Yanfeng has unveiled its XiM20 concept car for the first time in Europe as it outlines its Smart Cabin vision for automotive interiors.
As well as delivering the physical environment for future mobility, Yanfeng’s capabilities enable the coordination of features into what the supplier refers to as Experience in Motion: information, displays, lighting, and interior ambience reacting to passenger needs.
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Yanfeng has also decided to leverage some of the trends currently used by the hospitality industry using natural ingredients and environments, as well as the increasing desire for authenticity from consumers.
“Putting the consumer back in the centre, this is a universal thing, even if it costs more,” Yanfeng Technology VP design and user experience president, Tim Shih told just-auto on the sidelines of the supplier’s XiM20 unveiling in Stuttgart.
“People have said this is something they would be willing to pay a premium for, compared to a standard ride share vehicle. Hospitality has realised how powerful emotion can be to their brand.
“The insights gleaned from our research defined what impacts consumers’ quality of life and what creates memorable, engaging experiences. With the XiM20, technologies and product innovations complement design, providing flexibility and comfort for the autonomous ride-share passengers of tomorrow.”
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By GlobalDataYanfeng maintains its XiM20 showcases technology integrations which stimulate senses without overwhelming passengers with an array of options and features. By camouflaging the demonstrator’s screens and navigation systems within the surfaces of the vehicle using Smart Surface Technologies, passengers can choose whether or not to engage with the innovations.
“People change, society changes, consumers change,” added Shih. “People are valuing experiences against trends. We identified 28 quality of life dimensions; the most important are security, physical well being and quality.
“Can we as a leading supplier then apply that to mobility? We looked at ride-share, car-share and ownership; it is not about ownership, it is about time. We know the car business is built on emotion – traditionally emotion is a shiny red sports car [but] what happens if you only have minutes or hours? It is about experiences, it is about escape from the every day, even if it is very short.
“It is a very compelling vision, it feels like it has something behind it. Suppliers, when they see the story, it gives them a vision to support us, to develop our products.”
The XiM20 interior is designed with two distinct zones: the bright front of the demonstrator and the more cocoon-like rear, offering lounge seating and privacy.
Controls for the interior environment are accessible on the Smart Interior Surface (SIS) table located at the front of the demonstrator or can be accessed via a smartphone application.
The front area is an observation space, offering functional seating with an uninterrupted 180 degree view through the curved windscreen.
Should ride-sharing become commonplace, multiple use will throw up cleanliness issues and Yanfeng has been addressing the topic, using a UV surface sanitiser, whose frequency light sweeps across the interior to disinfect frequently-contacted surfaces between trips.
“We have done tests with UV and it kills 99% of germs,” noted Shih. “It is a technique used in some hospitals.”
Yanfeng has also carried out research into using scents in ride-share vehicles to help passengers with motion sickness feel better.
The concept vehicle also features several elements such as Never-Forget Storage spaces and bins which recognise forgotten belongings, alerting passengers with a series of notifications directing them to the stored item.
Other features include Noveto Smart Audio, Visible Natural Fibre, as well as a Bulletin Board; an eye-level integrated display panel providing ride information and notifications, navigation updates and alerts for passengers when they are approaching their destination.
The demonstrator equally has Slim Airvents and what Yanfeng refers to as Active Cast Lighting: ambient lighting which mimics the light as it reflects and refracts in natural environments.
Furthermore, it has Touch-Free Access. Located on the exterior of the vehicle, this touchless palm scanner confirms a passenger is correct for the ordered trip by requiring guests to hover their hand over the unit to be identified and gain entry.
