Selecting a Vehicle Concept

During the early phases of the product development, several alternate vehicle concepts are created with different exterior and interior shapes and vehicle configurations. The vehicle concepts are shown to representative groups of customers to help select a concept for further development. The vehicle concepts are usually shown in the form of (a) realistic-looking pictures or projected vehicle images on large screens, or (b) three-dimensional physical properties such as vehicle bucks or concept vehicles. The exact process used to select a vehicle concept can vary considerably between different vehicle manufacturers and different vehicle programs. However, most manufacturers stage one or more market research clinics to conduct systematic evaluations of the alternate concepts using representative customers. The results of the market research clinics are reviewed with the vehicle design team and various levels of company management. And the final selection of the concept is made with the concurrence of the highest level of company management. In addition, the feedback received in the evaluations and reviews is used to propose changes to the selected vehicle concept.