Use of rapid sensory methods in the automotive industry

This chapter is the result of more than 15 years of experience of sensory evaluation in the car industry. During this time period, a great number of sensory and consumer studies have been conducted by the sensory science team of the Renault R D department. Such studies have rarely been published in the sensory science literature, although there have been a few communications in conferences (Astruc and Blumenthal, 2004 Astruc et al, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 Blumenthal, 2004, 2008 Blumenthal and Bouillot, 2007, 2010 Blumenthal and Dairou, 2007 Blumenthal et ah, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004 Boivin and Blumenthal, 2009 Dairou et al., 2003 Herbeth, 2007 Herbeth and Blumenthal, 2007, 2010 Herbeth et al., 2007 Petiot et al., 2010). This chapter is thus an opportunity to step back and share our experience on the use of sensory analysis, through three selected examples. We believe that this experience will be of profit to the reader in other domains of application. 

Alter explaining the context of automotive sensory evaluation and the need for sensory science in the car industry, we will develop three examples of studies, chosen to highlight the interest of rapid sensory methods. 

Like other industries, car companies do care about their consumers. Apart from obvious price considerations, consumers do have needs and expectations. These needs and expectations concern not only technical specifications linked to the performance of the car (top speed, fuel consumption, safety, etc.) but also subjective aspects, such as the aesthetics of the exterior design. With both of these, there is room for sensory science, because many aspects involve the sensory perception of the car. 

Rapid Sensory Profiling Techniques and Related Methods. http //dx.doi.oi l0.1533/97817824225 7.3.427 

Rapid Sensory Profiling Techniques and Related Methods 

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