A new self-driving car concept “the XchangE” aims to help professionals work on the road, by transforming a car into a fully connected office and meeting hub.
Being displayed at the Geneva Motor Show in March, global workplace provider Regus has partnered with creative think tank for the automotive industry, Rinspeed, on the development of the concept car.
The XchangE allows the two front seats to swivel backwards, creating a mobile work and meeting space for four people. The car’s advanced technology and infotainment systems allow passengers to connect to their office, work productively, or make a presentation using a laptop.
This initiative links to Regus’ network of express locations on Europe’s motorway network – where people can work from a “third place” (not from the office, not from home). This includes railway stations, motorway service stations, and a pilot with Shell petrol stations throughout Berlin.
Soon, this could include cars too.
As well as aiming to help people do business on the move, the self-driving car offers professionals more flexibility over their working schedules. With business completed wherever they are and whenever it suits them, there should be less need to take work home.
Already, businesses that offer more flexible working to their staff see clear benefits, according to Regus. Their research of over 20,000 people globally, shows that 75% of business people say flexible working boosts productivity.
Andre Sharpe, Global Product and Business Development Director at Regus, commented: “Regus has long been committed to developing the Future of Work. Now this innovative car will change wasted time into productive time.
“People already work on the road, thanks to Regus. Now, with the XchangE, Regus’s third place network could encompass the car itself as well as the roadside. A consultant or sales rep could fit in 7-8 hours of productive work each day, using a driverless vehicle, Regus hubs on motorways, and our network of business centres. It’s another illustration of Regus’s commitment to leading the workplace revolution.”
Frank M. Rinderknecht, founder and CEO of Rinspeed Inc, added: “Autonomous cars no longer require drivers to watch the road, so there’s an opportunity to make more meaningful use of their time. Regus’s expertise in helping people work more productively and flexibly makes it the ideal partner for developing this new concept.”
Would you use the XchangE to work on the move?
