The year 2046 could be the year of the rock-inspired car if the Taihoo concept is any indication. Huang Hao's entry into 2012 Michelin Design Challenge gets its name and form from the Taihu stones found in Chinese rock gardens.
The vehicle is smooth and shapely with small cutouts spaced throughout. Covering the Taihoo concept is a sheet of specially designed glass that gathers solar energy to power the vehicle's electronic equipment. Power of the actual vehicle is provided by three small electric motors located in each wheel. Hao's design is unique to say the least and could represent a future shift in the design of vehicles. The demand for green cars is slowly being met, but people may want their vehicles to look as green as they run. The Taihoo concept is one such example of natural automobile design done right.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Rock-inspired Designs
- There is an opportunity for the automotive industry to tap into the trend of rock-inspired designs, which could lead to unique and visually striking vehicles.
- Solar-powered Glass
- The trend of utilizing solar-powered glass in car design presents an opportunity for the glass and automotive industries to collaborate and innovate.
- Electric Wheel Motors
- The development and utilization of electric wheel motors may be a disruptive innovation opportunity for the automotive industry.
Where This Applies
- Automotive
- The automotive industry could leverage the trend of rock-inspired designs to develop visually appealing and unique vehicles.
- Glass
- The development of solar-powered glass in car design presents an opportunity for the glass industry to collaborate with the automotive industry and create innovative products.
- Electric Motors
- The trend towards electric wheel motors presents an opportunity for the electric motor industry to innovate and potentially disrupt the automotive industry.
