Volkswagen’s “People’s Car Project” has attracted more than 119 000
ideas in the 11 months since its launch. Three of the concepts created
by fans went on show at the 2012 Beijing auto show.
Of
the 33-million visitors to the People’s Car Project (PCP) website, 119
000 submitted ideas via the online platform for development by VW. The
concepts – Hover Car, Music Car and the Smart Key – are on display at
the show.
The Hover Car is an environmentally friendly
two-seater city car intended to hover just above the ground on
electromagnetic road networks.
'NEW DESIGN ERA'
The
Music Car, however, is equipped with organic LED's that alter the
exterior colour of the vehicle depending on the driver’s choice of
music. This car is also seen as a vehicular fashion statement for young
drivers.
The Smart Key, the last of the concepts developed for
Beijing, encapsulates the current trend of taking current online
technologies into the car. The key has a high-resolution touchscreen
that enables the driver to monitor the weather, the car’s fuel situation
and the its security through a 3G network. The driver can also monitor
the car from a bird’s-eye view using live satellite images.
Luca
de Meo, director of marketing for the VW Group and VW car brands, said:
“The ‘People’s Car Project’ in China is the beginning of an era in
automobile design. We are no longer just building cars for, but also
with, customers. The findings of the ‘People‘s Car Project’, in a
long-term context, will influence VW's product strategy."
- Wheels24