Other Innovations

It’s November and that means everyone who is anyone in the automotive sector is in sunny southern California for the Los Angeles Auto Show, which runs until the end of November. Automakers from around the Globe have descended on the City of Angels and are unveiling the latest in designs and cutting edge technology. For instance, last week Lamborghini introduced a new rear-wheel drive version of its Huracán LP 580-2. Porsche presented the 2016 Cayman GT4 Clubsport.

Strangely, I was not invited, but that has not stopped me from observing the festivities from afar via the miracle that is the World Wide Web. It may come as a surprise but, though I admire the incredibly beautiful new cars, the mind-blowing technology and while I envy those who are attending what I can only imagine are spectacular LA parties stocked with premium tequilas and catered with lavish sumptuous food, and while I wish I’d been there on November 19 when comedian Jeff Dunham unveiled a restored Voxmobile (designed by George Barris in 1967), I’m left a little cold.

Amazing, new, cool things are great but what if you’re not able to partake? What if you’re an everyday schlub who owns a car that drives like it was unveiled at the 1948 Los Angeles Auto Show? How about a few advances and design innovations for the rest of us? Here are a few to get things started.

Pre-Dented Minivans

There are only two kinds of minivans: those that have a dent in the passenger side rear fender and those that are going to have a dent in the rear passenger’s side rear fender. Most often caused when minivan meets underground parking, some refer to these as “Soccer Mom Tags” but I consider that unfair. When it comes to minor dents and scrapes minivans are gender neutral and it doesn’t matter how good a driver you think you are, you’re going to bang that car up. You could put Mercedes F1 star Lewis Hamilton behind the wheel of a Toyota Odyssey and in 20 minutes it would have a dent in the rear wheel fender.

Why not offer pre-dented minivans? This would allow soccer moms and dads alike to customize their calamities. Are you a Toronto Maple Leafs fan? Why not have your minivan pre-dented in Maple Leaf blue?  Are your kids fans of Justin Bieber? Why not get a dent in the shape of Bieber’s face?