I predict the next decade will be transitional, evolutionary but not revolutionary in the propulsion options provided by the automotive industry. If the industry and likely a new direction by governments take a pragmatic, market driven approach, new technology and innovations will proceed in an orderly fashion. Unrealistic and extremest driven agendas, mandates and oppressive actions will not succeed. I see more innovation and acceptability in the light commercial applications, urban fleet vehicles and small urban cars. All electric will never become a reality, nor should it. It’s fundamental drawbacks and support capabilities along with consumer preferences will determine that outcome. Sanity, reality and economics will drive the diversification and options based market forward and Stellantis, headed by its senior management, seems to be acknowledging and implementing that policy.
As a “pragmatic environmentalist” I applaud the achievements of science legislative bodies and industry in improving our planet, but we can only do what we can do and other priorities must be integrated into our efforts. It should be interesting, effective and acceptable if all of us come down on the side of pragmatism, market based product development and accept two facts. First, our planet is in no immediate danger of catastrophic climate change and second, the environmental movement takes time so be patient and pragmatic. We should save the free market capitalist market, the auto industry and our planet all in tandem and we will..hopefully.
