The People’s Car Project, launched just under a year ago in China, is an online platform for users to submit vehicle and technology concepts for Volkswagen. In 11 months, over 33 million people visited the site and submitted 119,000 concept ideas surrounding both new vehicles and technology. Out of the 119,000 ideas submitted, a grand total of three were selected to be explored further by Volkswagen, and the concepts are on display at the Beijing auto show going on now. The three concepts are the Hover Car, the Music Car, and the Smart Key.
The Hover Car was developed as a concept that is an eco-friendly two-seater city-slicker that hovers inches above the ground. Volkswagen has put this idea on display at Auto China 2012 as representation of the automaker’s study of zero-emissions vehicles. With the Hover Car, it’s believed that it would travel along an electromagnetic road network, technology that would make Tony Stark blush. Either way, Volkswagen is still evaluating the idea to see how far it can take certain aspects of it.
The second concept chosen by Volkswagen is the Music Car, a vehicle that can help its driver easily express itself. With the help of music and thousands of organic light emitting diodes, the Music Car will change its exterior color depending on the type of music the driver is listening too. The idea behind the Music Car is that it’s an avenue for young drivers for self-expression as well as a fashion statement.
The third and final concept picked by Volkswagen is named the Smart Key. The Smart Key features a slim screen that alerts drivers to current vehicle fuel levels, climate conditions, and vehicle security. Thanks to real-time satellite updates the driver can also track their positioning too.
With the help from the three concepts, the People’s Car Project has been dubbed a success and will be extended indefinitely. In the coming months users will be able to submit their design, personalization, and connectivity ideas for future technology but ideas that are good for the environment will be entertained too. All of the ideas will be judged by peers on the site and then experts will evaluate the favorites. The chosen ideas will be awarded a prize and it’s very likely a second look from Volkswagen too.
Source: Newspress
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