatives, the future has never looked greener. Mainly because creating more a sustainable economy is not an option, but a necessity. Which is why this month, amidst crumbling banks, G20 meetings and stimulus plans, we highlight 12 eco trends that any marketer or entrepreneur can act on today.
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