Buick unveiled a forward-looking concept vehicle – the Smart Pod – at Auto Guangzhou 2021, this year’s major auto industry event in southern China. The concept vehicle offers a combination of modern aesthetics, technological innovation and an immersive intelligent experience.
The Smart Pod is a fully autonomous electric vehicle built on the revolutionary Ultium platform and VIP electric architecture. It takes advantage of 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 light animation and sliding door greet passengers as they approach.
Inside, the Smart Pod’s ventilated roof and innovative glass lattice maximizes visibility, creating a sense of connection with nature. In addition, it offers innovative sleep seat, multi-variable seating arrangement, extendable tables, improved noise reduction technology, ambient sound management system, air purification system.
Featuring a retractable 50-inch LED Retina display, the next-generation virtual cockpit system delivers a highly intuitive AI-based experience for in-car virtual assistance and seamless connectivity to the outside world. With intelligent voice control 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 allows the autonomous vehicle to adapt to the user, making personalized suggestions for a variety of functions – from infotainment and comfort to vehicle operation. With a full range of sensors, it integrates a suite of security features to ensure a safe, smart and relaxed personal mobility experience.
“The Smart Pod is a daring concept that harnesses the full potential of cutting-edge technologies in electrification, automated driving and digital connectivity, delivered in a warm, tactile and luxurious way.” said Stuart Norris, vice president of design for GM China and GM International.
