The dog-friendly Honda Element might not be the best-looking compact SUV on the market, but it could be a pooch lover’s second best friend. This Rubbermaid-like SUV features plastic washable floors, a cushy doggy bed with cooling system, a non-spill water bowl for long trips, a ramp for your pup’s easy access, and, most importantly, badges on the outside to tell the world you’re a dog lover.
John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda stated that “Cars are now chasing dogs.” Well, Mr. Mendel, I’m not sure that’s not a very good thing. Cars weigh more than dogs, and when they collide, 10 out of 10 times the dog loses.
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Dog-friendly Suvs
- Opportunity for automakers to create more pet-friendly features in SUVs, such as washable floors and canine-specific accessories.
- Automotive Pet Accessories
- Growing market for innovative pet accessories designed specifically for use in vehicles, such as cooling beds and non-spill water bowls.
- Pet-inclusive Branding
- Opportunity for car brands to appeal to pet owners by incorporating pet-themed branding, such as badges or decals, on their vehicles.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Automotive
- Automakers can tap into the pet market by developing features and accessories that cater to the needs of pet owners.
- Pet Products
- Opportunity for pet accessory manufacturers to expand their product offerings to include innovative automotive pet accessories.
- Marketing and Branding
- Brands can leverage the pet-friendly trend by incorporating pet-related branding elements into their marketing strategies to target pet owners.
