Charging the future
The company Absaar, from Altforweiler in Germany,
manufactures battery recharging devices for the entire motor vehicle sector,
true to its motto of “the reloading company”. Absaar can be proud of the fact that they have been developing this field
for the past 40 years and are amongst the few companies that in this day and
age still produce "Quality made in Germany".
Over the last 4 decades, they have manufactured hundreds of different models
covering all the different requirements of the consumer and professional
user, regardless of whether it was for the motorcycle, automobile, bus,
truck, boat or any other sector. Absaar can provide the right model for each
application.
For Absaar, "Quality made in Germany" isn't just a slogan. Absaar offers the
qualitative opposite of the cheap products of lower quality that flood the
market nowadays. Components as well as the actual chargers are all manufactured in
Altforweiler from high-quality raw materials. Absaar produces almost 100% of
the components used in the charger itself, whether it be the rubber feet,
the plastic housing or even the transformers. Even the tiny needles on the
ampere meter are produced in-house.
Absaar didn't only make a simple standard charger for the ”Rinspeed UC?” the
internal development department was also responsible for the development of
a highly-innovative Lithium-Ion charger. This charger reduces charging time
significantly whilst still meeting all relevant safety standards for this
battery type.
At the same time, Absaar let it be known that it would foster this
development to reduce even further the charging time on this type of
battery.
The optimization and perfection of charging time is one of the most
important goals for future progress, and thanks to their high energy
absorption capacity, Lithium-Ion batteries offer far more possibilities than
traditional lead-acid batteries.
This innovation, the constant strides forward made in further development
plus investment in its own development department, are the reasons why
Absaar is still ranked as a market leader after forty years in battery
charging technology.
A get together for concerning automotive future - At Rinspeed and AEZ
interests go hand in hand
AEZ and Rinspeed - at this year’s Geneva Motor Show their relationship
finally develops into a story of success. This is as the Austria producer of
light-alloy wheels and the Swiss car manufacturer are cooperating with each
other for the fourth year in a row. This time AEZ has contributed the
eye-catching 17-inch “forged motorsport blank” wheels to the UC? mobility
concept. They impress with their cool graphite-colored coating and
front-polishing, 32 graceful spokes and above all with their exceedingly low
weight of six kilograms per alloy.
Both companies share a pronounced interest in innovation. This cooperation
provides positive synergy effects. A modern electric vehicle like the “UC?”
in particular profits from the tireless work of the AEZ technicians in
weight optimization. This pursuit for perfection is, of course, also
reflected in the product range: for example AEZ offers the models Nemesis,
Forge A and Xylo with the newly developed Lite tec weight reduction
technology. The outstanding quality of all alloys is guaranteed by the
in-house production in Germany.
Environmentally-friendliness is the catchphrase of the moment in the
automobile industry. Studies by Rinspeed show however, that sustainable car
construction is not just an empty phrase taken out of marketing manuals.
This was also underlined by the previous models eXasis, sQuba and the
iChange, which each demonstrated an economically sensible move. AEZ is proud
that it has been able to make an important contribution towards the
realization of each of these visions with its “Made in Germany” quality
light-alloy wheels. Many more cooperative projects with innovative ideas may
follow.
AkzoNobel showcases StickerFix repair system at Geneva Motor Show
AkzoNobel Car Refinishes has teamed up with specialty concept car producer
Rinspeed to integrate its innovative StickerFix repair system into the Swiss
firm’s UC? car, which is due to be shown for the first time at the 80th
Geneva Motor Show in March.
StickerFix is a modern, high quality adhesive DIY repair system which uses
patented AkzoNobel paint technology in combination with a specially
developed vinyl sticker. The system makes it possible for owners to quickly
and easily repair minor nicks and scratches by simply applying the
ultra-thin adhesive foil over damaged sections of their vehicle.
The UC? - which signifies both “Urban Commuter” and “You See?” - is a
lightweight two-seater electric urban commuter car with a top speed of 110
kilometers per hour and an operating range of 120 kilometers. It has been
painted with AkzoNobel’s fully compliant premium line of Sikkens products.
Both companies will be sharing display space at the Geneva event.
Explained Phil Coady, AkzoNobel Car Refinishes’ Director of Marketing
Europe, Middle East and Africa: “StickerFix is a truly unique concept for
the vehicle repair market around the world. What distinguishes StickerFix is
the combination of modern innovative technology with outstanding performance
and simple DIY application properties. It gives vehicle owners a completely
new way to keep their vehicles looking their best, with custom color-matched
stickers that are practically invisible. The marketing campaign slogan
concisely expresses the product concept: Easier than easy.”
StickerFix - which can be applied to damaged areas or used for protective
purposes - has been extensively tested and meets demanding standards for
adhesion, car wash and steam cleaning resistance, as well as resistance to
salt spray, stone chips, gasoline and weathering. It has proven superior to
touch-up pens in real-life tests, has excellent shelf-life and can be easily
removed from a vehicle by applying heat with a normal hairdryer. The product
is also highly sustainable, unlike touch-up pens, as no volatile organic
solvents are released during the application.
AkzoNobel is proud to be one of the world’s leading industrial companies.
Based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, we make and supply a wide range of
paints, coatings and specialty chemicals - 2008 revenue totaled €15.4
billion. In fact, we are the largest global paints and coatings company. As
a major producer of specialty chemicals we supply industries worldwide with
quality ingredients for life’s essentials. We think about the future, but
act in the present. We’re passionate about introducing new ideas and
developing sustainable answers for our customers. That’s why our 60,000
employees - who are based in more than 80 countries - are committed to
excellence and delivering Tomorrow’s Answers Today.
AkzoNobel Car Refinishes is one of the world’s leading suppliers of paints
and services for the car repair, commercial vehicles and automotive plastics
markets. It sells coatings for car body refinishing, or recoating, to
customers including body shops, distributors, fleet owners, automotive
suppliers and major bus and truck producers. Brands include Sikkens,
Lesonal, Dynacoat, Wanda, and Sikkens Autocoat BT. Operating in more than 60
countries, Car Refinishes has specialists around the world who understand
local markets and can serve local needs. Its state-of-the-art customer
services, color and technology solutions include offering technical and
logistical support and the delivery of training programs.
The three-day electric car - A.T. Kearney has been developing a flexible
production concept for the Rinspeed "UC?"
Leading management consultancy A.T. Kearney has developed a production
concept for the "Rinspeed UC?" concept vehicle which was demonstrated today
at the 80th International Motor Show in Geneva. With this concept, the core
manufacturing time is reduced to a mere three hours and delivery can be made
just three days after an order has been placed. The innovative "UC?"
commuter vehicle is the centerpiece of a mobility concept developed by
Rinspeed together with 21 partner firms. The vehicle itself is an electric
car developed on the basis of the Fiat 500. When creating the manufacturing
concept, the A.T. Kearney experts focused on strict modularity in the
vehicle construction and on an innovative production configurator.
As A.T. Kearney Global Automotive Partner Niko Soellner points out: "When we
were developing the production concept for the "Rinspeed UC?", we
concentrated on customers' requirements and took as our motto "individual
and fast". We regard the production as a rapid connection between the
customer's needs on the one hand and the economic success of the
manufacturer on the other."
Modular design and simple vehicle configuration: The modular design of the
vehicle means that manufacturing complexity is avoided right from the
outset. A.T. Kearney Automotive Principal Steffen Gänzle explains: "Through
the use of modules, maximum configuration combinations are achieved with a
minimum number of components. As a result, the production processes are
manageable and transparent for both manufacturer and customer."
An innovative product configurator is used to determine the feasibility of
the customer's construction and production wishes. The customer selects
configuration modules on the basis of a large number of combinations, which
are realized with a range of production modules. Only in this way can the
continuity and consistency of the module concept be assured.
Carl F. Bucherer manufacture movement featured in UC?
The concept cars of Frank M. Rinderknecht are the work of an individual who
goes his own way, undeterred - much like Carl F. Bucherer, the founder of
the Lucerne-based watch making company of the same name. For company CEO
Thomas Morf, this was a reason for supporting his latest project: “Once
again, the “UC?” stands for change, forward-looking technology and passion
on a grand scale. It’s this wealth of new, innovative ideas and concepts
that makes Rinspeed so fascinating”. Perhaps even more important, though, is
the philosophy shared by Carl F. Bucherer and Rinspeed: that of taking
sophisticated technology, first-class materials and unconventional design,
and distilling them into conceptually compelling products that exude
innovation and progress.
The fact Rinspeed and Carl F. Bucherer share a common philosophy and work
actively together is evidenced by the UC?’s interior. The dashboard is
transparent and integrates a painstakingly skeletonized Carl F.
Bucherer-manufactured movement. To show off the components in this
mechanical gem to their best advantage, the movement is housed in a
Plexiglas case without a dial. The time - in hours and minutes - is
indicated by the hands characteristic of the Patravi collection. At the same
time, the movement embodies the credo that underlies the UC?: first-class
Swiss quality and innovation coupled with an unending quest for perfection.
Carl F. Bucherer is an independent, worldwide distributed watch brand that
stands for high-level technological innovation and a contemporary aesthetic.
Carl F. Bucherer has strengthened its market position as a premium-segment
watch manufacturer by establishing Carl F. Bucherer Technologies SA in
Sainte-Croix, a workshop specializing in research, development and the
manufacture of in-house movements, and by launching its own CFB A1000
movement. This features the first reliable peripheral rotor, thus combining
the aesthetic appeal of a hand-wound movement with the convenience of
automatic winding.
For eco-friendly mobility: the "Urban Commuter" concept - Rinspeed picks up
the pace together with Coop
Coop is supporting the Swiss concept powerhouse Rinspeed in its latest
project: the ecofriendly "Urban Commuter" concept embodies modern living
combined with active environmental protection. It combines an emission-free
electric car for urban transport with a public transport system for longer
distances. The world premiere of this mobility concept of the future will be
at the 80th Geneva Motor Show (4 - 14 March 2010). Afterwards, the Urban
Commuter will be going on tour, where people can discover it at various Coop
shopping centers.
Personal mobility is a firm part of our everyday lives. Many customers go
shopping in their cars. That's why Coop considers shopping traffic and
transport to be highly important. Coop is committed to ensuring that
consumption leaves a smaller footprint. It goes without saying that
transport is a key issue here. With the "Urban Commuter" concept, Rinspeed
is taking a bold and creative approach. The idea of an electric car that can
run short distances independently and docks onto a train for long distances
is highly convincing. Although it will take some time for this idea to
become a reality, Rinspeed and Coop are aiming to initiate a discussion and
to encourage people to think about things in a new way. After all, where
would we be now if we had failed to take all of history's great inventors
seriously...?
A relaxed journey from Basel to Geneva: The "Urban Commuter" is based on an
innovative concept. The idea is to load the electric car onto Swiss trains
for longer distances. Thanks to rail transport, both the environment and
drivers' nerves will be spared. This means that, in future, you will be able
to travel comfortably to another part of the country and still be mobile
when you arrive.
Powerful innovation driver: Over 20 years ago, when many people still found
the idea of organic products a joke, Coop believed in this new development
and achieved huge success with its organic brand Naturaplan. Coop helped
organic products to achieve a major breakthrough. The Coop Sustainability
Fund aims to support innovative, new ideas, such as producing wind power in
Valais. Coop is now proceeding to tackle CO2 emissions and turn words into
actions. Coop's Executive Committee decided two years ago that the company
will be CO2 neutral by 2023. This ambitious goal has top priority and needs
new ideas, also in the area of transport. That's why Coop is supporting
Rinspeed and thus continuing to stimulate innovation and sustainability.
Die Agentur is a full service Ad Agency with it’s main office in Saarbrücken
Die Agentur develops integral communication solutions. The service includes
everything from classic communication and design to photography and
interactive applications. We further expanded with the establishment of our
In-House film production, called Movie Division. Clear, straight to the
point and exceptional communication is our philosophy. Therefore, it is
self-evident that an innovative customer, such as Rinspeed is attended is to
with great care enthusiasm and passion.
Die Agentur is responsible for the entire Rinspeed communication. This
includes web design, PR for the new concept car, the production of an image
film, a making-of also the presentation on the motor show in Geneva 2010.
Die Agentur has both national and international clients. Names like
Samsonite, BMW, O’Neil, Rinspeed, Coca-Cola and Bertelsmann/Mohn speak for
themselves. Die Agentur has currently 30 employees.
About Dynamedion
Dynamedion was founded in 2001 by Tilman Sillescu and Pierre Langer, two
composers with university degrees in music. With a steadily increasing
number of contracts and growing customer base it has since become the leader
in soundtrack composition and sound design on the continental European
computer game market.
Our creative unit consists of professional musicians and composers, all of
whom can draw on a rich and diverse background of experience. What’s more,
Dynamedion can tap into a network of carefully selected partners
(orchestrators, audio engineers, solo artists, orchestra musicians)
available to provide flexible and reliable assistance, as needed.
Over recent years, Dynamedion has worked on over 250 projects in the video
game, TV and film industry and has been showered with numerous prizes and
music awards. In 2003, 2005, 2006 and 2007 some of the team’s compositions
were performed live at the opening concert of the Games Convention in
Leipzig, Germany - Dynamedions game music has been featured on classic radio
stations, in a huge variety of TV documentaries and within the “Play!”
concert series all over the world.
In 2005 Dynamedion produced highly successful, first benchmark live
orchestra recordings for a German game soundtrack, setting the standard for
large-scale projects in the industry. With numerous further orchestral
productions for the video game industry, Dynamedion has earned itself a
reputation for unsurpassed quality and integrity in this area.
End of the "ice age" for electric cars - Eberspächer catem delivers
innovative heating system for UC?
The charming E runabout also features an innovative heating system: the
high-voltage PTC heater from Eberspächer catem manages the high voltage of
300 V typical for electric vehicles while simultaneously delivering
impressive performance. This provides Frank Rinderknecht with an elegant
solution for the "heating problem" that is common with this type of drive.
Like all electric vehicles, the UC? requires an auxiliary heater to
compensate for the absence of waste heat from a conventional combustion
engine. An output of 5 kilowatts ensures the PTC heater can heat up very
quickly, as much as 60 degrees Celsius in 30 seconds. Thanks to the
electronic control - via PWM, LIN or CAN - heat output is infinitely
variable between zero and 100 percent. That means the interior will be
comfortably warm very quickly even on cold days and that heavily iced
windows will thaw quickly. As long as the UC? is charging its drive battery,
the device can also be used as a park heating. The efficiency is about 99
percent. Highlight is: The devices are capable of working with high vehicle
voltages of up to 500 volts in electric, hybrid, and fuel cell vehicles.
Multiple electrical insulation up to 2000 volts and a reinforced insulation
assembly ensure compliance with the highest safety standards. Thanks to the
compact design and the low overall weight of just 1.8 to 2.5 kilograms the
heaters fit even in very small vehicles such as the UC?. High-voltage air
heaters can provide fast heat and are recommended for entirely electric
vehicles such as the UC?. High-voltage water heaters are offered for more
complex electric. Since they are connected to the cooling circuit, they can
use the waste heat from the combustion engine in hybrids or the energy from
the fuel cell during startup for heat. This also makes it possible to heat
up the sensitive drive battery in winter and cool it in summer.
EKZ commit themselves to the area of electro mobility
As one of the largest energy companies in Switzerland the EKZ
(Elektizitätswerke des Kantons Zürich) have committed themselves to the area
of electro mobility. The goal of this commitment is to help energy efficient
vehicles to achieve a breakthrough. One thing is clear: the electric car
will run on the product about which we have gathered extensive know-how over
many, many years. In addition, not only do the EKZ provide almost one
million people with electricity, they also support sparing use of energy and
promote measures to increase energy efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions.
Electric cars fit perfectly with these goals.
The EKZ have already included several electric cars in their own fleet of
vehicles and test them constantly in practical situations. The results from
these test operations are also passed on to their customers. In addition,
last year the EKZ took the first step towards setting up a public charging
infrastructure: twelve new charging stations in canton Zurich ensure that
the batteries of electric cars can be recharged along the way. At home too,
the EKZ support the owners of electric cars with their know-how in all
questions related to power connections for cars. They help, for example,
with the choice of the correct socket to ensure the battery is charged in
the most efficient way.
Electric cars will only make the breakthrough when they have a far greater
range thanks to new battery technology and an affordable price. Another
important aspect to be taken into consideration is that the cars also have
an emotional appeal and fascinate prospective buyers. What could be better
then, than working together with Rinspeed. With its concept cars that never
fail to astonish and surprise the company has succeeded like no other in
combining emotional appeal with a visionary concept of mobility, innovative
drives and sustainability. This year concept powerhouse Rinspeed presents
not just a new electric car, but with the ‘UC?’ an entire mobility concept
for the future. The EKZ are pleased to be able to give the project added
energy with a charging station.
Harman International Automotive Division presents the newest Infotainment
and Audio Technology in the Rinspeed “UC?”
Modular architecture enables individually tailored solutions, Innovative
Flash HMI ensures maximum user comfort, Harman Kardon GreenEdge sound system
unites uncompromised sound reproduction with low-level energy consumption,
HALOsonic - Electronic Sound Synthesis (ESS) generates custom tailored
engine sound for enhanced safety and driving pleasure
Harman International reveals the future of mobile infotainment and
communication technology in the Rinspeed “UC?” concept car. The centerpiece
of the powerful system is Harman’s new scalable infotainment platform that
offers maximum connectivity with fast Internet access and excellent user
comfort. Another highlight of the concept car is the ground-breaking
revolutionary high-performance GreenEdge sound system from Harman Kardon -
an innovative technical solution that fulfills the objective of
uncompromised sound quality while offering maximum energy efficiency. In
addition, innovative HALOsonic technology generates custom tailored engine
sound in and out of the otherwise almost completely silent electric car to
ensure safety as well as an authentic driving experience.
Visions of excellent Connectivity with Maximum User Comfort: The “UC?” has
powerful broadband access to the Internet. For example, the driver has the
possibility, to check out his complete travel for road and rail and can
online book his train tickets - all while on the move. All functions may be
voice controlled to ensure both a safe and informed driving experience.
Furthermore, the system allows access to a virtual media storage solution,
so that the passengers could access their remote personal data at any time.
In addition, one of the USB interfaces could be used to connect smart
phones, enabling their applications to be reproduced on the display. The
scalable, high-performance infotainment platform also supports further
communication channels, like Internet radio as well as social networks. In addition, an environmentally responsible navigation system is enabled by
a unique routing algorithm that intelligently calculates the most energy
efficient route.
Specially Adapted Harman Kardon GreenEdge Sound System: To ensure the best
possible entertainment while on the move, the “UC?” includes a
high-performance HarmanKardon GreenEdege sound system: the GreenEdge sound
system, which is specially adapted for the Rinspeed “UC”, requires far less
energy than conventional systems. The optimum combination of low current
demand, light weight materials and custom designed high-efficiency
amplifiers and sound transducers ensures maximum energy efficiency, while at
the same time producing uncompromised authentic sound reproduction with
amazing dynamic range.
HALOsonic - Sound Synthesis Ensures Safety and Driving Pleasure: The
electronically generated engine sounds are a revolutionary advanced feature
of the “UC?”: Two high-efficiency speakers - specifically developed for the
exterior of the car - are used to play back the dynamic engine sounds
generated by the ESS algorithm. Pedestrians, children at play or cyclists
who wouldn’t normally notice the almost silent “UC?” without the external
ESS, can now be made aware that a car is approaching by means of synthetic
“engine sounds”.
In parallel, the internal engine sound synthesis is generated within the
“UC?” via the Harman Kardon GreenEdge audio system; establishing the
familiar link for passengers between the tactile, visual and auditory
driving experience.
hiwave.net Mobile Communication
Hiwave was established 2005 as first system house for Proximity and
Bluetooth Marketing in D/A/CH. The Berlin-located telecommunication company
offers turnkey-solutions for integrated Mobile Marketing, Bluetooth, NFC,
WLAN, Tagging, Couponing, and Digital Signage. Hiwave's Content- and
Campaign Management Software hiwave.net CCMS is the first platform
independent AdServer for Proximity Marketing and mobile user tracking.
Hiwave creates mobile content, manages ad-planning of Mobile Marketing
campaigns, and integrates Mobile Marketing and Digital Signage systems.
Proximity Marketing: Proximity Marketing is digital Mobile Marketing via
cost-free short distance wireless standards. Advertisers deploy Proximity
Marketing hotspots as innovative, and cost-effective customer-care and
service channel. Individual and customized mobile contents like vouchers,
entertainment, and product information, are sent directly to the local
target-groups. This way of Mobile Marketing leads to a much higher brand
evolvement with additional viral effects. Bluetooth is the most popular
short distance wireless standard with more than 80 percent prevalence in
D/A/CH and EMEA.
Deployment areas: Proximity Marketing is deployed in out-of-home media like
city-light-displays, on fairs, exhibitions, congresses, at shopping centers,
cinemas, sport and event stadiums, at airports and railway stations -
wherever your target-group is present. Proximity Marketing can be integrated
in image marketing, interactive marketing campaigns, and sales promotions at
any point-of-contact.
Hiwave Awards: Special Technology Award, Metro Marketing competition
"Together - Handel verbindet Kulturen" 2007, Innovation Award Mobile
Business category, initiative mittelstand 2007,Special Award of JCI Germany,
business plan competition Berlin-Brandenburg 2006,IT Adventure Area Award
"Most Innovative Technology", Systems Fair 2005.
Hiwave References: Audi, BECK'S, Burger King, Coca-Cola, Deutsche Telekom,
EA Electronic Arts, Eastpak, Fiat, Goodyear, McKinsey, Mercedes-Benz, Metro,
Mini, Opel, Porsche, ProSieben, Red Bull, Sony Pictures, Swisscom, T-Mobile,
Telefónica o2 Germany, Wall AG.
Li-Tec Cerio motive battery powers UC?
Li-Tec’s high-tech accumulator cell is qualified for mass production and
combines outstanding properties with it’s unique Cerio technology. It is
based on the special combination of ceramic materials and high-molecular ion
conductors. This grants the Li-Tec cells all-time superior properties. Cerio
technology which has been developed for Formula One is based on the ceramic
Separion separator and sets standards for cycle stability, rated power and
safety. Moreover, the compact design of the Li-Tec cells allows for high
energy density at low weight
Core to the Cerio technology is the ceramic high
performance separator Separion. The separator membrane is very thin and
extremely heat resistant. The innovative separator reliably separates anode
and cathode and prevents a dangerous inner short circuit. With the
world-wide unique ceramic Cerio accumulator technology powerful energy
storage systems are designed for a broad spectrum of advanced applications.
Li-Tec’s high-tech battery cells are the only mass produced cells with the
ceramic Separion high performance separator and Litarion electrodes from
Evonik.
Li-Tec Battery GmbH - a Joint Venture of Evonik Industries AG (50.1%) and
Daimler AG (49.9%) - develops, produces and markets large-scale lithium ion
battery cells for automotive applications and battery systems for industrial
and stationary applications.
Powerful lithium ion batteries are the most promising solutions for future
mobile energy supply. In this forward-looking alliance the Chemistry
Know-how of Evonik partners with the automotive competence of Daimler.
With ongoing investments and consequent expansion Li-Tec meets the dynamic
market needs. Three-digit million Euros have been invested so far and
further investments have been kicked-off by the share holders recently. In
2011, several million battery cells will be mass produced in the integrated
production Verbund in Kamenz/Saxony near Dresden. Both Evonik and Daimler
are committed to growth and Li-Tec’s high-end technology and will ensure a
competitive and leading market position.
Sustainable mobility concepts correspond to real-life. With Rinspeed’s UC?
innovation and high-tech match prevailing needs.
Motorex supplies „green“
know-how for Rinspeed UC
Switzerland’s biggest lubricant producer Motorex supports the latest concept car
project from Rinspeed with a lot of technical know-how in lubricants and greases.
The Goal of this partnership is to make the vehicle „pollution free“ not only in
the engine, but also with the lubricants and greases.
After the successful cooperation for the world’s first diving car sQuba and last
year’s project iChange, the Motorex specialists have again put together a very
special lubricant plan for the UC. Motorex has made all the lubricants and
greases in use rapidly biodegradable.
Frank M. Rinderknecht states: „Because we have used a zero emission engine, it
was very clear to us from the beginning that we wanted to minimize the pollution
in every aspect. With Motorex, we have a partner that has the Know-how and is
able to address our specific demands. Furthermore, they have already supported
us optimally in the development of the sQuba and the iChange in the same area.
Manuel Gerber, Marketing Director at Motorex: “Every year, the partnership with
Rinspeed is a perfect opportunity to explore the different routes of development
in our market. Although the UC features an electric engine which does not need
any motor oil, it was an interesting challenge on all the other lubricants and
fluids used. At the same time, it was another possibility for us to prove our
readiness for the future, our innovation-power and our flexibility. We could
profit from our years of experience in rapidly biodegradable products in many
different areas of applications.
Paravan
contributes exclusive high-end innovations to UC project
SpaceDrive system of Baden-Württemberg vehicle adaptation expert Paravan
navigates its way into UC project of Swiss entrepreneur Frank Rinderknecht. The
German company has led the field in special-purpose vehicle adaptation for years,
having earned a reputation for its hands-on approach to customizing vehicles to
the individual needs of motorists with a caring regard for their physical
restrictions.
A revolutionary product developed by Paravan is now also making an entrance in
Rinspeed’s UC project. The product in question is the multiple award-winning
drive-by-wire SpaceDrive system. SpaceDrive is a vehicle control system which
uses electronic and digital input devices, one example of which is a joystick.
Indeed, it is the latter device which is used in the UC.
The UC is driven by means of its unique four-way joystick control system which
works in a similar way to that operated by a jet pilot.
The joystick communicates via two CPUs and an interface with the car. In order
to perfect the driver’s handling of the vehicle and to provide feedback on the
driving characteristics, the joystick is what is known as a force-feedback
device which, like a steering wheel, gives the operator information about the
road and driving performance.
To add the finishing touches to the picture of an innovative and future-oriented
car, the UC has been fitted with control units which enable simple pushbutton
control of all the secondary functions in the vehicle interior, such as
windscreen wipers, horn, etc.
The collaboration between Paravan and Rinspeed can be summed up quite simply by
the slogan of Roland Arnold, Director of Paravan GmbH, which is “For a perfect
mobility worldwide”.
Pirelli is
to continue its cooperation as a technology partner with Rinspeed in 2010 too
After successful cooperation as the exclusive tyre partner for the Rinspeed
"sQuba" in 2008 and the "iChange" in the preceding year, Pirelli is proud to be,
once again in 2010, the technology partner for a new and exciting Rinspeed world
premiere: the Rinspeed "UC - Urban Commuter", whose excellent ground contact is
guaranteed by the environmentally-friendly Cinturato P7 195/40 R17 tyres, a
dimension that has been specifically designed for this vehicle model.
With the "UC", Rinspeed is making a bold statement for a new era in the
automobile world: an emissions-free car which further reduces its energy
consumption thanks to its smaller size and lighter weight. As an innovative
technology partner, today Pirelli already complies with the environmental
guidelines of tomorrow, and in doing so, neatly punctuates both parties' image
transfer.
Cinturato Pirelli - first environmentally-friendly tyres up to 18": One year
after the hugely successful debut of the Cinturato P7 with properties ranging
through environmental protection, safety and high performance, as well as a
reduction in fuel consumption and pollutant emissions, these are proof that
Pirelli is taking a giant leap in the right direction with its groundbreaking
Green Performance.
Rafi GmbH
& Co. KG - The Rinspeed Partner at the Man-Machine Interface
As a specialist for input solutions, Rafi contributes with the controls as well
as the driver's station including steering wheel, roof and door operation and
the joystick for the "UC Urban Commuter" project. Input solutions in the
automotive sector have been a main pillar of the south-west German company Rafi
GmbH & Co. KG for many years.
At the Ravensburg site, Rafi formed a team of dedicated experts from the
disciplines of input and data processing technology, design and ergonomics as
well as production technology for the automotive field as early as in the
eighties. Trend-setting steering wheel multi-function units and input landscapes
with the associated electronic systems for absolutely reliable solutions are
developed here - for passenger cars, commercial vehicles, rail vehicles and
watercrafts. Rafi's innovative power is based on long-term experience in the
development and manufacture of ever more complex input components and the
integration of different disciplines of knowledge to form an engineering team.
Rafi covers the complete development and production process. Rafi conducts
fundamental research for new switching and material technologies. The
development of circuitry and software is done at the parent site in Ravensburg
just as the 2D and 3D design of simple components and complex control landscapes.
The degree of in-house production ranges from complete mechanical production,
single-colour and multi-colour plastic injection molding and sheet metal
processing to screen printing and pad printing in various colour spaces.
Rafi performs automatic assembly in large volumes and manual assembly of SMD and
THT components and uses all common soldering processes. Automatic functional
testing guarantees absolute reliability of all components, which is particularly
important in the vehicle manufacturing sector. Rafi has been certified to
DIN/ISO 9001:2000, to the special automotive standard ISO/TS 16949: 2002 and the
medical engineering standard EN ISO 13485.
High-Performance lightweight construction reaches new
dimensions - Rehau presents all-polymer tailgate
For the world premiere of the “Rinspeed UC?” Rehau, the renowned development
partner, presents a new dimension in high-performance lightweight construction -
an all-polymer tailgate with integrated inner structural element made of
thermoplastic high-performance fiber composite materials. The new concept from
the globally active polymer specialist based in the town of Rehau, in Germany’s
Upper Franconia, promises up to 30 percent less weight than conventional
tailgates and thus opens up new perspectives for efficient electro-mobility.
Rehau developed the manufacturing process itself, breaking new ground in
increasing the energy efficiency of cars. Weight reduction with complete
functional integration is the motto. “Thermoplastic high-performance composite
materials are attractive by virtue of their properties, their functionality and
their ultimate cost effectiveness for use in vehicles driven by alternative
sources of energy”, explains Dr. Franz Kind, Head of Automotive R+D. Structural
elements of both the drive systems and bodies of electrically driven cars could
be mass-produced at considerably less expense. This is why Rehau makes the ideal
development partner and systems supplier for renowned car manufacturers and
electro-mobility pioneers such as Rinspeed.
The polymer tailgate is intended to make its debut on the “UC?”. A structural
element entirely made of thermoplastics with extra fiber reinforcement in
critical areas. Other components, such as spoilers or rear windows, are bonded
on with ease. “We have reached a point at which series production applications
can be readily brought to fruition - commercially viable and sustainably energy
efficient”, declares the Head of R+D, in conclusion. “That’s exactly what the
future will be all about.”
True
beauty comes from within
The Sellner Group is one of the world's leading suppliers of innovative surface
finishes for the interior of premium class vehicles to the automotive industry.
Our product spectrum ranges from trim items finished in wood, aluminum, carbon
and lacquer, technical textiles, injection molded plastics for support and
functional items through to the application of leather to surfaces. We are
therefore able to offer complete solutions from one single source. The Sellner
Group employs more than 2100 employees at 14 different locations worldwide and
achieves sales revenue of 270 million euro. Our customers include BMW, Mercedes
Benz, Porsche and Audi as well as major Tier 1 suppliers.
Our design department constantly strives to stay one step ahead which requires
innovation and experience in equal measure, this combined with the passion to
always make something a little better. The trained eye of our designers can spot
current trend developments in many places: at trade fairs, in magazines, on the
Internet, in market analyses or simply on the street. Here are the sources of
many valuable ideas which, in a suitable form, are applied to our design
concepts. Current notions, new insights and innovative procedures are discussed
in workshops. Our designers use computer graphics to visualize the results of
the workshops and, with the support of design technicians, develop new surface
finishes in metal, wood and leather. With the abundance of ideas and
possibilities available within our group we can support customers who may have
only a vague concept of how the surface finish of their future products should
appear. However, our design team is also the ideal partner for the realization
of explicit decor requirements and for the reproduction of master samples.
Frog seeks driver : This could also be the motto for our interior concept for
the UC?. The interior of the UC? uses well known materials in new combinations:
extravagantly decorated aluminum flashes below high quality, expertly worked
leather. Two valuable materials that could not be more different from each other
fuse together in an exciting composition. The flowing contours of the interior
are completely covered in green nappa leather: not even the foot well has been
left out, decorated with an impressive diamond design it demonstrates a further
use for this fine material. The highlights can be found on the doors and the
instrument panel: here cool aluminum contrasts with warm yellow leather. The
banded design is a dynamic combination which results in the interior reflecting
the sportiness of the compact UC?.
Sharp -
Official multimedia partner for Rinspeed
Rinspeed, the renowned Swiss car and concept forge, is collaborating for the
sixth time in a row with Sharp, one of the world's largest technology companies,
this time on the new concept car "UC?“. An extraordinary concept deserves an
extraordinary presentation. And as always, Sharp provides this through a number
of the latest full HD LCD TVs (with full LED backlight) which will bring the
ideas and properties that are behind this new concept car even closer to the
viewer - pin sharp and in a colour brilliance that has never before been seen.
At the same time, the new LCD television sets in the Aquos LED series with full
LED backlight technology are particularly energy-saving.
Sharp globally: The company, which has more than 54,000 employees all over the
world, is active in nearly all electronics sectors and offers a huge range of
products. Since the company was founded in 1912, innovation has been an integral
component of our corporate philosophy. Correspondingly, the company's name,
Sharp, is derived from our first major invention made in 1915, the "Ever Sharp
Pencil“, the world's first mechanical pencil. Today, we are one of the leading
manufacturers of digital information technologies. Among other things, Sharp
counts among the leaders in the production of LCD flat-screen TVs and solar
panels, two sectors that have been attracting particular attention for some time
already.
LCD technology is inextricably linked with the name of Sharp: Since 1973, when
Sharp produced the first LCD pocket calculator, the company has been playing a
leading role in liquid crystal displays. Recently, the technology company
introduced the two new Aquos LCD TV series LE700E and LE600E with full LED
backlight. At a power consumption of less than 100 Watt at 52 inches in home
mode, Sharp thus presents LCD TVs with the lowest energy consumption in the
world. In addition, Sharp's full LED backlight features extremely high contrast
ratios of more than 2,000,000:1, an even more natural colour reproduction as
well as a uniform display illumination of more than 90 percent.
Sharp solar technology: Sharp can look back on almost 50 years of experience
with solar energy and is the world's driving force for the increased and
environmentally friendly use of photovoltaics. Apart from mono-, poly- and
microcrystalline solar cells and solar modules, the company also manufactures
light concentrators. In addition to three module manufacturing plants in Japan
and one in Tennessee/USA, solar power modules have been manufactured for the
European market in the Welsh town of Wrexham/Great Britain since 2004.
Furthermore, the solar pioneer is buying glass and silicon for the production of
cells and modules in Europe and is collaborating with partners in setting up
solar power plants.
“UC?”
trade fair stand - made by Sibu Design
The realization of the unusual “UC?” trade fair stand for the Geneva Motor
Show 2010 constitutes the first joint project between Rinspeed and Sibu Design.
Austria-based Sibu Design can look back on 25 years of branch experience as a
manufacturer of patterned sheets and today enjoys icon status. Its products
represent a benchmark for exclusive interior design worldwide and have been
employed in numerous leading projects in the areas of display window concepts,
trade fair and shop design. To name but a few, Etienne Aigner, Palmers, Armani
Casa, H&M and Prada have all used Sibu Design sheets for their interiors.
The stand in Geneva, which has more than 200m², is the first to be entirely
fitted with fake fur flooring and the lounge-like, elegant Pelo Savanna design
is certain to prove an optical highlight. Moreover, Sibu Design sheets with
graffiti themes also serve to underline the urban mobility of the vehicle of
display. Lastly, Cristal Rombo Bianco is used as a wall decoration in the lounge
area and thus lends this model project a final touch of class.
Ticona
supplies lightweight plastics for the Rinspeed UC? concept car
Ticona, the technical polymers business of the Celanese Corporation,
produces and markets a broad range of engineering polymers for applications in
automotive construction. For the new UC? electric car from Rinspeed, Ticona has
supplied so-called Celstran tapes with PP honeycomb; these tapes ensure
stability as lightweight sandwich layers in trunks and battery housings. The
Celstran tapes are particularly notable for their low weight, high degree of
stiffness and toughness as well as environmentally friendly processing and
excellent recyclability.
Innovations in electric mobility would be virtually impossible without the use
of engineering plastics. The development of more durable and safer membranes for
use in lithium-ion batteries has been an important topic in the automotive
industry for years. But numerous other less talked-about components are
indispensable in the production of economical and ecological drive solutions.
Metallic materials often do not have the properties required. Ticona has the
right materials available for every type of electric drive; for example
components for automatic start-stop systems that considerably reduce the fuel
consumption of micro-hybrid vehicles in city traffic, sensor elements for
various applications or DC converters for full hybrid solutions.
Ticona also provides a comprehensive line of engineering thermoplastics for
classic automotive construction applications. Door locks, airbags or fuel pumps
- Ticona makes production more economical, the final product more durable and
processing easier and safer.
Ticona generated sales of $1.06 billion in the 2008 business year. The company
has approximately 2,000 employees worldwide and operates production, compounding
and research facilities in the USA, Germany, Brazil and China.
VDO - Continental - Mobility thought through
Continental, was founded in 1871 in Hanover, Germany, is able to look back
over a hugely successful past. In the firm's history that stretches over almost
130 years, the company has brought individual mobility onto the street and has
initiated, fostered and accompanied the launch of numerous technical
developments. Today, Continental as an automobile supplier is ranked in the top
five worldwide and second in Europe.
But individual mobility is now facing its greatest upheaval since the invention
of automobiles. With their know-how, technology and products, Continental is
best positioned to help decisively fashion the automobile sector's major trends
in safety, environment, information and affordable vehicles. The company forges
the mobility concept of the future through six divisions: tyre and breaking
systems, power train and chassis components, as well as with instrumentation and
infotainment solutions.
"Always On" - the vision of the Interior division: In the Interior division,
Continental bundles together all activities that deal with information
management, including the processing, prioritizing and presentation of
information in vehicles. The vehicle driver should at all times have the
accurate, requested and necessary information available to him or her. The
Interior division develops its work so successfully that is has become a
world-market leader in the fields of instrumentation, telematics systems,
tachographs and bodywork electronics.
Driver information - emotionally displayed: For the Rinspeed "UC?" E-Car,
Continental has created a unique information terminal under the VDO brand name.
As an interface between man and machine it collects together all the important
vehicle data, processes it and places the correctly prioritised and precisely
accurate information obtained at the disposal of the user.
Achieving a reduction in the information flood to the absolute basics took on
utmost priority during development. The goal is to unburden the user as far as
possible whilst leading him or her safely and quickly through the ever-growing
volume of traffic.
Apart from the clarity of the information system, it was also important to
Continental's Swiss design and development team to represent the factual,
neutral data streams via an instrument which would support and enhance an
emotional experience in the interior of the vehicle.
About
Voip2Car
The Swiss company Voip2Car AG is bringing the World Wide Web to the car
without any limits. The new system offers all of the benefits and
functionalities of a fast internet connection: drivers can now chat with their
families, friends and business partners at neutral cost or hold IP calls and
video calls while they are on the move.
Telephone and video conferences involving several business partners
simultaneously can be connected with ease using Voip2Car. As well as the
extensive telephone functions which even allow you, for example, to block
business partners who you do not wish to speak to using caller recognition or to
instantly redirect important calls, Voip2Car also offers a whole host of
functionalities which have not previously been available to people on the move.
Fast surfing on the internet and the retrieval and sending of e-mails or SMS are
just a small fraction of the extensive functions which are now possible with
ease from the comfort of your car thanks to Voip2Car.
All functions are available quickly and easily on Voip2Car itself via a
user-friendly interface which has an attractive design. Thanks to Voip2Car, now
anybody really can also enjoy fast internet access with IP telephony and all of
the associated amenities from the comfort of their car.
Exclusive
lounge furniture on the Rinspeed stand
As a
long-term partner of Rinspeed, Xmobil Design+Marketing GmbH frequently provides
its innovative contribution for the configuration of the interior of the concept
cars and the fair stand. For this
year’s UC? Xmobil was mainly acting as a designer of the lounge area of the
booth stand. A seating scenery composed by modular elements creates a cozy
meeting atmosphere inviting the guest to stay. A shapely designer couch creates
an additional relaxing effect with a shell resting only on a central point and
thus creating an imagination of floating in the air. This feeling is intensified
by its massage function having effect on the entire couch. After all, the
exterior cover of the UC? is a product of Xmobil.
Since the
foundation of Xmobil Design + Marketing GmbH in 1997 by Christian Grübl the
company has extended and diversified its development and product program
continuously. Xmobil is mainly acting as an independent marketing and
development partner of well-known European manufacturers and suppliers in the
automotive and furniture industry.
The
following material and products from the base of Xmobil’s services: Leather,
artificial leather, technical and fashion fabrics and a combination of these
materials.Leather fittings, seat covers, seating systems, floor mats in textile,
velour, rubber or a combination of these materials, protective covers (indoor,
outdoor, transport, presentation), accessories and lifestyle products.
High-quality furniture, wall and floor panels for different areas.
Xmobil runs three offices in Germany: The headquarter is located at the lake of
Tegernsee south of Munich, branch offices are located in Lorsch and Düsseldorf.
Special thanks to:
Gerd Dressen - www.goodcomm.de
Macba Crew 2010
Interstuhl Büromöbel GmbH & Co. KG -
www.interstuhl.de
Dominic
Wuffli + Cédric Facchin