The auto industry continues to evolve as higher gas prices, renewed competition and global economic forces put the squeeze on a 125 year old industry. We’re seeing change happening faster than ever before, but those changes are expected only to accelerate in coming years. Let’s take a look at five new car trends certain to dominate in 2012:

1. 40 MPG or else — Blame Hyundai for raising the bar so high that every other manufacturer will need to reach higher and quickly. When the Korean automaker released its all new Elantra compact in late 2010, it was the first model to offer the same fuel mileage across all trim levels. That threshold is 40 mpg, something Kia and Hyundai, its corporate cousin, will be meeting with about a half a dozen models for 2012. Hyundai and Kia sales are exploding and you can credit exceptionally good gas mileage for that fact. Other manufacturers are certain to follow suit.

2. Improved safety — Besides getting excellent gas mileage and offering a comfortable interior, car buying consumers are demanding even safer vehicles. Manufacturers are doing that by offering side curtain air bags, traction control and improved roofs to survive rollovers, but the changes coming down the road include such new devices as inflatable seatbelt airbags and collision avoidance systems. Read the rest of this entry »