The 6 Types of Car Features

How does an automaker decide which features to go into which model? To find out we speak with Tim Franklin, Nissan’s Head of Product Planning.

He explains it’s a balancing act among the 6 different types of features:

  1. Expected Features – Bluetooth
  2. Regulatory Features – daytime running lights
  3. Primary Features – keyless entry
  4. Proprietary Features – only one automaker offers these
  5. Subtle Features – seat comfort, soft-touch dash
  6. Canadian Features – heated side-mirrors

Read it online at Autonet.ca.

Favourite line:

And that’s how it came to be that the Versa Note is sold in Texas, with heated seats.

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Can’t Buy a Bad Car Today

Gone are the days of the Pacers and K-cars. No matter which make & model you choose today, you can’t really buy a “bad car.”

Be mindful of these 3 points, and spend the majority of your budget on the engine – the thing that makes a car a car. The rest is styling.

Read it online at Autonet.ca

Favourite line:

What it comes down to is the styling of the car, and I (or any other auto journalist) can’t tell you what to like; only you can know that.

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Canadian Cars are Different than the USA’s

Our Canadian cars are different than the same model sold in the States. We have more in common with European buyers than those south of the border.

Speaking with Tim Franklin, Nissan’s Senior Manager of Product Planning, we find out how and why.

Read in online on Autonet.ca

Favourite line:

Nissan conducts Canadian-specific tests, to ensure such things as if a Tim Horton’s coffee cup fits comfortably inside the cupholder.

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