Technology

2022

Photographer : Rendering / Photography by Volkswagen Group

Worldpremiere: GEN.TRAVEL by Volkswagen Group shows the future of interior design in autonomous cars
 
As the focus shifts from the driver to the journey with autonomous vehicles, cars will become a mobile space with a strong focus on interior design and well-being.
 
The GEN.TRAVEL is an innovative design study that will redefine the long-distance mobility of the future. The all-electric Innovation Experience Vehicle (IEV) is a real prototype that drives autonomously (Level 5) and represents a totally new vehicle category in the premium portfolio between limousine and MPV (multi-purpose vehicle). The modular interior concept makes the GEN.TRAVEL a flexible, sustainable Mobility as a Service alternative to short-haul flights.
 
Working, sleeping, entertainment. The GEN.TRAVEL has a unique, modular interior concept that can be customized as required for each journey and booked as a Mobility as a Service offering. Depending on the configuration, up to four people can be transported in the concept vehicle.
 
The interior is bright and naturally designed. Neutral colors reflect the spectrum of the interior lighting concept, ranging from warm to cool tones. The covering of large surfaces with natural elements creates a feeling of luxury. All HMI (Human-Machine Interface) elements are made from sustainable materials such as copper, combined with recycled or natural raw materials such as felt or karuun - a rattan material that can be filled with conductive liquid for functional surfaces of HMI elements. 3D knitting technology is used for the seat covers, and the partition between the comfortable seats is produced using 3D printing.
 
Klaus Zyciora, Head of Volkswagen Group Design, explains: “The GEN.TRAVEL offers us a glimpse of the travel of the future. It shows us what autonomous driving will look like in the future. The GEN.TRAVEL embodies the visionary design of beyond tomorrow for the mobility of tomorrow. Efficient shaping characterizes the extremely distinctive design. Thus, in an age of technical perfection and virtually unlimited possibilities, ‘form follows function’ becomes ‘form follows freedom’. The automobile will not only be better, but also more exciting than ever before.”
 
The interior of the GEN.TRAVEL is free of displays and most normally seen interfaces. Instead it focuses on voice control control and displays information via AR glasses. The GEN.TRAVEL further introduces the “Cursor”, the only device in the entire car (besides the emergency button) located in the middle console can adjust Volume, seat position, and temperature settings and “Luna”, the digital onboard assistant on the dashboard, which moves from left to right during the journey to visualize progress.

Wolfsburg,Lower Saxony,Germany

Architects : Volkswagen Group, Klaus Zyciora, Dr. Nikolai Ardey
Area : 200
Year : 2022
Website : https://www.volkswagenag.com/

GEN.TRAVEL Interior

The interior is light, with a natural design. Neutral colors reflect the vividness of the interior lighting concept, which ranges from warm to cold tones. The covering of large surface areas with natural elements creates a feeling of luxury. Another innovation shows a personal light source that follows each passengers seat movement.


GEN.TRAVEL Interior

All HMI elements (human-machine interface) are produced using sustainable materials such as copper, combined with recycled or natural materials such as felt or karuun – a type of rattan that can be filled with conductive liquid for functional interfaces of HMI elements. 3D knitting technology is used for the seat covers, while the partition between the comfortable seats is produced using 3D printing


GEN.TRAVEL Interior

All HMI elements (human-machine interface) are produced using sustainable materials such as copper, combined with recycled or natural materials such as felt or karuun – a type of rattan that can be filled with conductive liquid for functional interfaces of HMI elements. 3D knitting technology is used for the seat covers, while the partition between the comfortable seats is produced using 3D printing


GEN.TRAVEL Interior

Working, sleeping, entertainment. The GEN.TRAVEL has a unique, modular interior concept that can be customized as required for each journey and booked as a Mobility as a Service offering. Depending on the configuration, up to four people can be transported in the concept vehicle


GEN.TRAVEL Luna

The digital onboard assistant on the dashboard, which moves from left to right during the journey to visualize progress.


GEN.TRAVEL Concept Sketch

Design Sketch from the concept phase.


GEN.TRAVEL Exterior

The futuristic exterior of the GEN.TRAVEL is divided into two different parts: The transparent, glass cabin in glossy black resembles a polished stone and is perfectly incorporated into the lower section, which houses all the technical features, The matt and glossy surfaces create a discreet, luxurious appearance


GEN.TRAVEL Exterior

The futuristic exterior of the GEN.TRAVEL is divided into two different parts: The transparent, glass cabin in glossy black resembles a polished stone and is perfectly incorporated into the lower section, which houses all the technical features, The matt and glossy surfaces create a discreet, luxurious appearance


GEN.TRAVEL Exterior

The futuristic exterior of the GEN.TRAVEL is divided into two different parts: The transparent, glass cabin in glossy black resembles a polished stone and is perfectly incorporated into the lower section, which houses all the technical features, The matt and glossy surfaces create a discreet, luxurious appearance


GEN.TRAVEL Exterior

The futuristic exterior of the GEN.TRAVEL is divided into two different parts: The transparent, glass cabin in glossy black resembles a polished stone and is perfectly incorporated into the lower section, which houses all the technical features, The matt and glossy surfaces create a discreet, luxurious appearance


GEN.TRAVEL Exterior

The futuristic exterior of the GEN.TRAVEL is divided into two different parts: The transparent, glass cabin in glossy black resembles a polished stone and is perfectly incorporated into the lower section, which houses all the technical features, The matt and glossy surfaces create a discreet, luxurious appearance


Dr. Nikolai Ardey

Head of Volkswagen Group Innovation


Klaus Zyciora

Head of Volkswagen Group Design




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