Hyundai is making some early noise at the 2012 LA Auto Show with its Veloster C3 Roll Top concept.
The radical hatchback is a convertible with an electronically controlled soft top. The driver can roll the top backwards to turn the hatchback into a convertible or forwards to morph it into a pickup truck.
Hyundai envisions its concept car as one that will appear to urban youth who work in the city but play in the great outdoors. The demo model brought to the show proves to the world that the Veloster C3 Roll Top can at least store a bike, but Hyundai also says that its concept can hold kayaks, surfboards and more. Gearheads will be pleased to note that the concept sports a 201-hp 1.6-liter GDI 4-cylinder engine.
The C3 is a concept in the truest sense of the word, but never say never when it comes to Hyundai.
Triple-Threat Hatchback Concepts
Hyundai's Veloster C3 Roll Top is a Convertible and Pickup Truck
Trend Themes
1. Convertible Hatchbacks - The trend of convertible hatchbacks presents an opportunity for car manufacturers to attract urban millennials who value versatility and style.
2. Hybrid Functionality - The concept of transforming a hatchback into a pickup truck provides a disruptive innovation opportunity for car manufacturers to cater to consumers who seek both a practical vehicle for daily use and the ability to carry larger items.
3. Urban Outdoor Lifestyle - The trend of catering to urban youth who work in the city but play in the great outdoors creates opportunities for automotive companies to design vehicles that can seamlessly transition between urban and outdoor environments.
Industry Implications
1. Automotive - The automotive industry can seize the opportunity to develop and market convertible hatchbacks with hybrid functionality, appealing to urban millennials with active lifestyles.
2. Outdoor Recreation - The outdoor recreation industry can collaborate with automotive manufacturers to create innovative accessories and storage solutions that cater to the specific needs of urban adventurers who want to carry sports equipment in their vehicles.
3. Personal Mobility - The personal mobility industry can explore partnerships with car manufacturers to develop compact, versatile vehicles that offer convertible and functional features for urban commuters seeking practical transportation options.