concept car AKXY2 has a boat-shaped bubble and doubles as a portable picnic area

concept car AKXY2 has a boat-shaped bubble and picnic area

Concept car AKXY2 (pronounced ‘ax-ee’) by Asahi Kasei, a Japanese multinational company, imagines a car design with a boat-shaped bubble for its exterior and a spacious interior enough to host people for a gathering such as picnics and parties. The bubble rises to let people into the vehicle and lowers when it is time to drive the car. AKXY2, which came in time to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the company’s founding on May 25, 1922, also marks the transition of the company to producing vehicles that touch upon sustainability, satisfaction, and society as its response to the needs of future mobility on the road and automation and electrification in a changing society. The concept car comes equipped with an assortment of in-house technologies that put to test Asahi Kasei’s 100 years of collective expertise for future mobility.

From textiles to elastomers, Asahi Kasei uses materials that can contribute to a lower carbon footprint and makes it its mission to incorporate them into the vehicle. The interior surfaces are covered in a microfiber suede partially made of recycled polyester, and other ingredients including raw materials that range from recycled PET, bio-based PET, natural blends, and ocean waste. The vehicle seats are cushioned with 3D mesh material made of PET and partially bio-based PTT. The tires, made from bio-based butadiene, improve fuel and energy efficiency from their low rolling resistance while reducing the microplastic generation of tires. The company shares that one of AKXY2’s major themes revolves around the senses, from the cabin’s smell and the textiles’ touch to the sound-proof atmosphere and futuristic vibes.

images from Asahi Kasei

concept car AKXY2 has antimicrobial fabrics

To address evolving safety needs beyond crashes, Asahi Kasei will apply antimicrobial fabrics to protect the automotive interior from the spread of pathogens. A CO₂ sensor can monitor CO₂ levels in the cabin to maintain optimal air quality while reducing energy usage and protecting the cabin from children or pets left behind. Semi-transparent and backlit fabrics, as well as plastic optical fibers, allow the customization of ambient lighting inside the vehicle, while the company’s sustainable textiles and foams aim to equip seats with comfort. As mentioned before, the car will become more than just a means of transportation. It will be a place to socialize with friends and family, much like the patio of a home.

Through full collaboration with European and American sites of Group company Sage Automotive Interiors, a line-up of automotive interior fabric is showcased, enabling customization of the interior. As for utilization of the interior space, concepts for potential collaboration with the Homes sector of Asahi Kasei are proposed to create a synergy between customers and automotive users. The functions of the door and canopy open and close touch solutions and the heated seats are achieved in collaboration with UltraSense Systems, Inc., a company in which Asahi Kasei Corporate Venture Capital has invested, as well as other companies.

concept car AKXY2 has a boat-shaped bubble and doubles as a portable picnic area

concept car AKXY2 on working with in-house sectors

The AKXY2 concept car displays Asahi Kasei’s cross-divisional experience across the whole value chain, from raw materials and production processes to the use of recycled and recyclable materials, all while addressing changing regulations and developing needs of car users. Asahi Kasei manufactures or co-develops almost everything that can be seen, touched, or felt in the car. The car incorporates materials and solutions that appeal to the senses, promote safety, and ensure maximum functionality while minimizing environmental effects. The vehicle’s concept is driven by the 3S: Sustainability, Satisfaction, and Society.

As Mike Franchy believes, Director of North American Mobility at Asahi Kasei America, one of Asahi Kasei’s strengths is the ability to draw from its product portfolio across multiple group companies and collaborate with outside start-ups to create new concepts, such as smart fabrics. ‘AKXY2 showcases our expertise as a trusted partner to OEMs and Tier-1s for both interior and exterior components and technology. It is hard to believe that this all started 100 years ago with basic textiles from synthetic cellulose, like Rayon. We have come a long way since then, and I am looking forward to seeing these contributions continue to shape the automotive industry,’ he comments.

the concept car AKXY2 has a boat-shaped covering