Buick has unveiled a forward-looking concept vehicle – the Smart Pod – at Auto Guangzhou 2021, this year’s leading automotive industry event in southern China. The concept vehicle provides a combination of modern aesthetics, technology innovation, and an immersive intelligent experience.
The Smart Pod is a fully autonomous electric vehicle built on the groundbreaking Ultium platform and the VIP electric architecture. It leverages autonomous driving technology and GM’s Ultium to project a safe, comfortable and intelligent experience for work and relaxation while commuting.
It inspires with its unique proportions, offering comfort and plenty of space. The Smart Pod’s sleek exterior incorporates micro-LED lighting technology, and its dynamic wake-up lighting animation and sliding door welcome passengers when they approach.
Inside, the Smart Pod’s airy roof and innovative glass lattice maximize visibility, creating a connected feeling with nature. In addition, it offers an innovative sleep seat, multi-variable seating layout, deployable tables, enhanced noise-canceling technology, an ambient sound management system, an air-purifying system.
Featuring a 50-inch retractable retina LED screen, the latest-generation virtual cockpit system provides a highly intuitive AI-enabled experience for in-car virtual assistance and seamless connectivity with the outside world. Thanks to intelligent voice command and advanced eye-tracking technology, the smart cabin supports enhanced navigation and real-time integration with personal devices and serves as a remote office.
Its artificial intelligence and machine learning capability allow the autonomous vehicle to adapt to the user, making personalized suggestions for a variety of functions – from infotainment to comfort to vehicle operation. With a full complement of sensors, it integrates a suite of safety features to ensure a safe, intelligent and relaxed personal mobility experience.
“The Smart Pod is a bold design concept that looks at the full potential of advanced technologies in electrification, automated driving, and digitalized connectivity, delivered in a warm, tactile and luxurious manner,” said GM China and GM International Vice President of Design Stuart Norris.
