Rinspeed XchangE Concept Teased For Geneva

 Redefined traveling in the comfort of business class with new infotainment concept

Autonomous driving is destined to become reality in the not-too-distant future. While the major automakers are putting the finishing touches on the vehicle technology, the Swiss idea factory Rinspeed puts the occupants at the center of the driverless car. Rinspeed boss Frank M. Rinderknecht: "So far hardly anyone has taken this to its logical conclusion from the perspective of the driver. After all, traveling in a driverless car will no longer require me to stare at the road, but will let me spend my time in a more meaningful way".

The key question is: How does the interior of a vehicle has to be designed to let the now largely unburdened driver make optimal use of the time gained? The Swiss company provides the answer with a fully electric touring sedan by the name of "XchangE." So far only a few highlights have been revealed. The vehicle features all-new seats reminiscent of the relaxing business-class seats of major airlines – with similarly elaborate functionality. And it uses a completely new operating and display concept with a host of innovative entertainment, safety and service functions. This makes it possible to work or relax in particular comfort while riding in the driverless car. All passengers can enjoy a wide variety of media or access in-depth information. And to make sure the steering wheel is not a hindrance while doing so, it can simply be "parked" in the middle of the dashboard, courtesy of state-of-the-art "steer-by-wire" technology that can also be found on modern jet aircraft. It is therefore no surprise that the smart automotive visionary with a wink negates the advertising slogan that has become part of the vernacular: “Not even flying is better!”

You can read, listen to music, surf the web, play games, watch movies in brilliant picture and sound quality or hold a meeting at 120 km/h and work on your files. The creators are certain that autonomous driving will actually make individual travel even more attractive compared to traveling by train, plane or long-distance coach. As Rinderknecht puts it: "I am given free time that I can use for myself anyway I please, while the sensor systems and the computer chauffeur me safely and reliably to my destination".

The Geneva Motor Show will take place from March 6 through 16, 2014. The Rinspeed "XchangE" is already the twentieth proprietary concept vehicle of the Swiss "Think Tank" and "Mobility Lab".

The partners and suppliers in the realization of the "XchangE" are:

4erC GmbH - www.4erc.ch
A.T. Kearney Global Management Consultants - www.atkearney.com
Borbet Vertriebs GmbH - www.borbet.de
Carl F. Bucherer - www.carl-f-bucherer.com
Eberspächer Climate Control Systems GmbH & Co. KG - www.eberspaecher.com
Esoro AG - www.esoro.ch
Evonik Industries AG - www.evonik.com
Georg Fischer Automotive AG - www.gfau.com
Harman International, Inc. - www.harman.com
KRD Sicherheitstechnik GmbH - www.kasiglas.de
Linde Material Handling - www.linde-mh.de
Otto Bock Mobility Solutions GmbH - www.ottobock.com
Paravan GmbH - www.paravan.de
Regus Global Management and Research Centre SA - www.regus.com
Schoeller GmbH & Co KG - www.schoeller-wool.com
Sika Schweiz AG - www.sika.com
Strähle+Hess GmbH - www.straehle-hess.de
TRW Automotive GmbH - www.trw.com
T-Systems International GmbH - www.t-systems.com
Vollmond Werbeagentur - www.agentur-vollmond.de
Weidmann Plastics Technology AG - www.weidmann-plastics.com