To Mod, or not to Mod: That is the Question

Modifications to standard build cars have been goingor car; however body kits and 'body tuning' parts
on since practically the first one rolled off thecurrently make up by far the largest market share of
production line. These days, car tuning and 'modding'aftermarket parts throughout the world.
in order to improve the performance and handling orFollowing on from the lead in Japan, and the
to customise the looks of a vehicle have become bigincreased availability of Japanese import cars and
business.parts, the UK scene has exploded in recent years
Most cars are designed to leave the factory with awith an extensive list of parts now available, such as
suitable initial set up for the average driver'sneon under-body lights, tinted windows, candy,
expectations and average road conditions; howeveriridescent, colour shifting and pearlescent paints,
many people don't like to be viewed as average, anddecals, custom exhaust tips, spoilers, roof scoops,
as cars are often seen as an extension of thenot to mention lowered suspension, and custom rims!
owner's personality, 'modding' and tuning haveIn the current world of car tuning, style is king. Every
become ways to personalize the vehicle to suit thetuner wants to post their car photos on the latest
owner's own sense of style.blog, owners club or online forum. Even those without
In Japan especially, the modification of cars has seentheir own car can create a virtual tuned car with the
not only a rise in its own owners' sub-culture, but itaid of computer games like 'Need For Speed' before
has also hit the Manga comics and anime in the formthen posting pictures of it online, for others to see
of Initial D, and gone on to worldwide box office hittheir idea of the ideal modified car.
films with The Fast and the Furious. The modificationThe world of the car as a means of personalized
market has become so important to certaintransport has come a long way since Henry Ford is
manufacturers - most notably Nissan, Subaru andreputed to have made the statement "Any customer
Mitsubishi - that some have even started to releasecan have a car painted any color that he wants so
certain models to big name tuning, performance andlong as it is black." These days a car owner can
aftermarket specialists, prior to the actual launch, inchange the performance, shape, colour or any other
order that there are non factory customstyling detail they like.
modifications ready as soon as the car officially hitsIt seems as though the car truly has become an
the market.extension of the owner's personality like never
Today there is an extensive array of performancebefore.
parts available for many different makes and models