Concept Cars 101 | Concept vs Production Car

Today on the blog, I’m going to teach you the importance of concept cars and why you should know what they are! There is a difference between concept and production cars and many reasons why companies have them.

Have you ever seen a concept car? I bet you have and didn’t even know it! Follow along to learn all about them.

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What is a concept car?

A concept car is a vehicle that's made to showcase new styling and/or new technology. Usually seen at auto shows, these stylish, futuristic vehicles are not available to the public. In fact, many of them aren’t even drive-able. Although this may seem like there is no point in making them, it is all about strategy for these companies!

Why do manufacturers make them?

Concept cars are used to highlight new features, ideas or exterior styling that a brand would like to incorporate into future vehicles. Concept cars aren't always put into production. Part of the process is seeing if there's a demand for the vehicle. If the concept is received well, it’s possible the vehicle or features on a vehicle will go into production.

So when you see outrageous designs of cars floating around the internet (for example, a Lincoln Navigator with butterfly doors), it’s likely its just a concept car! Companies strategically make these cars to cause brand awareness and get the word spreading about the type of car or company. Especially with media the way it is now, these cars spread the internet like crazy after being posted!

Concept vs Production Cars

There is a main difference between concept cars and production cars. concept cars will never go into production directly. The concept car would have to go through significant changes in safety, practicality and cost for this to be possible. A production car prototype serves a purpose and is the beginning of mass-produced identical models of the car that can be sold to the public. These are legal to drive and include all the features of a regular car!

Here are some examples of the difference:

Concept cars are important to be aware of as a consumer! Don’t get your hopes too high up when you see a high tech new car trending on the Internet because it is most likely a concept car. But who knows! Maybe one day those futuristic looking cars will be on the market and concept cars won’t feel so unrealistic.