BASF and the Research and Development Center of Guangzhou Automobile Group Co. Ltd. (GAC R&D Center) have introduced three co-developed electric concept cars, featuring futuristic designs that address the diverse needs of China’s drivers.

TPUs and polyamides play key roles in concept cars developed in China.

Debuted at Auto Guangzhou 2018, the three two-seat concept electric cars are designed by GAC R&D Center, with advanced prototyping support from designfabrik, BASF’s dedicated touch-point for engaging and inspiring designers. With BASF’s materials and solutions, the new concept cars reportedly appeal to, and address the diverse needs of a wide variety of drivers: senior citizens, female drivers, and more. They also address the trend towards car sharing, one of the fastest growing urban mobility concepts worldwide.

“Car sharing and electrification are highly important developments in the world’s largest auto market. Additionally, the needs and individual style preferences of Chinese drivers have become more diverse due to an increasing number of female drivers and senior drivers,” said Zhang Fan, Vice President, GAC R&D Center. “BASF’s innovative materials enable flexible design and extended functionalities that best serve the different styles in our concept vehicles.”

From holistic air cleaning solutions to seat fabrics, as well as materials used to build the body panels and battery pack of the electric vehicles, BASF’s innovative solutions turn ideas into solutions.

“In China, we see strong consumer demand for individualized car experiences and extended functionalities of passenger cars,” said  Zheng Daqing, Senior Vice President, Business and Market Development Greater China, BASF. “This is the first time BASF has cooperated with a Chinese OEM to develop concept vehicles. We are excited to work with GAC R&D Center in shaping future mobility with our sustainable and innovative materials and solutions.”

Details of BASF materials and solutions on the three concept cars exhibited at the 16th Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition include:

2US: A two-seater electric vehicle designed for senior drivers has a unique design feature of a rotational seat base. It helps elderly drivers and passengers get into and out of the vehicle with ease. The plastic gears made from BASF’s Ultramid Advanced N polyamide (PA) ensure a smooth operation of the rotation mechanism, which is designed to rotate 90 degrees horizontally in-and-out of the car cabin.

2U: Designed to appeal to women seeking an automotive look that meets their individual style, this car showcases possibilities including a unique seat design with translucent trim parts made of BASF’s Ultramid® Vision. The fur-like surface of the passenger’s seat design is brought to life with BASF’s Ultrafuse thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) 3D printing solution.  

2ALL: This vehicle features several design elements to address the particular needs of car sharing, including easy operation and low maintenance. For example, the front bumper made from BASF’s Elastollan HPM TPU, have an outstanding anti-scratch elastomer pad design. The seat back and pan cushion made with BASF’s Infinergy (E-TPU) particle foams perfectly combine comfort with robustness.

» Publication Date: 20/11/2018

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