Iconoculture Expert Rob Tregenza Discusses Consumer Behaviors Driving Automotive Trends at The 2007 North American International Auto Show (DETROIT)

WHAT: MINNEAPOLIS, JANUARY 6 - Rob Tregenza, Senior Director, Consumer Strategist, Transportation for strategic consumer advisory services leader Iconoculture is available to offer insights and discuss trends influencing some 50 new vehicles set to launch at the 2007 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), January 7-21, in Detroit.

WHY: When the Detroit Auto Show first revved its engines in 1907, consumers and manufacturers could hardly dream of the cars, trucks, SUVs/CUVs, minivans and hybrids of today. The 21st-century auto is no longer merely a means to travel from point A to point B. It's a part of what Tregenza calls "lifestyle management," as drivers and passengers demand a seamless connection to their lives outside the vehicle.

Tregenza is available to offer his perspective on the consumer values, demands and choices driving the innovations on parade at NAIAS. An expert in consumer research and automotive product development, Tregenza gets under the hood and inside the mind of the everyday road warrior- tracking behaviors, analyzing patterns and interpreting what it means for the industry and the marketplace. He points to these emerging consumer trends that will torque and transform the automotive landscape in 2007:

It's Not a Car. It's a Lifestyle Manager: Consumers aren't just driving their cars...they're enjoying relationships with them based on lifestyle relevance. The "Utility" in SUV/CUV is being replaced with "Activity" as autos offer on-the-go tools for lifestyle management. Portable and personal navigation systems, high-definition entertainment, and intelligent fabrics were just the start as convenience merges lanes with activity, safety, security, comfort, function, aesthetics, efficiency and values. Getting there is part of the experience as cars become tricked-out rolling "Third Places" taking home and office on the road. For commuters and families, concept cars and production features that offer a seamless car-consumer relationship and real-world benefits will be popular.

"Carbon Neutral" Gets Green Light: Eco-conscious consumers are looking for ways to offset their "carbon footprint" (impact on the environment due to emission of greenhouse gases, measured in CO2). Green consciousness continues to go mainstream. Watch for automakers to offer easy ways for consumers to make a green difference in every aspect of the vehicle experience, from purchase to everyday driving.

Also on the 2007 NAIAS Radar...: Recurring themes from last year's show include CUVs (crossover utility vehicles) that still have a monster presence; alternative fuel options, including "clean diesel," gaining broader consumer awareness; and more ultra-cool small cars.

WHO: Rob Tregenza, Senior Director, Consumer Strategist, Transportation for Iconoculture, helps automotive companies finetune product design and marketing messages for a dynamic consumer landscape. His expert insight on "what's driving consumers" provides companies with the information they need to communicate with consumer bases and develop relevant products, positioning and promotions. He has conducted market research and delivered projects for some of the world's largest automotive companies, including General Motors, DaimlerChrysler, and Ford. Rob came to Iconoculture from Lear Corporation, the world's largest supplier of automotive interiors. He holds a B.S. in Business Administration from Sierra Nevada College.

  FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO SET UP A BRIEFING, CONTACT:
  Laurie Healy, Director, Corporate Marketing
  Office: 612-642-2207 or Cell: 651-353-2165
  lhealy@iconoculture.com

  ABOUT ICONOCULTURE:

Iconoculture, the leader in strategic consumer advisory services, delivers consumer understanding to marketing decision makers at F1000 companies, their agencies and advisors. Iconoculture enables business growth and innovation, using our unique observational research approach and translation capabilities of world-class researchers and strategists.

Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link. Rob Tregenza http://profnet.prnewswire.com/Subscriber/ExpertProfile.aspx?ei=33088

PRNewswire -- Jan. 6