French architect Jean-Marie Massaud and Toyota have combined forces to create a concept car that’s going to combat the economical and environmental crises. They’ve done so by using cheaper and lighter materials that lead to a considerable reduction in the car’s energy consumption. Therefore, one can expect a retractable windscreen, plastic bodywork and a bamboo bonnet on this highly unique vehicle. Massaud has been working with Toyota since 2011 on the design concept of this electric car, which has ample luggage space thanks to storage underneath a fold-out neoprene cover. What’s more, the vehicle’s information, such as speed, battery charge, journey information and navigation instructions, would appear on a screen above the steering wheel, which would be fed through via a smartphone that could also hold the power to play music and control the temperature. Speaking of temperature, the heating and air conditioning is to be delivered from a low-energy air pump and electric seat heaters thereby minimising power consumption. Massaud has labelled the car an ‘anti-crisis’ vehicle and outlined three key aims in achieving the goal with Toyota – pertinence, synthesis and modernity. We believe they have definitely achieved all three.
