Video: Friend-ME Concept depicts a wild vision for the future of transportation

By Marcus Amick April 25, 2013

A video showcasing the new Nissan Friend-ME Concept depicts a pretty interesting concept of what the future of global transportation might look like.

Unveiled at the Shanghai Motor Show last week, the Friend-ME Concept was developed to explore the aspirations of customers that researchers say will become the world’s largest single market segment, known as the “Bālínghòu,” which consists of around 240 million Chinese born in the 1980s.

“Bālínghòu males are huge cohort in the world’s largest market, and they’re now reaching their prime,” said Francois Bancon, Division General Manager of product strategy and advanced planning at Nissan, in an official company press release. “Clearly, their tastes will shape automotive trends worldwide for decades to come. So we believe it’s important to listen with respect, and respond by putting dreams within their reach. That’s why Friend-Me is our proposition in an ongoing dialogue.”

The exterior of the Friend-ME is intended to covey a much more aggressive idea of what a sedan can look like – and that it does. In addition to its low profile and wide stance, the car also features other unique styling elements like the ”V-motion” shaped grille design that runs through the car’s hood to its shoulder.

The headlamps and rear combination lamps are accented by a unique boomerang shaped lighting design.

However, it’s inside where the Friend-ME really comes to life.

All four seats including the front, back, driver and passenger seat are able to share in the same high-tech features that typically would be reserved for just the driver like information on driver speed, navigation and fuel remaining.

Also, each of the four seating areas feature screens seamlessly integrated into the car’s design that can be used to transfer content found on a mobile device with other passengers in the vehicle.

Pretty wild, right? Do you think this is the future of driving? Check out the Nissan video below and leave a comment.

Topics

Shanghai Auto Show

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Marcus Amick has been writing about the world of cars for more than ten years and has covered everything from new automobiles…

Cars

Rivian R2 vs Hyundai Ioniq 5: Should you wait for the Rivian R2?

Rivian R2

Rivian has taken the wraps off of the Rivian R2, an electric SUV that's similar to the much-loved R1S, but smaller and, crucially, cheaper. But the R2 goes up against some serious competition. The likes of Hyundai have been building solid EVs for some time now -- including the Hyundai Ioniq 5.

The R2 and the Ioniq 5 each make a compelling case for themselves, and they're likely to end up being similarly priced if the Ioniq 5 doesn't get much cheaper and the R2 does end up being sold at $45,000. To be fair, the cars are pretty different -- the R2 is more of an SUV, while the Ioniq 5 is much more crossover-sized. But because of their similar price, you might be deciding between the two. How do they compare? We put the Rivian R2 and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 head-to-head.
Design
The differences between the Rivian R2 and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 are perhaps no more apparent than when it comes to design.

Cars

The 6 best remote car starters in 2024

Best car remote starters

While some modern vehicles come standard with remote start features, it's still relatively uncommon. That's a shame because if you live somewhere where cold weather, snow, and ice are frequent concerns, a remote car starter is one of the best auto accessories you can have. If you're not familiar with them, a remote car starter works similarly to a key fob, except it will actually start your car from a distance instead of just unlocking the doors or trunk. That means you can start your car from the warm comfort of your home or office before venturing out. If you live somewhere hot, you can even start your car and let the AC run for a little bit. You'll never enter a freezing cold or scorching hot vehicle again.

The best remote car starters have long ranges, replaceable batteries, and other handy features — but how do you know which is best for you? We’ve compiled a list of the best car starters in a range of prices and features. Keep in mind that while you can install some yourself, some will require a professional.
The best remote car starters in 2024

Cars

The best portable jump starters for cars in 2024

The Clore Jump-N-Carry JNC660 portable jump starter connected to a truck battery.

Any time you hit the road, whether you're taking a short or long trip, it's a good idea to have backups handy. A spare or backup tire, some anti-freeze, windshield wash fluid, a road hazard kit, and, last but not least, one of the best portable tire inflators and a portable jump starter. You never know when cold weather, inadvertently leaving the dome light on, or plain old Father Time can curse you with a dead battery. Ensure you have one of the best portable jump starters that can save you in a jam, kickstarting your car even when there isn't anyone around to jump the battery. Naturally, that's why we’ve rounded up what we feel are the best portable jump starters for 2024.
The best portable jump starters in 2024

Buy the if you want the best portable jump starter overall.
Buy the if you want the best portable jump starter runner-up.
Buy the if you want the best portable jump starter and tire inflator combo.
Buy the if you want another name-brand option.
Buy the if you want the best portable jump starter for cheap.