Andrea Mangano has designed a futuristic skateboard in conjunction with Italian automobile manufacturer Alfa Romeo that is all about speed and style. The Raptor concept skateboard has the design of a mountain board and the sleek styling and bright red coloring of an Alfa Romeo sports car.
Even if you've never seen an Alfa Romeo before, you can still see the Alfa influence simply by looking at the nose of the Raptor and checking out the affixed Alfa Romeo badge. Although this board is undeniably beautiful, it is much more than a showpiece. The lightweight design of the deck coupled with the foot-straps and raised and enlarged wheels suggest that this board is meant for going down hills at high speeds. I would not be surprised if automobile-branded skateboards became the next big thing as automaker-branded bikes and scooters have been stealing the show at auto shows across the world in 2011. It could be only a matter of time before you are trying to kickflip using a GM-branded board.
Italian Automaker Skate Decks
The Raptor Concept Skateboard is Inspired by Alfa Romeo Autos
Trend Themes
1. Automaker-branded Skateboards - The rising popularity of automaker-branded bikes and scooters suggests a potential disruptive innovation opportunity for automakers to enter the skateboard market.
2. Futuristic Mountain Boards - The sleek and lightweight design of the Raptor concept skateboard presents an opportunity for innovators to develop cutting-edge mountain boards for extreme sports enthusiasts.
3. Design-inspired Skateboard Accessories - The affixed Alfa Romeo badge on the Raptor skateboard opens up avenues for creating designer skateboard accessories that cater to the style-conscious skateboarders.
Industry Implications
1. Automotive Manufacturing - Automakers can explore diversification and capitalize on their brand identity by offering branded skateboards as an extension of their product lineup.
2. Extreme Sports Equipment - The innovative design elements of the Raptor concept skateboard indicate potential opportunities for manufacturers to create advanced mountain boards and equipment for extreme sports enthusiasts.
3. Skateboard Accessory Retail - The design-oriented and brand-focused nature of the Raptor skateboard paves the way for skateboard accessory retailers to introduce high-end accessories featuring automobile-inspired designs.