MUNICH – Visteon is unveiling its vision of mobility in the year 2020 with the new e-Bee vehicle. The new vehicle concept is designed to explore new and alternative ways of using a vehicle, including car-sharing, private ownership and short-term rental. Using touch display-based controls and Cloud-centered profile storage, the e-Bee’s features are designed to be immediately familiar and intuitive for each individual user.
 
Fully compatible with electric vehicle and hybrid platforms, the e-Bee demonstrates intelligent mobility – gathering and disseminating useful driving-related data, acting as part of a wider mobility-enabling network and integrating technology and design that is simple, flexible and frugal, according to Visteon.
 
The technologies featured in the e-Bee concept range from advanced development to application- and commercialization-ready. The vehicle will be available for demonstrations at Visteon’s booth in Hall A6 throughout the Electronica 2012 Trade Fair taking place this week in Munich.
 
According to Visteon, the e-Bee challenges conventional vehicle architecture by re-thinking the position of the climate system, resulting in reduced weight and a substantially increased cabin space. The integrated climate module combines the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) unit with the refrigerant system, including an energy-efficient heat pump. Its position outside the cabin allows for new interior design options including an easy user experience with the vehicle’s electronics and comfort features, designed to mitigate distraction.
 
"From its driver interface to its compact and innovative climate system, the e-Bee is an exercise in efficient, forward-looking design for new mobility uses," said Tim Yerdon, Visteon’s global director of innovation. "The vehicle will be showcased at customer and industry events throughout Asia, the U.S. and Europe, where it will be the centerpiece in Visteon’s discussions with customers and partners about future technology trends and needs."