Sekisui is a global leader in functional films for automotive glass. However, the company has multiple divisions that each serve various segments with their innovative approaches. GBO was asked to create an automotive technology platform that allows various groundbreaking new technologies to be presented in a practical setting. For this purpose, a demo car was developed, with GBO handling the design, engineering, and construction.
The platform can be continuously adapted to the latest automotive technologies and has already been successfully used as a demonstration model at well-known car manufacturers on-site. The adjustments sometimes involve the exterior, where, for example, a different roof is fitted, and sometimes interior parts are modified. Notably, the transparent glass dashboard is a major eye-catcher.
One of the key design challenges was the requirement for it to be a four-door hatchback model that fits the contemporary automotive style. This was to increase the acceptance of the technology. Since Sekisui supplies various OEM car brands, no design elements that reference an existing car brand could be used.
Furthermore, the design was independently developed from any drive train considerations. Electric or gasoline propulsion should not influence the design. With this and other data, a car design was developed that incorporates all contemporary features and includes the latest technologies integrated into various interior and exterior parts.
Jacques Gramser
Director / Partner
“In addition to the design and construction of this project, we also functioned as project managers. This project is a strong example of our strength as a full-service design agency. The entire development process was realized by us. This allowed us to maintain the (required) confidentiality during the process. Aside from the seats and wheels, everything visible on the car was exclusively designed for this vehicle. This makes it the most challenging project of recent years!”
