Communal commuting

In a promotional video for the concept, passengers are greeted by a screen on the front of the vehicle that shows seat availability, while four personal screens inside the vehicle enable each passenger to make video calls, display the expected arrival time and offer tips on meditative breathing.

Passengers in need of quiet can set their pods to private mode, which creates a visual barrier between them and their fellow passengers, and activates noise-cancelling technology. The car alters its appearance when a ride-sharing booking is made to make it easy for first-time travellers to identify it.

The concept was designed in response to research by the American Community Survey, which shows that 76% of US consumers travel alone using their personal vehicle, causing unnecessary harm to the environment and contributing to road congestion.