Volkswagen recently unveiled the VW Sedric concept car – which looks more like a lounge on wheels, with a smiley robot face – at the Geneva Motor Show.
The rear-wheel-drive pod’s name Sedric is derived from “self driving car” and can accommodate up to four people. The robotic pod reminiscent of a caterpillar from the front, is propelled by a 100kw electric motor that gives the car a range of 400km.
Volkswagen describe it as a level 5 autonomous vehicle, which means that it’s completely driverless in any geographic region and requires no human supervision. A separate, external button, known as One Button, can be used to hail Sedric and it’s envisioned that this concept could be used for ride sharing services. There is no steering wheels or pedals inside this mobile lounge that offers a spacious environment, which includes air-purifying plants and bamboo charcoal air filters.
Volkswagen says that Sedric could drop the children at school, pick up the groceries and find it’s own parking spot.
The Volkswagen Group said Sedric will serve as the platform for future driverless concepts as the brand moves closer to its 2025 strategy of producing autonomous vehicles.