Volkswagen has unveiled an updated version of the SEDRIC concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
Looking instantly recognizable, the latest evolution of the self-driving taxi concept sees the model adopt an Anthracite Silk Gloss exterior with contrasting stripes and 42 numbering on the front wheel. The interior has also been changed as this particular model has new upholstery and more conventional flooring.
Volkswagen declined to detail the changes but confirmed the concept will eventually spawn a family different of models. As Volkswagen CEO Matthias Müller explained, “Our team is already working on ideas for an entire SEDRIC family. This will range from fully autonomous vehicles for the city, through luxurious long-distance mobility and spectacular sports cars, self-driving delivery vans, and heavy trucks.”
The company released several sketches of the proposed models and they vary from a box-on-wheels design for delivery vehicles to an enlarged version of SEDRIC that sets up to 12 people. Other sketches show a single seat “urban commuter” and a two-seat “racer” with sporty styling.
Volkswagen envisions all of these vehicles would have an electric powertrain and Level 5 autonomy. They would permit “simple, convenient, sustainable, and safe mobility for everybody at the touch of a button.”
While some people might be put off by the idea of handing over the controls to computers, Volkswagen Chief Digital Officer Johann Jungwirth said SEDRIC will make a “huge social contribution” as it will help to empower people who are old, visually-impaired, or physically-challenged.
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