Called XchangE, the new vehicle will operate without a driver, with the aim of essentially functioning as a fully connected office and meeting space. This will allow people to work in their car without wasting valuable time driving from work to home.
Flexible workspace provider Regus has teamed up with Rinspeed to create the XchangE car, which will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in March. The concept supports Regus’ vision to help people work on the move, adding another link to Regus’ network of Express points on the European motorway network. The “third workspace” solutions (besides the office and home) it offers will include the car itself, as well as other transport hubs.
The front seats in the innovative XchangE car will be able to swivel backwards, thus providing an ideal working and meeting space for four people. Thanks to the car’s advanced technology and infotainment systems, passengers will be able to connect to their office, work productively or prepare presentations on their laptops. This way, they will have a comfortable and private space to work on their way to the airport, without wasting time in traffic.
The autonomous car not only allows employees to work on the go, but also offers them greater flexibility in terms of their working hours. By being able to finish their work wherever and whenever they want, they don't have to work from home and miss out on precious time with their family.
Companies that offer their employees greater flexibility have already seen the positive results. In a Regus survey of more than 20,000 people from around the world, 75% of employees said that flexibility increases productivity.
The XchangE concept complements other Regus innovations that offer employees greater flexibility. As part of the Express strategy, Regus has created facilities and workspaces on national road and motorway networks, as well as other transport hubs such as train stations, motorway service stations and, as a pilot, at Shell petrol stations in various parts of Berlin.
Andre Sharpe, Director of Global Product and Business Development at Regus, said: “Regus has long been committed to shaping the future of work. With this innovative car, we can put wasted time to good use.
“Regus has already enabled people to work on the move. Now, with XchangE, Regus’ network of ‘third workplaces’ will include the car itself, as well as multiple locations on the road. A consultant or sales representative could work productively for 7-8 hours a day, using the autonomous car, Regus’ motorway hubs and our network of business centres. This is yet another example of Regus’ drive to revolutionise the workplace.”.
Frank M. Rinderknecht, founder and CEO of Rinspeed Inc, adds: “With autonomous cars, people don’t have to keep their minds on the road. This gives them the opportunity to make better use of their time. Regus specializes in providing productive and flexible working solutions, so it is an ideal partner for the development of this new concept.”.
Source: kathimerini.gr
