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The Esslingen-based Eberspächer
Group – one of the world's leading manufacturers of vehicle heating
systems - designed two tailor-made ecological heating systems especially
for this project: an
electric heater as well as an ethanol 85 heater. This optimally
accentuates the advantages of the
two technologies: The
entirely emission free electric PTC heater proves itself at short
distances. Over long distances, the battery-independent alternative
fuel-powered heater ensures a significantly longer operating range of the
vehicle. As a result, even
the heater of the "iChange" variably adjusts to the respective
requirements.
The pure wool used in the interior was further
refined into high-tech wool by Schoeller using state-of-the-art processes.
The wool is spun and died in accordance with the highest eco standards. It
provides an extremely extravagant ambiance in the ‘iChange,’ looks
stunning and is delicate to the touch. The competence partner Strähle +
Hess transformed this natural product into a striking interior. Its
surface character and materiality combine to create a symbiosis of shell,
firmness and frothy air. Unconventional techniques create unusual
surfaces. The seams of the seats are reversed and the removable seats
cushions are adorned with the prototype’s name. Xmobil provided further
customization services. While textiles can be found in the „iChange“ in
their original form in other areas, they are newly interpreted on seats
and cargo floor using various refinement techniques such as braiding and
gathering and a combination of both. Leather strips alternate with
technical textiles. The seat cushions are interchangeable, braided felt
alternates with technical textiles formed into three-dimensional shapes.
This transfers the adaptive concept of the „iChange“ to the interior as
well. The diamond-coated anti-slip floor is supplied by abrasives
specialist KGS.
The Swiss Federal Ministry for Energy (Bundesamt für Energie) supports the
„iChange“ project as a groundbreaking research and development project.
Solar panels on the top and sides of the roof provide electricity to the
fan to keep temperatures in the „iChange“ comfortably low on hot summer
days. The large Sharp solar panels also provide additional eco-friendly
charging of the batteries.
With the „iChange“ Rinderknecht, a passionate C. F. Bucherer watch wearer,
and his partners once more want to provide food for thought for the
automotive industry. The Swiss car visionary: “If we want to maintain our
individual mobility in the future we have to rethink the car in its
entirety, without taboos. Most of all, we have to take its ecological
aspects into consideration.” And in the end everyone has to personally
answer the same question: Am I ready and willing to change myself, do and
can ‘I change’?
Esoro - Swiss Made
Frank M. Rinderknecht used highly advanced technology and a Swiss-based
network of top automotive specialists for his project. So the Rinspeed
“iChange” fits perfectly to Esoros motto: engineered by Esoro - What you
dream is what you get.
For the tenth time the Swiss engineering company Esoro was hired to serve
as general contractor for the entire project. Esoro was responsible for
project management, implementation of new technologies, engineering,
rendering, design and the manufacturing of the Rinspeed “iChange”. Esoro
realized the Rinspeed “iChange” with the help of its competent suppliers.
Starting with initial concepts, it took the highly skilled development
team just six months to realize the entire project. For 18 years now,
Esoro has been a contract developer of concept vehicles, components and
products with main focus on lightweight construction and mobility. During
this time it has gained a well-deserved reputation for excellent
efficiency and innovative solutions, which is demonstrated by numerous
prototypes and serial products. Esoro develops fiber reinforced components
from initial conception up to pre-production samples. In-house specialists
optimize the component properties and characteristics throughout the
entire development process. Important steps are non-linear, strong
orthotropic Finite Element Analysis and crash simulation.
Another recent development from Esoro is the new E-LFT production
technology developed for Weber Automotive. E-LFT makes large scale
production of high-strength and lightweight composite parts affordable. E-LFT
composite parts weigh more than 30 percent less than comparable steel
parts. The tailgate of the actual smart fortwo – the first serial produced
E-LFT-component – was produced over 200’000 times since 2007 and received
the JEC Innovation Automotive Award 2008. Furthermore another production
process for niche markets, like high performance cars, trucks and caravans
is now under development at Esoro. The new and patented process called
Melt Embossing offers the possibility to produce high end thermoplastic
composite parts with low initial invest for structural and semi-structural
applications.
Since the
company was founded, Esoro has been working intensively in the field of
conception, implementation and tests of alternative and optimized vehicle
concepts and drive systems. Esoro is thus one of the few companies in the
world with well-founded experience in development and operation of
electric, hybrid and fuel cell drives. The Rinspeed “iChange” proves
impressively this competence using cutting edge technology.
Electric shape-changer: a sports car or a sports
van? Rinspeed “iChange” - forward-looking ideas on AEZ wheels
The Motor Show in Geneva is traditionally the place where Frank M.
Rinderknecht presents his visions. For years he and his company Rinspeed
have been presenting environmentally-friendly, practical and extravagant
creations, which offer possible solutions for the future of automobiles.
And now joining him for the third time is: AEZ, the renowned manufacturer
of premium light-metal wheels. Following the eXasis and the underwater car
sQuba, this time the perfect alloys had to be found for the “iChange”.
Norbert Frohner, the General Manager of AEZ, said the following: “As with
the sQuba we have created a new wheel, which works almost directly on the
blank forging. The task was just as complex as last year, but also just as
different. Although the “iChange” can’t go underwater, it is extremely
diverse on land – and that’s precisely what the wheel intends to
demonstrate."
Frank M. Rinderknecht’s latest development is actually a vehicle which
adapts to diverse conditions: First and foremost, thought, the “iChange”
is a thoroughbred, futuristic sports car. The AEZ alloys support this by
looking like the wheels on a classic Bugatti - and that suits the
streamlined design of the Rinspeed. In this form the “iChange” is a fun
car for one person, but “when the rear is raised as if by magic” it
changes in the blink of an eye into a small sports van for three people.
The double spoke wheel also takes part in the metamorphosis; it fits the
spatial wonder like a glove even when the focus is shifted to the adequate
transportation of people.
Dynamics meets versatility - that is this year’s topic from Rinspeed.
Rinderknecht says: “If we want to maintain our individual mobility in the
future, then we will have to rethink the car disregarding all taboos.”
That also means that the vehicle has to adjust to changing conditions. And
that explains the name “iChange”. The vehicle concept also comprises, of
course, the vehicle technology, as it also has to adjust to future
demands. As is normal with Rinspeed, environmental protection is in the
foreground: an electric engine with 150kW (204 HP) offers decent thrust
without harmful emissions. With its large, enclosed surface, the wheel
from AEZ provides even better aerodynamics - it helps to extend the
life-span of the battery and increase the sports potential of the “iChange”.
Designers and technicians at AEZ have designed and built an expressive,
spectacular alloy for an extraordinary car. It represents the high-point
so far in the cooperation between the wheel producer and Rinspeed.
Durability on four wheels. Carl F. Bucherer supports
the “iChange” by Rinspeed
For both Frank M. Rinderknecht, the founder of Rinspeed Concept Cars, and
Carl F. Bucherer, innovation is the driving force of all production. So it
is not surprising that the Lucerne watch manufacturer is supporting the
latest of Frank M. Rinderknecht’s projects the variable Rinspeed “iChange”.
Over 30 years ago, Frank M. Rinderknecht set himself the goal of
fulfilling the dreams of his youth and realizing the vision of the
ultimate motor vehicle with his own cult car. His company, Rinspeed, soon
created for itself a unique reputation in the tuning and modification of
luxury vehicles for a financially independent clientele. In parallel with
this, Rinspeed became famous for producing concept and small series cars.
In his partnership with international companies in the high-tech field,
Frank M. Rinderknecht actually provided them with a valuable development
platform.
Common philosophy, new project: Cars which can drive on water, cars which
can drive under water, cars with transparent bodywork. The concept cars
developed by Frank M. Rinderknecht interpret mobility in a different way.
They are the work of a person, who quietly goes his own way. Just as Carl
F. Bucherer, founder of the Lucerne watch brand, used to. This was one of
the reasons that CEO Thomas Morf and Marketing Manager Bruno Jufer decided
to support Frank M. Rinderknecht and his ideas. However, an even greater
influence was the common philosophy shared by Carl F. Bucherer and
Rinspeed, demanding technology, top class materials and amazing shapes,
all contributing to an innovative, conceptually convincing final product.
From the sports car to the van: This common philosophy is also foremost in
the latest Rinspeed-Project. The “iChange” is a „1-2-3-seater” with a
150kW-e-motor, whose eye-catching body shape adapts to the number of
passengers by electronic tail magic. At the touch of a knob, one can
convert the single person sports car into a small sports van for three
people, exactly like the motto “I change”. As well as in its design, the
“iChange” reveals its innovation through its extremely low energy
consumption: the car drives without exhaust emission and boasts a weight
and wind resistance reduced to their minimum. So the Rinspeed “iChange”
demonstrates a high potential in the area of durability, which also
represents part of Frank M. Rinderknecht’s motivation: “We have put a
flexible vehicle on wheels and, in so doing, the themes of the varied and
constantly changing energy requirements meaningfully thought right
through, to take the ecological aspect fully into account”, maintains the
car tinker.
Highest Swiss quality: Innovative thinking, the belief in one’s own way
and today’s theme of durability are also of the utmost importance for Carl
F. Bucherer components, and explain why the Lucerne watch manufacturer is
collaborating on this project with Frank M. Rinderknecht.
“The
Rinspeed „iChange“ stands for change, future-orientated technologies and
great passion.
This
embodies the Carl F. Bucherer philosophy in a unique way”, explains Bruno
Jufer, Executive Vice President Marketing. The “iChange” will be presented
to the public for the first time at this year’s motor show in Geneva,
taking place from 5th to 15th March. Carl F.
Bucherer will be there with Rinspeed. All in all, the credos of the
“iChange” and the watch models of Carl F. Bucherer go perfectly together:
the highest Swiss quality and efficiency, combined with the perpetual
search for perfection.
About Carl F. Bucherer: Carl F. Bucherer, registered as Bucherer Montres
S.A., is an independent company with 90 years competency in the production
of luxury watches. The Manufacture brand stands for uncompromising quality
and esthetical products with stylish design. It combines the finest watch
making craftsmanship with the highest jewelry competency. The name
recognizes the pioneering achievements of the company’s founder of the
same name, Carl Friedrich Bucherer. The Carl F. Bucherer brand was
launched in 2001, with the objective of giving more strategic emphasis to
its manufacturing expertise, which had already been successfully
demonstrated since 1919. As the only watch brand located in Central
Switzerland, Carl F. Bucherer produces and markets exclusive ladies and
gents watches, thereby building the second arm of the Bucherer Group.
Today, the Bucherer Group is managed by the owner-family. It took the Carl
F. Bucherer team only a short time to develop an effective distribution
network and create international consumer awareness for the brand. In July
2007, Carl F. Bucherer strengthened its market position as a watch
manufacturer in the premium segment with the acquisition of the workshop
for the development, research and production of manufacture movements,
Carl F. Bucherer Technologies SA, (formerly Techniques Horlogères
Appliquées SA) in Ste-Croix, and with the launch of its manufacture
movement CFB A1000 at Baselworld 2008.
Die Agentur is a full service Ad Agency with its
main office in Saarbrücken
Die Agentur
develops
integral communication solutions. Our services include 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 to with
great care, enthusiasm and passion. Die Agentur was nominated for
Germany’s most popular design award 2009.
Die Agentur is responsible for all Rinspeed
communication including: Web, PR for the new concept car, an image film, a
making off and a trade fair. 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 currently
employs 30 persons.
Eberspächer supplies innovative heating systems for
the “iChange”
As do all electric vehicles, the “iChange” from the Swiss design house
Rinspeed relies on a powerful, but economical in-cabin heater: The
electric motor simply does not generate enough waste heat to use for
heating the passenger compartment. The concept car appeals because of its
transformability not only with regard to its body, but also with regard to
heating, and offers two attractive alternatives. The Eberspächer Group -
headquartered in Esslingen and one of the world’s leading manufacturers of
vehicle heaters - developed both a perfectly fitted electric heater and a
custom-engineered fuel-powered heater specifically for the “iChange”
project. Both systems are designed to meet the specific requirements of
electric vehicles.
With the electric PTC air heater from Eberspächer catem - global leader in
the field of electric auxiliary heaters - the “iChange” is fit especially
for short trips and city traffic: The prototype that was developed
specifically for the Rinspeed project was designed for a nominal voltage
of 580 volts. Thanks to its fully insulated construction, the PTC heater
is safe from an electrical standpoint. Because of the aerodynamic shape of
the corrugated ribs, the heater body exhibits only a minimal pressure drop
on the air side. With a heating capacity of 5.6 kilowatts, the electric
in-cabin heater achieves a high power density in spite of its extremely
compact size: The dimensions of 228 x 167 x 36 millimeters mean that the
air heater requires very little space for installation. Other benefits:
The heater’s efficiency - the direct energy conversion from electric
energy into thermal energy - is 99 percent. In addition, no pollutants are
emitted during operation of the heater. As a result, the PTC heater is
ideal for zero-emission vehicles intended for use in congested areas to
keep the air clean.Electrical pre-heating of the vehicle by a park heating
function is also possible - especially during the charging process.
For longer trips the Eberspächer Airtronic is the right choice: Since the
fuel-powered heater puts no load on the vehicle’s electrical system, the
battery capacity is available entirely for driving purposes. In this way,
the “iChange” achieves a considerably greater scope. The Airtronic, also
designed specifically for the concept car, consumes about maximum of 0.43
liters per hour of heating and has been engineered especially for the
combustion characteristics of the alternative, eco-friendly fuel E-85
ethanol. The small 3.5-liter tank disappears cleverly behind the license
plate. The major benefit of the Airtronic is its high energy efficiency:
With an efficiency of 84 percent - based on the primary energy input - it
excels when overall CO2 emissions are taken into consideration.
Equipped with a catalytic converter and with nitrogen oxides and
particulates filtered out to almost below the detection limit, the
Airtronic appeals not only because of its positive ecological features,
but above all because of its rapid heat output. Moreover, the unit has all
the convenience features of a regular Eberspächer park heating: In the
winter, the passenger compartment can be pre-heated and ice-covered
windows cleared without the need for scraping.
In the “iChange”, Eberspächer has exemplified two different air heating
systems for electric vehicles. Use of electric or fuel-powered water
heaters produced by the company is also conceivable. Integrated in a
cooling water circuit these kind of heating systems are able to pre-heat
the sensitive battery in the winter - holding it capable of cold starts -
and cooling it in the summer. Besides electric water heaters are able to
use the waste heat of power electronics, motor and other users for heating
proposes and support so an overall thermal management.
With its many-faceted technologies, Eberspächer truly conveys the meaning
behind the name “iChange”: The company provides custom-engineered system
solutions for any requirement and thus positions itself as the specialist
for innovative thermal management for the drive concepts of the future.
Harman International sets the standard for
energy-efficient audio and infotainment solutions without compromises
"One does not discover new lands without consenting to lose sight of the
shore for a very long time”. Harman Becker Automotive Systems, the
Automotive Division of Harman International, truly lives this tenet of
French author André Gide, and introduces more than just one
energy-efficient audio and infotainment solution in the Rinspeed “iChange”
zero emission concept car. And this without any compromise in performance
and enjoyment.
At the heart of the is the next generation Harman infotainment system.
The overall system is designed to minimize power consumption, which is
achieved thanks to the innovative new Intel® processor on board. The same
mindset is applied to the Harman Kardon® GreenEdgeTM high-efficiency audio
system. This revolutionary technology satisfies the highest demands for
superb sound reproduction while dramatically reducing energy consumption
and weight, resulting in efficiency levels never before possible. In the “iChange”,
a total of twelve Harman Kardon HiETM high efficiency speakers are driven
by a highly efficient eight-channel amplifier. The Class D amplifier, with
Harman’s uniquely designed output amplifier stages, achieves efficiency
levels in excess of 90 percent, compared to 35 to 50 percent in
conventional models. Together this system reduces current required
dramatically while providing a new benchmark in dynamic performance. In
addition, the embedded satellite navigation system calculates the most
energy-friendly route, and guides the driver to the destination by means
of a realistic 3D display.
With this entirely new energy-efficient system approach without
compromise, the Automotive Division of Harman International offers a
vision of what the technology leader in infotainment and audio will be
offering drivers in the very near future. The car of tomorrow will be
permanently “on-line” providing energy-efficiently the best in
information, communication and entertainment, with a performance spectrum
that easily competes with any stationary application at home or in the
office.
Harman Becker Automotive Systems, the Automotive Division of Harman
International, offers leading-edge infotainment systems for the automotive
industry and the aftermarket. Harman International Industries,
Incorporated, designs, manufactures and markets a wide range of audio and
infotainment products for the automotive, consumer and professional
markets. Harman International maintains a strong presence in the Americas,
Europe and Asia, and employs more than 11,000 people worldwide. The Harman
International family of brands includes AKG®, Audioaccess®, Becker®, BSS®,
Crown®, dbx®, DigiTech®, Harman Kardon®, Infinity®, JBL®, Lexicon®, Mark
Levinson®, Revel®, QNX®, Soundcraft® and Studer®. Harman International’s
stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “NYSE: HAR.”
KGS Diamond Group AG
KGS Diamond of Switzerland, a global leader in industrial super abrasives
innovation for two generations, has built a business platform based on
life’s “one” constant: change. The KGS business model has successfully
adapted to international markets as well as specialized technologies,
crossing cultural boundaries. It has flourished when others have failed.
The partnership with Rinspeed and the sponsoring of the “iChange's”
development and fabrication put KGS once again ahead of the competition.
Synchronizing people and businesses with the ever-changing world is a
cornerstone of the KGS culture. KGS is proud to participate in this
project. Together we prove that the future is promising for businesses and
people embracing change and possessing the values vital to navigating
changing times.
Motorex supplies „green“ know-how for Rinspeed
“iChange”
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”, the Motorex specialists have again put together
a very special lubricant plan for the “iChange”. 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. Further
more, they have already supported us optimally in the development of the
sQuba in the same area. Manuel Gerber, Head of Communications at Motorex:
“Every year, the partnership with Rinspeed is a perfect opportunity to
explore the different routes of development in our market. Although the
“iChange” features an electric engine that 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.
Pirelli Tyre - Excellence and innovation
Pirelli Tyre is the world's fifth largest operator in terms of turnover on
the tyre market, with levels of profitability among the highest in the
sector. Pirelli Tyre is today the operational holding company for a group
involved in the design, development, production and marketing of tyres
destined for various types of vehicle: cars, light vehicles and
motorcycles (Consumer sector, 70% of revenue), buses, trucks, agricultural
and earth moving machinery, and the production and marketing of steel cord
(Industrial segment, 30% of revenue). Within this market, Pirelli Tyre
focuses in particular on the high-end segments characterized by elevated
techno-logical contents and high performance. These are segments in which
Pirelli has established itself in positions of leadership with regard to
both its car and motorcycle tyres: Pirelli tyres are today seen as
synonymous with quality, emotion and ultimate performance. Drawing on its
technological expertise, the group has consolidated working relationships
with the world's leading car and motorcycle manufacturers; partnerships
that have translated into a number of homologations for models from all
the leading automotive firms.
Schoeller - Sustainability right down to the last
thread
The Schoeller Group, which has its headquarters in the Austrian city of
Bregenz, is one of the leading worsted yarn manufacturers in the world.
500 employees produce 4,000 tones of yarn a year at various locations
across Europe. One and a half centuries’ worth of experience, coupled with
an innovative Research and Development department, is the reason why its
technological advancements are constantly being expanded upon. Schoeller’s
corporate mission statement leads the way with its fixed policy of
sustainability. This also explains why Schoeller was the first ‘bluesign’-certified
spinning mill in the world to be awarded the prestigious ‘bluesign Award’
- ‘bluesign’ being the comprehensive environmental and eco quality seal.
An important part of the Schoeller customer portfolio is the ‘traveltex’
segment, i.e. fibers used in cars, buses, trains and airplanes; several of
the fibers are even used in space travel, making them some of the most
widely travelled threads around. Schoeller develops yarn innovations in
close cooperation with industry partners, enabling the design, amongst
other things, of novel seat covers, door trims and ceiling solutions.
The implementation of the Rinspeed study „iChange“ meant that the
Vorarlberg-based employees could fully put their strengths in sustainable
development and production to use. The materials utilized for this project
heralded the return of a fiber long and unjustly neglected in favor of
man-made fibers - pure wool. Its very nature means that wool offers more
functions than traditional synthetic fibers and is vastly superior even to
cotton in terms of environmentally friendly production and waste disposal.
The wool was refined into high-tech wool by Schoeller using newly
developed processes. Spun, colored and finished according to the highest
environmental standards, it offers an exceptionally high-quality look and
feel as part of „iChange“. Alongside its optimal ergonomic
characteristics, the wool also offers a particularly attractive visual
effect and pleasant feel for seat covers. In addition, thanks to its
special ‘coldblack’ finish, the high-tech wool guarantees a warming and
UV-absorbing function for ceilings, thus ensuring a pleasant temperature
in vehicles. Positive proof that being environmentally friendly does not
necessarily mean having to do without luxury and comfort.
Sharp - Rinspeed’s official multimedia partner
The well-known Swiss design and concept company Rinspeed is working in
collaboration with the leading LCD TV manufacturer Sharp on the new "iChange"
concept car. An extraordinary vehicle deserves a unique introduction. And
Sharp is making sure it will get one with the latest full HDTVs (best HDTV
picture quality via high resolution full HD displays), which will
highlight the ideas and characteristics behind this revolutionary vehicle
for the viewer in a needle sharp color brilliance unlike any other before.
Sharp worldwide: The company which employs more than 53,000 people
worldwide, is active in nearly all fields of electronics and offers an
enormous range of products. Among other things, Sharp belongs to the world
market leader in LCD flat screen televisions and solar collectors; two
areas of major significance in today’s times.
LCD technology is inseparably linked with the Sharp name: Ever since the
introduction of the first LCD calculator in 1973, Sharp has been a major
player in the liquid crystal display industry. It is no surprise that the
newest generations of LCD televisions come from the Sharp factory Kameyama
II in Japan, which is one the most modern production plants anywhere in
the world. Sharp is the market driver and trend setter for premium TV.
Sharp, the inventor of the LCD TV, implements the following formula for
success in today’s flat screen TV business: large screen diagonals, high
quality equipment, and noble design. The disproportionate growth of the
still small segment of LCD TVs with screen diagonals > 42 inches is
especially impressive. Sharp recognized this trend early on and got in on
this highly lucrative market from the very beginning.
Sharp solar technology: Sharp has almost 50 years‘worth of experience in
solar energy and is the driving force worldwide for an intensified,
environmentally friendly use of photovoltaic technology. The company
manufactures light concentrators as well as mono-, poly-, and
microcrystalline solar cells and modules. In addition to three module
factories in Japan and one in Tennessee (USA), the Wrexham factory in
Wales (UK) has been manufacturing solar modules to generate electricity
for the European market since 2004. In Europe, the solar pioneer also
purchases glass and silicon for cell and module manufacture and
collaborates with its business partners in the installation of solar power
facilities.
Siemens Corporate Technology as partner for Rinspeed
Siemens’ Corporate Technology Department (CT), the company’s central
research unit, is contributing an integrated system – comprising a motor /
generator, power electronics and a battery-connected interface - for the “iChange”,
Rinspeed’s latest car model. As a world-leading supplier of power systems
and environmental technologies and a provider of products covering the
entire electrical value chain (generation, distribution, utilization),
Siemens has long been a pioneer in the field of electrical drives systems.
Regenerative energy concepts are the key to fossil-fuel-independent energy
supplies. Serving not just as means of transportation but also as mobile
energy storage units that can be used to supply energy in public power
grids over the medium term, electric vehicles may provide such concepts’
mobile and flexible components in the future. But before this can happen,
energy and communications interfaces will have to be standardized to
create a power network that enables system-wide coordination of the rapid
power feed and feedback process. For this reason, safe and simple “filling
up” and the securing of network stability are both key focuses of the
research partnership with Siemens. To guarantee optimal efficiency, a
car’s electric drive, battery, power electronics and communications with
the power grid must be oriented toward its twofold function as a mobile
power storage unit and a vehicle. That’s why Siemens is working on a new
concept for controlling and coordinating internal vehicle functions and
power flows to the grid - since electric cars will not be able to
establish themselves on the market until both grid and vehicle work hand
in hand.
Boasting some 3.000 researchers and more than 55.000 active patents,
Siemens’ Corporate Technology Department is a world leader among
technology company research networks. Innovation is Siemens’ most
important growth and productivity driver. In fiscal 2008, the company
invested €3.8 billion - 4.9 percent of its total revenue - in research and
development. As an integrated technology company, Siemens is pushing
developments in the field of electro mobility, both at the Corporate
Technology Department and at the Energy and Industry Sectors. Work is
focusing not only on the requirements relating to the electric car itself
but also on the associated power supply infrastructure. Intensive efforts
are underway in areas such as power generation and distribution, traffic
and energy management, smart electricity meters, power electronics,
software and sensor technology and, of course, electric drives and the
recovery and storage of energy.
Electric vehicles could prove to be mobile and flexible components of a
largely fossil-fuel-independent power supply in the future. For instance,
they could compensate for power supply fluctuations that may occur with
wind and solar energy. Not only can electric cars store excess energy from
the power grid; they can also feed it back into the grid as required.
Because electric drives make much more efficient use of energy resources
than combustion engines, they could well become a key element in Siemens’
Environmental Portfolio. Already in fiscal 2008, the products and
solutions in the Environmental Portfolio generated revenue of €19 billion
- roughly one-fourth of the company’s total revenue.
Siemens AG (Berlin and Munich) is a global powerhouse in electronics and
electrical engineering, operating in the industry, energy and healthcare
sectors. The company has around 430.000 employees (in continuing
operations) working to develop and manufacture products, design and
install complex systems and projects, and tailor a wide range of solutions
for individual requirements. For over 160 years, Siemens has stood for
technological excellence, innovation, quality, reliability and
internationality. In fiscal 2008, Siemens had revenue of €77.3 billion and
income from continuing operations of €5.9 billion (IFRS).
“iChange“
- the interior concept made made by Strähle + Hess
“I change!” The Swiss out-of-the-box thinker Frank M. Rinderknecht puts
this motto of a new world order into practice in his newest concept car.
The “iChange”, a zero emission featherweight, transforms in a matter of
seconds from a single seater into a van. The German company Strähle + Hess
accounts for the car’s visionary interior.
Ours is a fascinating time. The world has reached a period of thorough
reorientation. Economic crisis, climatic change, and cultural wars enforce
a revision of opinions. In every crisis, though, there hides a chance. We
at Strähle + Hess cherish this chance! We mirror it in the development of
an interior, fit to change its shape constantly – enabled to adapt quickly
and flexibly to new challenges in ranges previously undreamt of. We set
out to create the world’s most versatile in-cabin space. This challenge
has to be realized on an ecologic base - just like every single one of our
innovative concepts. Following the motto “Put everything to the test, keep
what prevails.” we chose to revive a very special eco-material for our
interior: wool. Wool is a material with excellent technical specs - and a
long tradition of usage in automotive in-cabin constructions. In the
starting years of the automobile, the ladies and gentlemen traveled on
wool while the drivers had to content themselves with leather seats. We
herald a renaissance of wool in car interiors. Thanks to our excellent
partner Schoeller Wool Ltd. we were able to adapt and functionalize every
single interior component in wool. Our successful cooperation with Frank
Rinderknecht continues with the “iChange”. Thankful to Mr. Rinderknecht
and his Rinspeed-team, we are looking forward to a future, in which one
will be able to adapt even more flexible to the challenges of automotive
daily life. Strähle + Hess Ltd. - profiling ideas.
Founded in 1926 the company produces highly specialized technical textiles
for car interiors. In Althengstett near Calw (40 kilometers to the west of
Stuttgart) 150 employees design, develop, and produce state-of-the-art
seat components as well as textiles for casings and gasket systems.
With its high potential in experience and know-how as well as its many
patents and demand-oriented engineering services, the company is one of
the leading international suppliers of textiles - exterior and interior -
for the automotive field. The innovative and versatile company joined the
Sellner Group in 2007, thus taking another step towards long-term
development at the market.
Xmobil Design + Marketing GmbH - The excellent art
of finishing
As a long-term partner of Rinspeed, Xmobil Design + Marketing GmbH
frequently provides its innovative contributions for the configuration of
the interior of the concept cars. For this year’s “iChange” Xmobil is
acting as a finisher. For the seat-contact surfaces and the floor of the
boot those textiles, which can be found in their original design at
another location in the ”iChange”, are interpreted differently by varied
steps of finishing like plaiting, gathering and combining: Leather stripes
alternate with technical textiles, the seat-contact surfaces can be
exchanged in such a way that plaited felt alternates with
three-dimensionally shaped technical textiles. Thus the concept of the
“iChange” is translated into its interior in a fascinating way. After all,
the exterior cover of the “iChange” 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.
Utmost attention is turned to aesthetics, functionality, quality,
innovation as well as ecology. Xmobil’s mission is mainly understood in
the continuous support of the customers and suppliers in the market by
consulting, project support and communication among the partners. By
cooperating with flexible and highly productive suppliers provided with
European production sites and worldwide marketing channels, Xmobil turns
new ideas into products and supplies them to the industry and the
wholesale trade. The following materials and products form the base of
Xmobil’s development and marketing activity: 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, covers (indoor,
outdoor, transport, presentation), accessories and lifestyle products.
High-quality furniture, wall and floor panels for different areas.
Xmobil runs two offices in Germany: The headquarters are located at the
lake of Tegernsee south of Munich, a branch office is located in Lorsch
close to Frankfurt.
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