Letter: No more dull cars, new tech enables a return to the classic American sedan

Bring back classic 'land yachts' for safety - and style

The burgeoning electric vehicle (EV) and hybrid car market has largely embraced crossovers, SUVs, and trucks, yet this focus might overlook a significant cultural and stylistic opportunity — reviving the grand American sedan, or as they were fondly called, "land yachts."

Reflecting on the peak of American automotive design from the late 1950s through the early 1970s, the common vehicle of choice was the large sedan, known for its stylish curves and spacious interiors. This era, predating the fuel crisis, marked a high point in aesthetic and functional design, tailored to the American family's needs.

Today, however, consumers are nudged toward compact crossovers, which promise the utility of an SUV with the efficiency of a sedan. Unfortunately, this compromise often results in vehicles that sacrifice aesthetic appeal for middling functionality. The classic sedan's potential resurgence in the form of EVs and hybrids could address this gap, offering both style and modern technological advancements.

Adopting a standardized platform for sedans, including both two-door and four-door models as well as station wagons, could greatly simplify manufacturing. Shared parts and fixtures would not only reduce costs but also increase production efficiency. Additionally, the design of large, low vehicles with integrated battery structures, similar to those used by Tesla and the new EV Hummer, offers significant safety benefits. These designs lower the vehicle's center of gravity, substantially reducing the likelihood of rollovers — a frequent concern with taller SUVs and crossovers.

Moreover, if we look at popular culture — movies, video games, and other media — the futuristic landscapes often feature sedans prominently in the background. These vehicles are not just modes of transportation but are embedded within our cultural identity, hinting at their potential resurgence and relevance in our future.

It's time for the auto industry to look back to its illustrious past to find the roadmap for its future. By reintroducing the grand sedans of yesteryears with today's technology, we can drive into a new age of automotive excellence and environmental responsibility.

John A. Nowakowski III, owner of Bayfront Glass LLC, quartz crystal manufacturing engineer at Bliley Technologies

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Erie engineer: Time for a revival of the classic American sedan