C,MM,N open source car concept for the future

C,MM,N open source car concept for the future

The Netherlands Society for Nature and Environment and the three technical universities of Delft, Eindhoven and Twente are launching their stimulating vision on mobility. At the pavilion 'Car in the Future' they will present the mobility concept c,mm,n.

This concept is the product of a challenge that Nature and Environment set the technical universities some two years ago: to design an inviting, sustainable and future oriented car to be presented at AutoRAI 2007. This project is aimed at setting the market for cleaner cars in motion. It is a milestone that marks the intensive cooperation between its initiators and an impressive list of companies (including principal partners Rabobank and Athlon Car Lease), governments and organisations. A beautiful new community working towards cleaner, quieter and more economical cars has been founded.

At the pavilion, students and automotive companies showcase their technological capabilities, with three actual size models of c,mm,n’s exterior, interior and electric drive and suspension. The most revolutionarily aspect of the c,mm,n, however, is its invitation to contribute to the c,mmunity, the online society of developers and (future) users of the mobility concept. c,mm,n gives an incentive to people and organisations to start contributing to pleasant and sustainable mobility in the year 2020 in many different ways. That makes c,mm,n the first open source car in the world, aimed at cooperation and personal involvement. For the experts: Car 2.0.

The concept emphasizes car-use instead of possession, by developing a car of which the blueprints are freely available: open-source. This means c,mm,n is not a final product. It is continuously being developed and improved. Designing a car in an open source manner also has an impact on the way it is produced and eventually used. Services will be central to the concept, opening many new possibilities. c,mm,n is not just a car, it is a community that allows people to take sustainable mobility into their own hands.

People can optimise the car's power train to the specific needs of the situation. This is supported by a self-learning road assistant gives helpful advice, establishes contact with other road users and monitors road conditions. This communication technology could lead to the formation of platoons on the highway: chains of cars saving energy and money. Another example is tagging unsafe situations on the road. Other drivers in the proximity receive this information as a warning signal via their intercom system. Furthermore, collective ride and route planning, integrated with public transport and bike, is within easy reach with c,mm,n.

The Netherlands Society for Nature and Environment is not afraid to stick out its neck. The heavy, overpowered racing cars that usually dominate car shows use only a fraction of their potential horsepower and are out of reach for the average visitor. The zero emission c,mm,n, however, puts its drive to optimum use and invites the visitor to take part in the development of its concept and technology.

At the 400 square meter pavilion, the impressive cooperation between NGOs, universities, companies (including Athlon Car Lease and Rabobank), governments and other organisations culminates in a unique presentation. There is a lot to see and experience for today’s and tomorrow’s drivers. We developed the c,mm,n Key Ring Game that sends kids on a quest to find selected exhibitors promoting sustainable products, who will supply them with gadgets for a key ring. By answering questions kids can subsequently crack a code on the website www.autoindetoekomst.nl and win fun prizes. The mobility test is intended for adults who would like test their knowledge about mobility and gain insight into their own track record when it comes to sustainable driving. And beware, TU students might use u as a test subject!

If your visit to AutoRAI has not answered all your questions about c,mm,n, you can visit our website www.autoindetoekomst.nl. This Internet platform contains a world of information about the c,mm,n concept, environmental issues, other sustainable cars and car technology. You will also be able to share your interests, knowledge, and skills with other interested visitors. So get informed, get inspired, get in and participate!

A challenging cooperation

c,mm,n and its community are the result of intensive cooperation between its initiators, governments, organisations and the corporate world. The Car in the Future fits in perfectly with Athlon Car Lease’s and Rabobank’s sustainability goals. Both principal partners are devoted to contributing to innovative solutions for sustainable mobility in the Netherlands. A student of TU Delft worked on his thesis subject at Athlon Car Lease, studying how cars can be adapted to the (future) needs of society. Rabobank initiated various activities that bring sustainable mobility within reach.

Many Dutch automotive companies invested in this project to showcase their state-of-the-art technologies. Another TU Delft student worked on his thesis at GE Plastics, whose durable, light plastics made possible the development of a lighter, safer and economical c,mm,n.

c,mm,n is more than just a car. Especially the community makes it '2020-proof.' Consultancy and engineering company DHV and website developer share the opinion that in the near future, mobility will be combined with state-of-the-art interactive technologies and new ways of adapting cars to future requirements. This project was also made possible by financial contributions from the Ministry of Economic Affairs, the Ministry of Transport, Public Works and Water Management, the Ministry of Housing, Spatial Planning and the Environment and VSBfonds, Fonds 1818 and the National Postcode Lottery.c,mm,n
your mobility. our c,mm,n future

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