Auto Enthusiast of the Month – February 2019
We are back with another exciting edition of Auto Enthusiast of the Month. For those who are new to our blog, this section is a showcase of some of the gearheads out there who also happen to manage or write their own websites. We feature one Auto Enthusiast every month and we have interviewed several over the past few months. For this month, we turn the spotlight on Nenad Banjac.
Nenad Banjac is the brains behind SUVTrend. This blog is a go-to for all things SUV --- from the latest releases of top brands to exciting expected line-ups that will hit the streets in a year or two. It’s a fun online destination for anyone who likes to read informative SUV news. This is not surprising because Nenad is a mechatronics engineer. His love for cars led him to study and become an engineer. Let’s get to know him and his blog better:
How did SUV Trend start? Where did the idea come from?
The idea of the SUV Trend started a long time ago. As a big car fan, I started browsing for the latest info about Audi Q5. I ran into a page about the new model, then I followed links to other vehicles. It took me some time to join forums and groups on Facebook and Reddit to find out all about cars, reading more and more about everything. Then, the idea came: why not start my own website where I can write news about cars, particularly SUVs? Then a couple of friends joined me and here we are.
What were the most significant challenges as you were starting?
Obtaining valid information. Nowadays, the internet is full of fake reports. We try to investigate as much as possible before we make the story. Usually, it takes a week or so to write an article.
What makes you stand out from others in the industry?
A few things come to mind. First, there is reliable information. We always check news, spy photos, and announcements, from official websites (Ford, Toyota, Honda, etc), newspapers, and other trusted sources (well-known websites). Also, we follow all the major auto shows and statements made at said shows.
Then, there is speed. It happens every now and then that our articles are already online before others write stories about some models. For example, we read a lot about the return of the Honda Crosstour. A friend from Honda’s dealership told us the company is working on the comeback, but it is confidential. We found more details, wrote a post about the return, and Honda launched the Crosstour in LA.
What's next for SUVTrend? What are you looking forward to?
We want to write more. Fans all around the world are contacting us and asking about posts from other segments. But, we can’t follow news from the entire car industry. We would like to expand the site news to hybrid vehicles, which are becoming more popular. Also, hybrids are our most favorite models. We think green, and if there is a way to change people’s mind about the importance of reducing gas emissions, we want to help. By promoting these kinds of vehicles, we hope that our readers will change their opinions too.
Also, we are trying to find more partners to join us in our quests. Your website seems to be a perfect companion. We already established some contacts and partnerships, but always looking forward to finding more people that see a mutual interest in what we are working on.
We are honored to be part of your network, Nenad and SUVTrend! We have no doubt that you will continue to be a major influence for new and seasoned SUV fans out there. Cannot wait to see where your blogging and auto-writing life takes you!
For more information on Nenad, check out his LinkedIn.
If you wish to become our next auto enthusiast, let us know!