BERLIN: They look like something out of a science fiction movie: Daring concept cars catch the eye at any motor show, providing a glimpse into the future of mobility. But is it all just just a gimmick and a bit of fun for designers?
Concept cars are proof of"what is technically and visually possible," adds Professor Stefan Bratzel from the Center of Automotive Management in Bergisch Gladbach, Germany. Manufacturers also test the reaction of the public, which helps them draw conclusions for when it comes to starting production.The nature of the concept car has changed over time. In the 1970s the focus was on safety, in the 1980s things switched to aerodynamics, while the 1990s were all about tradition.
The vehicles should be a vision of urban mobility in the future, for example. The current generation of visionary concept cars include Audi AI:ME, Renault Trezor, Nissan Ariya Concept, Nissan IMQ Concept, Toyota ME.WE and Toyota Mirai Concept.For automobile manufacturers such as Mercedes, concept cars whet the appetite and send a message.
"We think of show cars as wow cars; innovative vehicles that are design-oriented and not directly related to series production, but which attract a lot of attention," says Wagener."In addition, we designers use concept cars to get inspiration, because we are looking up to 10 years into the future. This increases creativity - something that is also reflected in vehicles that go into mass production.