German chemical company BASF SE and the research and development center of Guangzhou Automobile Group Co Ltd. (GAC) have introduced three co-developed electric concept cars featuring BASF materials and solutions.
Debuted at Auto Guangzhou 2018, taking place Nov. 17-25, the three two-seat concept electric cars are designed by GAC, with advanced prototyping support from designfabrik, BASF's creative design arm.
The cars also feature futuristic designs to address car sharing trends which are aimed at the needs of a variety of users.
“Car sharing and electrification are highly important developments in the world's largest auto market. Additionally, the needs and individual style preferences of Chinese drivers have become more diverse due to an increasing number of female drivers and senior drivers,” said Zhang Fan, vice president of GAC's research center.
BASF contributed to the development of the car by supplying air cleaning solutions, seat fabrics and materials used to build the body panels and battery packs.
“In China, we see strong consumer demand for individualized car experiences and extended functionalities of passenger cars,” said Zheng Daqing, BASF senior vice president, business and market development for greater China.
The project is BASF's first partnership with a Chinese automaker to develop concept vehicles.
“We are excited to work with GAC ... in shaping future mobility with our sustainable and innovative materials and solutions,” Daqing added.
The concept cars, according to BASF, have been named 2US, 2U and 2ALL.
2US is a two-seater electric vehicle designed for senior drivers with a unique design feature of a rotational seat base, which can rotate 90 degrees horizontally in-and-out of the car cabin, to help elderly drivers and passengers get into and out of the vehicle with ease.
Plastic gears, made from BASF's Ultramid Advanced N, have been incorporated to the design ensure a smooth operation of the rotation mechanism.
2U is particularly designed for female drivers and features a unique seat design with translucent trim parts made of BASF's Ultramid Vision. The fur-like surface of the passenger's seat design is brought to life with BASF's Ultrafuse TPU 3D printing solution.
The final concept car, 2ALL, aims to address the growing car-sharing trend, with features such as easy operation and low maintenance included.
The front bumper of the car is made from BASF's Elastollan HPM, with an “outstanding anti-scratch elastomer pad design.”
