Is The NEXT Great Automotive Design Trend Apocalyptic?

Over the years at AutoSpies we've done our best to illuminate the macro trends impacting the greater automotive industry. Sometimes it's related to color(s), other times it is related to modifications and other times it may relate to technology.

Unlike the other publications that are afraid of their shadow and aren't willing to put their neck on the line, we shine a light on what's coming down the 'pike based on our contacts and observations.

And something new has been bubbling up over the past 24 months. As buyers shift from sporting intentions to utility, there's clearly a greater emphasis on vehicles that can "do anything." In some extreme cases, they're expected to actually become all a person needs to survive.

Can you say, #VanLife?

When we say apocalyptic, we mean it in several ways. Tesla's Cybertruck is a heavy-duty product — assuming it lives up to its claims — that is incredibly over the top in terms of its design and seems like it belongs in the opening sequence of Terminator 2. A fully kitted out Sprinter that can serve as a mobile living quarters in a disaster and can do light off-roading is a survivalist's wet dream. Then we have normal products that are equipped to tackle the most challenging elements but are rooted in reality — this would be your 4X4 Jeep Wranglers, Ford Broncos, etc.

Having said all that, we were curious: Is the next great automotive design trend related to an apocalyptic theme?

What say you, Spies?

valhallakey - 12/21/2019 12:27:51 AM

+1 Boost

Could be, we have a great maker of these types of vehicles nearby called Earth Roamer. If you are going to have to face the apocalypse you might as well do it in luxury and style.

Section_31_JTK - 12/21/2019 12:44:04 AM

0 Boost

I would love a off-road capable van like the old QuadraVan.

PUGPROUD - 12/21/2019 5:39:45 AM

0 Boost

Soccer moms, wannabes and political extremists become faux butch, a reflection of growing tribalism in America. The vast majority will never leave asphalt, more frequently appearing at Taco Bell drive thrus or inner city drive-bys!

MDarringer - 12/21/2019 8:33:07 AM

0 Boost

Someone memorized the words CNN told him to say.

PUGPROUD - 12/21/2019 12:21:06 PM

+1 Boost

Never watch Crappy News Network (CNN).

Truthy - 12/22/2019 4:30:33 PM

+1 Boost

You prefer FUX fake news?

MrEE - 12/21/2019 6:50:37 AM

+2 Boost

These are for off road living in BLM, national forest, trips to Alaska and Central/South America. Not really a new trend, check this out on YouTube.

MDarringer - 12/21/2019 8:32:40 AM

0 Boost

Actually, this is already a "thing". Preppers and prepper wannabes have their bug out vehicles.

mre30 - 12/21/2019 9:53:33 AM

+1 Boost

These have been out (and popular) for a solid 10 years now. Its just another way to 'show off' that you have $100,000 to $200,000+ to dump on a $50,000 van.

Its the Mercedes G-Wagon in another form. Nothing to see here.

By the way, if the apocalypse hits, would you want an OEM van or SUV that is tested for reliabilty or would you rather have some highly customized vehicle that was built by hand, by 10 guys in an industrial park in Indiana? OEM for me!

valhallakey - 12/21/2019 10:32:53 AM

+2 Boost

$200k is nothing when talking about these vehicles. The newest model Earth Roamer starts at $590k and they say an average equipped one runs from 650-750k. Also it does use a base Ford F550 which is largely stock OEM. It is the cab attached to it that is modified. Pretty neat vehicles for an apocalypse party. I know one IT guy that somehow afforded one and equipped it with satellite comms, massive solar panels he sets our and he just drives his in the remotest areas and "works from home".