This is what the face of road travel could look like in the not too distant future.
At least that the message from Volkswagen with the release of its latest concept the Gen.Travel.
Volkswagen Group says it constitutes a completely new premium category between sedan and MPV (Multi Purpose Vehicle).
The all-electric powered Innovation Experience Vehicle (IEV) is a working prototype that drives autonomously (Level 5) and gives a realistic outlook for the mobility of the coming decade.
The modular interior can accommodate up to four passengers and provides a flexible, sustainable “Mobility-as-a-Service” alternative to short-haul flights.
Gen.Travel has a unique, modular interior concept that can be customised for each journey and booked as a Mobility-as-a-Service offering.
For business trips, the conference setup with four comfortable seats and a large table in the middle of the interior provides relaxed surroundings.
Dynamic lighting creates a pleasant working environment and avoids the danger of motion sickness.
The overnight-setup allows conversion of two sets to become fully flat beds.
An innovative passenger restraint system ensures maximum safety even in a lying position.
The lighting system promotes melatonin production to help passengers fall asleep and wake up naturally.
For family trips, Gen.Travel with front seats can be configured to entertain the children using augmented reality (AR).
The interior is light, with a natural design.
All HMI (Human-Machine Interface) elements are produced using sustainable materials, combined with recycled or natural materials.
The futuristic exterior of the Gen.Travel is divided into two parts.
The transparent, glass cabin is perfectly incorporated into the lower section, which houses all the technical features.
The edge of the window is at waist level, making it very low to maximize the view of the outside.
At the same time, when passengers are lying down flat in the car, they do not experience any external influences.
The gullwing doors of the Gen.Travel facilitate better entry and exit.
For maximum comfort Gen.Travel has active suspension eABC (electric Active Body Control) that calculates vertical and lateral movements such as acceleration, braking, or cornering ahead of time, and optimizes the driving style and trajectory accordingly.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and platooning – fully autonomous driving in convoys – are used to further increase the range for long-distance journeys.
