German based car maker Opel has stunned the auto design industry with a century old throwback to suicide doors included in the brand new 2011 Opel Meriva MPV. The sleek compact will be officially unveiled March 4, 2010 in Geneva.
Many concept vehicles are fitted with rear-hinged doors when being showcased at auto shows, but the engineers at Opel found the design gives rear passengers ease in entering and exiting the compact vehicle. It is hard to believe that Opel originated as a custom sewing machine manufacturer in 1863, but perhaps the suicide doors represent a little old school sentiment.
Suicide Styled Rides
The 2011 Opel Meriva MPV Struts the Return to Suicide Doors
Trend Themes
1. Suicide Doors - The comeback of suicide doors in the automotive industry presents opportunities for car manufacturers to explore retro design elements and enhance passenger experience.
2. Rear-hinged Doors - The use of rear-hinged doors in concept vehicles highlights a trend towards innovative entry and exit solutions for compact cars.
3. Retro Design - The resurgence of retro design elements like suicide doors taps into nostalgic consumer preferences and offers a unique selling point for car manufacturers.
Industry Implications
1. Automotive - The automotive industry can leverage the trend of suicide doors and rear-hinged doors to differentiate their products and enhance the passenger experience, leading to increased customer satisfaction and sales.
2. Design - The design industry can explore the opportunity to incorporate retro design elements like suicide doors in various products, beyond automotive, catering to consumers' longing for nostalgia.
3. Manufacturing - The manufacturing industry has the potential to develop and innovate rear-hinged door mechanisms for compact vehicles, providing solutions for easier entry and exit for passengers.