The ever-fertile mind of Swiss automotive innovator Frank M. Rinderknecht — creative force behind the Swiss design house Rinspeed — never rests. For the upcoming 2013 Geneva Auto Show in March, his organization will debut a full-size version of the vehicle previewed here in illo form: the Rinspeed microMAX Concept. According to Rinderknecht, the electric-powered microMAX defines an entirely new class of vehicles "intended to merge personal and public transportation in particularly clever fashion." Roughly the length of a Mini but slightly over seven feet tall, the Rinspeed microMAX Concept was designed to carry a driver and up to three passengers in a lounge-like and fully connected environment while offering a generous amount of stow space for all aboard and their gear.
According to Rinderknecht, "Modern ride share centers nowadays are web-based or Smartphone-based. They operate in real time: You need to go to work on a regular basis or want to go somewhere right now and in no time at all you find the driver that’ll give you a ride. The "microMAX" with its unique upright seats is the perfect ‘thing’ for swift short-distance transfers – the car to go with the app." In addition to providing this kind of clean, comfortable, spacious and safe transportation module, the microMAX can be custom-tailored to meet both private and commercial applications. Configured in its people-mover mode, the microMAX will complement its on-board connectivity with enticing touches like a coffee maker and a refrigerator for the passenger’s happy hour drinks.
Rinspeed will release more detailed information on the microMAX’s powertrain and other features closer to the vehicle’s official Geneva coming-out party.
