It’s safe to say that we all went into 2021 with a mix of optimism and trepidation. While the world was still reeling from a pandemic, it was at least the start of what has turned out to be a very long road to recovery.
However, with various lockdowns, variants, cancellations, and postponements, I’m sure we can all agree that keeping track of time was oftentimes a challenge. But that won’t stop up from trying to sum up 2021.
Granted, there were also semblances of normality too. Europe saw the return of motor shows, with Munich being the first major European event following the cancellation of Geneva in 2020 and 2021. Despite a few venues remaining off the calendar, we got a full-fat Formula 1 schedule, with other motorsports events included WRC, Formula E, and Goodwood all making a return. Away from the automotive sphere, the Olympics finally went ahead (and caused a minor controversy for Toyota), a bunch of wealthy people went to space, and a Korean drama became the most-watched show on Netflix.
It’s been a year of ups and downs for the automotive industry. The chip crisis that seemed like a bad hangover from 2020 has developed into somewhat of a persistent migraine throughout the last year — and it doesn’t look like things will change anytime soon either. It’s seen multiple manufacturers reassess what options are really needed, while others have had a bit of a profits wake-up call when it comes to the premium vs. mass-market offerings.
This column is far too short to list all the controversies that Tesla has been involved in, but it started the year back in January with the mind-bendingly fast Model S Plaid — and a rather dumb steering wheel. In between that, we’ve seen safety concerns over Tesla’s Full-Self Driving feature and their proclivity to headbutt emergency services vehicles. But no one can deny the curve the industry is taking, and how the Musk Machine has always been ahead of it (and TIME Magazine seems to agree).
If 2021 has one running thread, it’s that we’ll all be driving electric cars sooner or later. It wasn’t long before President Joe Biden announced plans to replace the U.S. Federal Fleets with American-made EVs. Ford unveiled the F-150 Lightning, Rivian finally started making deliveries, and the GMC Hummer EV is just around the corner too. Meanwhile, a slew of companies has announced that they’ll be focusing on an electric-only future. Toyota spent some time telling everyone else they were wrong and that plug-in hybrids were a better way to go, only to finally make a mass reveal of 15 electric concepts.
The luxury car wars have been hotting up too. Genesis announced an all-out offensive on the traditional premium brands, making a bold entry into Europe and impressing us with the GV70. Audi launched the e-Tron GT, an all-electric four-door coupe with much in common with the Porsche Taycan, and Bentley presented their drift-happy Continental GT Speed. It was also the year of a new Range Rover, although, from looks alone, you’d be hard-pressed to notice. Mercedes gave us a new C-Class, while at the top end, you’d find something that is undoubtedly the last of its kind: the V12 Mercedes-Maybach S680. In this vein, the EQS may give the Model S a run for its money in the coming year.
The world of SUVs and trucks continues to be healthy, spurred on by relentless consumer demand. Of course, knowing your Grand Cherokee from your Grand Cherokee L, Wagoneer, and Grand Wagoneer proved to be a little difficult, but then that’s something that a few manufacturers seem to be suffering from. But there have been some standouts in this segment, too, from Hyundai’s brilliant Santa Cruz and Ford’s Maverick proving that there’s a case for the smaller utilitarian offerings. Go the other way, and Toyota’s revised Tundra hopes to make an impact too.
In terms of supercars, the revival of the Lamborghini Countach nameplate had the potential to be momentous, but judging by the reactions in the comment sections, it was a bit of a let-down — even the original’s designer tried to distance himself from it. The Ferrari 296 GTB was launched to do battle with McLaren’s Artura, which has been delayed further by — yes, you’ve guessed it — the chip crisis. And, in big news for fans of supercar start-ups, years of hard work by the team behind Rimac was rewarded with Porsche announcing the joining of Bugatti and the Croatian EV maker.
It’s been an intense, busy, and perhaps an overall progressive year, so much so that it seems like we’ve only scratched the surface. Notably, while being under no illusion of how challenging things can be, there also appears to be light at the end of the tunnel.
So let’s be thankful for what we have, where we are, and where we’ve come from. On our part, we’d like to wish you a hearty Happy New Year from everyone here at CarScoops. May 2022 bring you good fortune and many more miles of smiles.
