BASF Works with GAC R&D Center to Develop Concept Cars for Future Mobility

BASF worked with the Research and Development Center of Guangzhou Automobile Group Co. Ltd. (GAC R&D Center). The two companies launched three electric concept cars they developed together at the Auto Guagzhou 2018 show. The three vehicles had futuristic designs that can cater to different of motorists in China.

The three two-seat concept electric cars were designed by the GAC R&D Center, and the R&D team received advanced prototyping support from designfabrik, which is BASF’s dedicated touch-point for engaging and inspiring designers. The GAC team used BASF’s innovative materials and solutions in order to enhance the appeal of the concept cars so that they can address the needs of a wider range of drivers including senior citizens, and female drivers. They were also vehicles which are more suitable for concepts like car sharing, which is becoming increasingly prevalent when it comes to urban mobility.

Zhang Fan, Vice President, GAC R&D Center said that car sharing and electrification are the latest advances in the world’s largest auto market. The needs and individual style preferences of Chinese drivers have become more diverse due to the growing number of female drivers and senior drivers in the population. BASF’s innovative materials facilitated flexible design and extended functionalities that helped the team to come up with designs that could serve the different styles of these drivers.

The innovative materials were used for advances in areas like holistic air cleaning solutions, seat fabrics, and also in the case of materials which were used to build the body panels and battery pack of the electric vehicles. Exterior auto body paints co-developed by BASF and GAC R&D Center were used to lend a unique personality for each concept vehicle.

“In China, we see strong consumer demand for individualized car experiences and extended functionalities of passenger cars,” said Dr. Zheng Daqing, Senior Vice President, Business and Market Development Greater China, BASF. “This is the first time BASF has cooperated with a Chinese OEM to develop concept vehicles. We are excited to work with GAC R&D Center in shaping future mobility with our sustainable and innovative materials and solutions.”

Details of BASF materials and solutions on the three concept cars exhibited at the 16^th Guangzhou International Automobile Exhibition include:

• 2US:A two-seater electric vehicle meant for senior drivers. The unique design elements included a rotational seat base so that elderly drivers and passengers can get into and out of the vehicle with ease. The plastic gears were made from BASF’s Ultramid Advanced N material and made operation of the rotation mechanism smoother.

• 2U:This vehicle was designed to appeal to womenand it came with a unique seat design sporting  translucent trim parts made of BASF’s Ultramid Vision. The fur-like surface of the passenger’s seat design involves use of BASF’s Ultrafuse TPU 3D printing solution.

• 2ALL:This vehicle features several design elements meant for car sharing, like easy operation and low maintenance. For example, the front bumper was made from BASF’s Elastollan HPM, and had an outstanding anti-scratch elastomer pad design. The seat back and pan cushion were made with BASF’s Infinergy (E-TPU) particle foams to offer a blend of comfort with robustness.