Our executive editor Gavin Green looks back at the past decade. This is his guide to the 10 most highs and lows of the Noughties
Most influential production car: Toyota Prius
Its benefits are exaggerated and posturing politicians and eco preeners in their Priuses drive me mad. But when public perception matters more to these people than hard facts, what do you expect? There’s no denying that this car has changed the landscape. Hybrids will soon become common and that’s because of this Toyota.
Most influential concept car: The Vauxhall Ampera/Chevrolet Volt
It moves the Prius idea a step ahead by further electrifying the drivetrain, saving fuel and cutting carbon. Let’s hope GM stays in business long enough to reap the reward.
Eco company of decade: BMW
They reduced the real-world fuel economy of their cars, while maintaining the fun-to-drive factor. Efficient Dynamics was a brilliant idea, superbly executed. Plus it left premium rivals languishing.
Corporate duffer of the decade: General Motors
They made mostly rubbish cars in America, showed an unmatched ability to botch brands and went bankrupt. This champion of capitalist America then did a Soviet and sought a state bail-out.
Car boss of the decade: Ferdinand Piech
Just when everyone thought he’d retired to spend more time with his family – and when you have 13 children from three different wives, that’s a lot of family time – the mercurial Piech returned to power at Volkswagen. The German maker now vies with Toyota as the world’s strongest car maker. Plus it has the world’s best and most diverse portfolio of brands.
Daft decision of the decade: Uli Bez/Aston Martin Cygnet
Bez has done a brilliant job turning around Aston and great cars such as the V8/V12 Vantage and DBS, and the impressive Gaydon assembly facility, are testaments to his skills. But why is the man who proudly (and correctly) fought against Ford parts being fitted to Astons suddenly launching an Aston-badged Toyota?
Sports car of the decade: Mazda MX-5
While every other sports car was getting faster, more complicated and fatter, the MX-5 proved the joy of a simple front engine/rear drive/open top/clutch-and-gearstick recipe. Brilliant.
Most improved company: Hyundai/Kia
There are still some dreadful Korean cars out there but, nowadays, not too many come from Hyundai or Kia. Their latest offerings are at Japanese quality levels and are only a tad behind in technology. Clever, determined and wealthy, Hyundai/Kia are still improving fast.
Over-hyped technology: Hydrogen
They all talked it up – especially GM, Honda and BMW. But the icecaps will be floating by Big Ben before we see mass-made hydrogen cars and a proper hydrogen infrastructure. In 30 years maybe? Not before.
Special bravery award: Renault
Their cars have mostly been wimps, not wonders, this past decade. But their recent high-profile ‘grand-gesture’ commitment to electric cars is so very French.
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