Nine major auto manufacturers have revealed their entries for the annual Los Angeles Auto Show Design Challenge.
The theme of this year's challenge was to create a car that minimized use of the earth's resources. Entries had to be “an efficient, lightweight, four passenger vehicle, that is both comfortable and safe, while delivering satisfactory driving performance without sacrificing the styling consumers demand.” And, crucially, each entry had to weigh less than 1,000lbs.
This year's contest has also been extended to include entries from manufacturers' global designs studios, not just those based locally. This attracted entries from Germany and Japan for the first time.
General Motors, Honda, Maybach, Mazda, Mercedes, Nissan, Smart, Toyota and Volvo all submitted entries. Maybach's "Den-Riki-Sha" entry is one of the more striking; the luxurious rickshaw is a human-electric hybrid that aims to transport passengers across town in supreme comfort.
Another notable entry came from Volvo. Its Air Motion Concept is essentially a three-seat racing car for the road, is powered by compressed air motors and is “aimed at the driving enthusiast.”
The winner will be announced at the L.A. Auto Show next month.