Rinspeed and Harman develop comprehensive mobility concept and corresponding vehicle, whish has its world premiere at 2013 Geneva Motor Show.

The basic idea behind the EV taxi/bus hybrid is that of smarter public transportation. The microMAX utilizes cloud-based software that can “talk” to other vehicles on the road, and find optimal routes for passenger pick-ups and efficient driving. The roomy interior has space for one driver, two passengers and a lot of stuff, ostensibly making it very convenient for family use or IKEA runs. Naturally the microMAX has a coffee machine (the Swiss love coffee), a refrigerator (they also love snacks) and integrated WiFi (everyone loves the internet).

Rinderknecht says: “We have developed an intelligent and eco-friendly mobility concept complete with its own vehicle that combines the benefits of personal transportation with those of taxis, car-sharing services and carpool concepts as well as those offered by public transit. It uses the powerful UMTS and LTE data networks in urban centers and operates in real time.”

“microMAX” owners belong to a modern mobility community that allows all microMAX vehicles to be used with maximum flexibility: by people driving themselves, by regular commuters in permanent carpools, but also by people looking for on-the-spot rides or needing to cover individual legs of their trip with the help of several “microMAX” participants.

A special app custom-developed by Harman for this purpose gives all road users who are looking for a transport option and are part of the selected community access to the new mobility concept. Potential riders only need to enter their destination; the “urbanSWARM” community uses Cloud technology and access to the collective information and experience of the entire swarm of vehicles to do the rest. Because the system has information about routes, destinations, traveling speeds and occupancy of all vehicles in the swarm, it calculates potential ride opportunities in real time and – if called for – even determines transfer options. This creates an extremely efficient, flexible and convenient transport system with maximum capacity – without wait times, without prior planning and without detours. Cyclists can even have their bicycles taken by piggyback over longer distances. A compatible e-bike has already been developed and is being marketed by bicycle manufacturer Grace.

“microMAX” lends form to the overall concept. With this incarnation of sustainable mobility, Swiss car visionary Rinderknecht and Harman define an entirely new class of vehicles with hitherto unseen spaciousness. The engineering – following a long tradition – was done by 4erC; the “microMAX” was built at Esoro, among others. With a length of 3.7 meters, roughly equivalent to that of a BMW Mini, “microMAX” not only offers plenty of space for the driver, three passengers and a unfolded stroller or shopping cart, it also provides the desired privacy! The vehicle height of just shy of 2.2 meters permits the installation of comfortable and space-saving upright seats equipped with a custom-developed safety belt system from TRW, a top vendor in the vehicle safety sector. But above all, the invitingly modern interior from surface specialist Hornschuch as well as headliner and roof pillars covered with special textiles from Strähle&Hess affords the occupants an outstanding sense of spaciousness with a homey lounge character.

All occupants furthermore enjoy such amenities as a coffee maker, refrigerator for refreshments and unlimited connectivity for entertainment purposes or for working while on the move. Window panes manufactured and enhanced by KRD from Plexiglas made by chemical manufacturer Evonik ensure the vehicle’s safety and low curb weight. Also contributing to the latter are lightweight-design interior components from Gaugler&Lutz that were manufactured by the Thuringia Center for Mobility Innovation. And the latest NFC (Near Field Communication) technology from Harman makes it fast and easy to identify drivers as well as passengers. This solution also allows access to personal data, community profiles and payment systems.

Rinderknecht: “microMAX” aims to encourage potential passengers to get in and ride because it is extremely convenient and simple.” Its summery turquoise paintwork harmonizes perfectly with the custom-developed silver AEZ alloys, and beams at every observer. It goes without saying; the “wellness animation program” also includes an auxiliary heater and air conditioning technology from Eberspächer.

The spacious interior has an airy and light feeling. The clearly arranged VDO instrument panel dominates the area in front of the driver. Its central control unit has been custom-programmed by software service provider Noser specifically for the “microMAX.” The command center for the “urbanSWARM” community platform is the 19-inch HD touchscreen from Harman, which features a multi-dimensional HMI (Human Machine Interface) and offers expanded display functions.

It goes without saying; “microMAX” is an all-electric vehicle powered by a forklift drive system from world market leader Linde Material Handling. The system is recharged at intelligent charging stations from infrastructure pioneer RWE. Since the vehicle operates very quietly, the Harman specialists have developed an acoustic pedestrian safety system based on their HALOsonic technology. A synthetically generated, replicated engine sound that emanates from the front of the vehicle provides early warning to pedestrians. This effect is further bolstered by the fact that the nature of the sound always reflects current engine load, engine speed and vehicle speed to ensure the vehicle provides pedestrians with the best possible auditory clues.

“microMAX” is a clever mobility concept with a comprehensive approach. As is natural for Frank M. Rinderknecht, he has created a concept car filled with such emotion and spiced with a host of technical highlights that even Swiss insurance giant Zürich has become involved. In light of such potent partners, what would be more logical than to contemplate series production? No wonder that dynamic Frank M. Rinderknecht is toying with this possibility in his capacity as a showcase for Swiss watch manufacturer C.F. Bucherer. Various equipment modules, for example, for craftsmen, mail carriers or express courier services, make this revelation in space extremely versatile. As the leading vendor of professional 3D visualizations in real time, RTT has already made these various versions “tangible” with a proprietary app. Düsseldorf-based consulting firm A.T. Kearney has developed a corresponding manufacturing and marketing program for the series production. These unique visions are communicated in easy-to-comprehend fashion thanks to promotional support from Vollmond advertising agency based in the German state of Saarland.

Sitting in a car is nothing new; neither is standing up in a vehicle. However, standing up in a car has so far only been possible in vehicles of the small lorry and minivan category if they are equipped with the appropriate body. Making private transport more efficient, environment friendly and attractive at the same time, are challenges that are constantly present themselves to us. The interaction between AEZ, who has provided its know-how for the development of the “microMAX”, and Frank Rinderknecht of the Swiss think tank Rinspeed was therefore a logical step.

The basic concept of the AEZ-design for the latest “microMAX” study derives from two drive concepts, currently most frequently discussed in the area of E-mobility – the wheel hub motor on one hand and the centrally located motor on the other. By developing the AEZMax, AEZ solved the well-known challenge to “catch two birds with one web”. Developing a solution to cover the motor unit, mounted into the large wheel, and how to facilitate natural ventilation for the cooling of the E-drive were the challenges in case of the wheel hub motor. The shovel-like openings guide the airflow to the motor casings thus achieving the desired cooling effect. In case of the centrally located motor, the design remains the same since the cooling possibility is used for the brakes here. Design is key in both versions. Due to the open and light style, the wheel appears larger and gives the vehicle a well-balanced, aesthetic look.

Pleased with the successful cooperation, Norbert Frohner, General Manager of AEZ Leichtmetallräder, says: “The result is an innovative wheel design with maximal benefits”. Since the wheel in the middle section needed to look very solid, the large surfaces have been three-dimensionally eased by protruding terraces, giving an optical impression of additional depth. The asymmetrical pin bores follow the line of the openings and draw the edges further toward the outside. Matching the wheel, a hub cap in three-dimensional design is also available.

The goal to “revolutionise short distance traffic in urban centres” and to unify the aspects of private and public use in a simple, easy and highly efficient way is definitely achieved by Frank Rinderknecht and his concept car. The highlight with new standing seats thus creating a new miracle of space is simultaneously an invitation to everyone: “hop on, hop off and enjoy the ride.”

Behind the unusual design of the microMAX is another innovative idea: above all, it is hoped the concept car will change our long-term attitudes to short-distance transport by cleverly bringing together private and public use in individual travel. The idea is to encourage potential passengers to join the driver for the ride. This would slash carbon dioxide emissions and travel costs at a stroke while radically reducing traffic congestion. A choice of models and extras make the microMAX incredibly adaptable, and it can be fitted out to meet the needs of, say, tradesmen who have to transport lots of equipment.

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