# Infantile Auto Manufacturers inject cartoonish elements to appeal to young drivers. By [Michael Hemsworth](https://www.trendhunter.com/Michael.Hemsworth), Contributing Researcher | Published Apr 29, 2014 | Category: [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/auto-and-motor-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/infantile-auto ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.2/10 - Evidence articles: 6 ## What is the Infantile Auto trend? **Infantile Auto:** Car manufacturers are utilizing pop culture cartoon references and modifications to give the stuffy auto market a youthful enhancement. This attention to younger demographics conveys that brands are paying attention to pop culture to better connect with consumers. This approach does double duty as it lures in children through modern media and appeals to older individuals with a nostalgic preference. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 6 featured examples - Articles from: Nov 18, 2013 to Feb 4, 2014 - Published: Apr 29, 2014 - Patterns: [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality) - Megatrends: [Nostalgia](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/nostalgia), [Youthfulness](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/youthfulness) ## Audience - Gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Themes within the Infantile Auto trend ### Pop Culture-Inspired Cars Manufacturers are leveraging iconic pop culture references to appeal to younger demographics, creating new customization and design opportunities. ### Personalized Interiors and Exteriors Customization companies are creating unique and artful designs for car interiors and exteriors, appealing to consumers looking for a more individualized experience. ### Humorous Car Commercials Automakers are introducing comical and entertaining ads, featuring celebrities and iconic characters, improving brand recognition while creating new promotional strategies. ## What the Infantile Auto trend means for industry ### For Automobile Manufacturing The industry can leverage the use of pop culture references, artful customization designs, and entertaining commercials to appeal to younger demographics and improve brand recognition. ### For Design and Branding Services Professional services can leverage pop culture and artful customization to provide unique solutions for clients' individualized brand representation. ### For Marketing and Advertising Marketers can use entertaining commercials featuring celebrities and iconic characters to improve brand recognition and reach new audiences. ## Trend signals for Infantile Auto Trend score 3.2 out of 10, from popularity 37%, activity 50%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 37% - Activity: 50% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Infantile Auto trend 6 featured examples from Nov 18, 2013 to Feb 4, 2014. - [Comical Puppet Excursions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/toyota-big-game-commerical): The Muppets Bring Terry Crews Along for a Game Day Road Trip with Toyota (Category: Autos) Implication: Produce movies that inspire viewers to embark on exciting road trips and adventures. - [Viral Kitty Supercars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nyan-cat-ferrari): DJ Deadmau5's Nyan Cat Ferrari is Getting Noticed (Category: Autos) Implication: Luxury car manufacturers could offer vinyl wrapping options or partner with pop culture influencers to create limited edition designs to appeal to a younger, meme-savvy demographi… - [Studio-Inspired Art Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mini-cooper-painters-works): The Mini Cooper Painter's Expertly Recreates an Artist's Workplace (Category: Autos) Implication: The automotive customization industry can leverage the trend of art cars to offer unique, personalized services for customers who want artistic expression in their vehicles. - [Cosmetic-Inspired Sport Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/citroen-ds3): The Citroen DS3 by Benefit Cosmetics is Extra Girly (Category: Autos) Implication: Investigating how automotive manufacturers can tap into collaborations and customization to target niche markets and drive sales. - [Comically Formulaic Car Commercials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/volkswagen-game-day): This Volkswagen Game Day Teaser Aims to Perfect Super Bowl Ads (Category: Autos) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporating innovative technology and features in cars to create a new market demand for vehicles. - [Stranded Puppet Car Commercials](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/big-game-trailer): The Big Game Trailer by Toyota Features The Muppets in Trouble (Category: Autos) Implication: Develop cross-promotion campaigns with media companies to reach wide audiences and drive sales. ## Recent trend clusters - [Racing Homage](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/racing-homage) (Autos) - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Autos - [French Retro City Cars](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/french-retro-city-cars) - [Factory-Backed Performance Centers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/heritage-performance-centers) - [Flexible Luxury Motorhomes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flexible-luxury-motorhomes) - [Electric Luxury Grand Tourers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/high-price-ev-sedans) All articles: [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos)