Ford Motor Company has recently released its 11th annual Trends Report, which provides a unique insight into the changing attitudes and behaviours of consumers across the world. The findings are based on a survey of 16,120 participants in 16 countries, which aimed to explore their opinions and preferences, and to attempt to predict future trends.
One of the major insights from the report is that, despite ongoing national and global instability, the global population remains optimistic and has a “Every cloud has a silver lining” mentality. Jen Brace, from Ford’s Global Trends and Futuring Team, said that the survey participants “believe society will be stronger in five years” and that they have not given up on the notion of a “happily ever after”.
The report also highlights a range of other trends, including:
- Facing Our Fears: The survey reveals that 65% of South Africans have lost trust in political structures and 57% have a growing scepticism in financial systems. The most commonly cited fear was inflation and high prices, with 88% of South Africans expressing this concern. However, 66% of participants are hopeful that their financial situation will improve in the coming year.
- Taking a Stand: Globally, 64% of respondents believe that political representation is deficient in their countries, while 82% of South Africans think that there is more being done to cause division than to unite the country. As a result, consumers are calling for greater accountability from companies for their environmental and social impacts, with 89% of South Africans agreeing that there needs to be more laws and policies to hold companies to account.
- Cautious Optimism: The report reveals that 85% of participants globally believe that “more love and forgiveness is needed in the world”, and 81% of South Africans believe that their actions can result in positive change. Furthermore, 90% of participants believe that their past mistakes do not define them but offer opportunities for growth and learning.
- The Road to Joy: The report highlights that 83% of South African participants try to find joy in everyday aspects of life, whether that’s through spending time with others in their cars, listening to music, or practicing gratitude. The “No chill in Mzansi” mentality, which has become popular on social media, epitomises this trend, showing how South Africans are able to find positivity even amidst political and socio-economic uncertainty.
The full 2023 Trends Report from Ford can be found on their website, where more detailed insights and information can be explored.
