The intention of the project was to define and develop a passenger vehicle concept with automated driving capability. Moreover, a sustainable vehicle concept that is realistic within stated time span was aimed to be delivered, based on the knowledge of present and qualified assumptions of near-future technology and of problems related to driving automation, indeed.
In this particular case the sustainability was considered from both business as well as ecological perspective and emphasis was put also on technological viability of the concept, taking into account decades of optimization of platforms and production processes within the automotive industry.
The final solution emerged from ‘from inside out’ approach with careful respect to human measure. It is focused on providing more spare time for the driver and the front passenger in various situations when the system is capable to take control over the vehicle and drive autonomously, for instance on a highroad or in a congestion. The interior is resembling comfortable home-like environment since it is also a space for relax or work in similar cases.
The car is designed as a main metal space frame with mechanical components and electronics and then exchangeable bodywork panels of bioplastic that are attached to it.
As a result, the exterior is just a matter of choice of bodypanels that can have very different expression to attract larger scope of potential customers, while the main product will be still the same. Furthermore, this solution offers a possibility to keep up with latest styling trends and fashions and the car can be personalized outside as well as inside in an easy way. Three different themes/styles for exterior panels were developed to illustrate this intention.
Typologically the vehicle represents the most preferred segment of compact cars (in Europe), which is at the same time often young users’ choice.
For the propulsion, there should be an option to select whether a small combustion engine using next generation of biofuels or an electric drive within the same model range.