By Ryan
In automotive engineering, a
grille covers an opening in the body of a vehicle to allow air to enter. Most
vehicles feature a grille at the front of the vehicle to protect the radiator
and engine, or on the rear deck lid (in rear engine vehicles).
The front fascia of a motor
vehicle has an important role in attracting buyers. The principal function of
the grille is to admit cooling air to the car's radiator. However, the look of
the vehicle matters a great deal more than whether the design features actually
serve any function. As one of the main visual components on the front of
vehicles, an inspired grille design makes a car attractive and shapes its
identity by tying it to the carmaker's history and reputation.
The front end, grille, fascia and
headlights form a very distinct “face,” and, much like a human visage, it can
have expressions: happy, purposeful, angry, aggressive, sad or even bored. And,
just like we recognize and trust familiar human faces, it’s important for car
brands to maintain “facial continuity” for purposes of recognition and
awareness.
Nobody has done this better than
BMW and Mercedes. Both, across many decades and dozens of new vehicles, have evolved
and modernized their grilles (with the “twin kidneys” of BMW sometimes wider,
sometimes framed, sometimes more rectangular), but they have maintained their
essential brand identities. This consistency is a large part of their enviable
brand health. Being instantly recognized by everyone as the owner of a BMW or
Mercedes is hugely important to the owners.
Sources
Images
By: Shane S.
ReplyDeleteThis is a really interesting post! When looking at a high end car, you always want to look at the front of the car and the grille. It's interesting how they change the style but maintain their universal design to keep loyal customers happy and attract new ones.
That's right, so to the customers, the ionic design means history and exquisite technology, deepen their loyalty to the Brand.
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