This
web-log will continue enjoy an intermission over the next month or
so, before considering the future 'shape' of Brazil and the 'fit' of
its automotive sector
This
once the necessary socio-economic reforms have been implemented to
better align the country with its global competitors, and so avoid
the likelihood of a possible 'middle-income trapped' economy.
Arguably Brazil sits in a prime position to enable yet another era of
economic progress, as long as it can create and implement a new
“Grande Vision”.
However,
in the meantime the topical intermission continues.
In
the spirit of old BBC televisual intermissions – wherein monochrome
focus upon a potter's wheel allowed the viewer the space of
reflection - the following depicts the efforts of two men who
epitomise absolute passion for the symbolism, societal impact and
history of the motor car.
Critically,
as the notional 'advanced West' becomes increasingly weaned-off the
mid 20th century 'Autopia', with ideals of
eco-consciousness enabled by e-connected urban efficiency, so the
remainder of much of the world, from Azerbajan to Zimbabwe, seeks to
continue to replicate the best of the West's automotive glory days
with mass mobility and consumerism, achieved via yet greater
integrated globalisation.
The
new and further planned trans-continental trade-routes in road and
rail across Asia, Africa and Latin America in turn propel B2B and B2C
activities, and so lifestyle and vehicular aspirations.
But
whereas those long established major cities with present or expectant
pollution problems in today's BRIC and Pioneer nations will
invariably follow the ULEV and pure EV pathway (presently
policy-propelled by China), the likely emergence of new suburbia
spread over vast tracts of land look likely to eventually replicate
the Los Angeles growth model of the 'decentralised' town; wherein
suburb after suburb becomes gradually enmeshed.
To
this end, with the expectation of “proper homes” with driveways
and family cars, the numerous millions continue to seek their own
'automotive nirvana', from the freedom and excitement provided to the
youth of tomorrow in righteously 'selfish' personal cars (that must
also imbue perhaps a hidden social consciousness), to the deeply
considered multi-functionality in drive-train, packaging and style
required by 'multi-mode' families who must consider not only their
own ecological footprint, but who will also seemingly need to be seen
as very visible propagators of the “Eco-Century”.
To
simplistically 'culturally animate' these opposing perspectives,
investment-auto-motives depicts the similarly nick-named, yet
counterpoint characters, of Jay Kay and Jay Leno.
Both
men have become renowned regards their personal passions for cars and
vehicles, however their on-screen depictions – music videos vs
subject specials – could be said to relate the highly ethereal
(that creates the 'mood space') versus the enormously tangible
(informative if not indeed didactic).
So
to follow.....from Auto-Maton to Auto-Patron
