Beijing Motor Show: Audi targets Chinese mega cities with connected mobility concept

Audi has showcased the Audi connected mobility concept, a concept car based on the Q3 urban compact SUV. The concept offers sporty and multi-functional mobility for megacities with dense traffic and road restrictions.

Tailored to markets with growing urbanisation such as China, this lifestyle concept was developed at Audi Research & Development in Beijing and focuses on young, progressive drivers.

An electrically powered multifunctional longboard, measuring 1.05 metres in length, is integrated into the rear bumper of the car for convenient storage and removal. To ensure permanent usability, the device is charged automatically while loaded in the car. The board’s premium design includes superior materials such as carbon fibre and aluminium.

The car’s infotainment system is linked to the smartphone calendar of the user. Based on the destination and planned arrival time, the system will calculate the fastest mobility mix based on real-time traffic data. In case the longboard option is faster, the system will recommend a parking space nearby so that the driver may continue the commute to the destination with the electric board. The navigation information synchronises with the Audi MMI connect App on the user’s smartphone that continues to guide the route.

The multi-functional longboard has a battery range of more than seven miles (12 kilometres) and reaches a maximum speed of 18mph/29kph. The board can be used in three riding modes: In ‘scooter mode’, the phone is conveniently clipped to the unfolded handlebar to display directions. The speed is adjusted via remote control attached to the right handlebar grip. A backpack can be conveniently clipped onto the steering rack. With the handlebar folded down in ‘sport mode’, the rider controls the speed via remote control in his hand. In a third mode, the board serves as a transport device for luggage or shopping bags: Connected wirelessly to a smartphone or smart-watch, the board automatically follows its owner.

The Audi connected mobility concept  is based on the Q3 which is produced locally in China. More than 70,000 units were sold in the region in 2015, making the Q3 the market leader in the premium compact SUV segment. At Auto China 2016, Audi has launched the new Audi Q3 on the Chinese market.

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