EP28 - The Identity Issue Pt. 2

A few weeks ago, we introduced the uni-context—a theory that might explain why every new car is starting to look the same.This week, we go one layer deeper: identity versus character.Identity is what lets you recognise a supercar as a supercar, whether it was built in Modena or Atlanta. Character is something else entirely—it's specific to place, specific to person, and made just as much from what's "wrong" with a thing as what's "right".We talk about Chris Bangle's idea of cars as avatars, why Hyundai and Renault seem to have held onto character while so many premium brands have lost it, and how a data-obsessed, insight-hungry corporate culture might be quietly killing off taste and discernment.And we ask the harder question underneath it all: what does it actually take—for a brand, or for a person—to trust yourself enough to be different?That's it for this episode! Thanks for listening.If you like what you hear, please leave a review for us on your favourite podcasting platform. It helps other folk like you find us!And you can sign up for Looking Out - The Newsletter, the sidekick to our podcast, here: automobility.substack.com