WhyNot?

Future Multi-use vehicle

Category: Sharing
Responses: 2 (2 in support, 0 neutral, 0 in opposition)
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I believe a lot of the technology for this is already available, although picturing the idea may look like part of a science fiction book.

Most of your old garage space is used for other purposes. But in the very front you have a 'personalised vehicle interior', including your chosen seats and other personal items such as a stereo system with your favorite music downloaded, computer hookup, and whatever else your heart desires as you travel to your destination.

You place an order for a Multi-use vehicle which arrives from a local hub driving itself. Guidance is perhaps via electronic strips, magnets or simply some kind of GPS system. Sensors ensure that it avoids hitting anything. The onboard computer calculates your route & speed according to the amount of traffic. It can even tell you when the optimum time to leave is. The vehicle itself is made of plastic or some other light weight material. It does not need to be heavy enough to withstand collisions because they don't happen. They use little fuel and can be used by numerous users. (The same concept would be applied to trucking transport)

They would be much cheaper to manufacture, leaving more disposable income for other things. Insurance costs would be greatly reduced. Fewer injuries as a result of car crashes. You would probably get everywhere much faster, since speed could probably be increased. They might even drive on air (hover technology) instead of tires, which would mean less wear & tear on roads.

Now the first show stopper is probably the idea of computer virus wrecking havoc - that needs a solution. The second, and probably biggest show stopper is taking the 'ego' out of owning all of the car.

valerie, Oct 19 2003

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Not seeing the entire concept of your prospect, but GM has a product where you can change out the upper body (cabin and cargo space), over a lower chassis/drivetrain, to suit oyur needs, or to possibly replace the lower chassis/drivetrain tosuit other needs, or a loaner, or replacementf of an unrepairable one.

classicsat, Nov 10 2003

Mercedes VSR concept: removable, interchangeable body components create a sedan, a coupe, a convertible, a wagon, or a pickup, using the same basic platform. Concept only, nowhere near production.

If the car drives itself (you're describing a robot taxi, btw) you can leave the "personalized interior" with killer stereo at home, just take along an iPod with several hours' worth of your favorite music.

Beaugrand, Nov 28 2004

Although many people are trying to create a car that can drive itself, there has not been much success of late. See http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/3502492.stm

sand, Aug 28 2005

The latest attempts at a self driving car have been much more successful. The vehicle negotiated many variations of terrain but I wonder about emergencies such as a child or animal wandering into the pathway of the vehicle.

sand, Aug 10 2006

1. For a single passenger use, choose One seat with an optional detacheble seat. (This will reduce weight tremendously and increase mileage). Back seat is a premium add on. 2. Custom paint color-all cars come with primers only-you choose the color of your choice.3. Both audio.video input. I have a prius but can't connect my GPS or any video input. 4. Only driver's side roll down window is standard. Others are "sealed". Will reduce interior noice. 5. Body/engine acts like solar cells and the heat is converted in to electricity thus eliminating battery completely. Save weight and space in the front compartment.6. Modular engine-you specify how many cylinders/power you want.

spartha, Aug 10 2006