the concept car AKXY2 (pronounced 'ax-ee') of Asahi Kasei, a Japanese multinational company, imagine a design car with a boat-shaped bubble for its exterior and an interior spacious enough to hold people at gatherings like picnics and parties.
The bubble goes up to let people into the vehicle and goes down when it's time to drive the car.
AKXY2Arriving in time to celebrate the centenary of the company's founding on May 25, 1922, it also marks the company's transition to producing vehicles that address sustainability, satisfaction and society in response to the needs of future mobility on the road and automation and electrification in a changing society.
Source: Design Boom
The prototype comes equipped with a variety of internal technologies that put 100 years of collective experience to the test. Asahi Kasei for the mobility of the future.
From textiles to elastomers, Asahi Kasei uses materials that can contribute to reducing the carbon footprint and its mission is put them in the vehicle.
Interior surfaces are covered with a microfiber chamois partially made from recycled polyester and other ingredients including raw materials ranging from recycled PET, bio-based PET, natural blends, and marine debris.
The vehicle seats are padded with 3D mesh material made of partially bio-based PET and PTT.
The tires, made from bio-based butadiene, improve energy and fuel efficiency thanks to their low rolling resistance, while reducing the generation of microplastics in tires
The company shares that one of the main themes of AKXY2 revolves around the senses, from the smell of the cabin and the touch of the textiles to the soundproof atmosphere and the futuristic environment.
To address evolving safety needs beyond crashes, Asahi Kasei apply antimicrobial fabrics to protect the interior of the car from the spread of pathogens. A CO₂ sensor can monitor CO₂ levels in the cabin to maintain optimal air quality while reducing energy use and protecting the cabin from children or pets left behind.
Semi-transparent and backlit fabrics, as well as plastic fiber optics, allow customizing the ambient lighting inside the vehicle, while the company's sustainable textiles and foams aim to provide comfort to the seats.
As mentioned above, the automobile will become more than just a means of transportation. It will be a place to socialize with friends and family, much like a backyard in a house.
Through full collaboration with the European and US sites of the group company Sage Automotive Interiors, a line of automotive interior fabrics is on display, allowing interior customization.
The concept car AKXY2 shows the interdivisional experience of Asahi Kasei across the entire value chain, from raw materials and production processes to the use of recycled and recyclable materials, while also addressing changing regulations and the developing needs of car users.
In this way, the company manufactures or co-develops almost everything that can be seen, touched or felt in the car, and in this way, incorporates materials and solutions that appeal to the senses, promote safety and ensure maximum functionality while minimize environmental effects.
The vehicle concept is driven by the 3S: Sustainability, Satisfaction and Society.