SEAT presented the innovations that will help enhance the urban mobility of the future at the Smart City Expo World Congress, held in Barcelona from 13 to 15 November, in the context of addressing modern urban challenges and promoting the global transition towards smarter and sustainable mobility.
Visitors to the SEAT stand at the Expo discovered the new solutions to improve mobility promoted by SEAT Metropolis:Lab Barcelona, such as ride-sharing and Bus on Demand projects that XMOBA will pilot next year, the SEAT Cristobal prototype now equipped with 5G technology, the new socially responsible navigation system in collaboration with Waze and Barcelona City Council, and the first vehicle of the urban micromobility strategy, the SEAT eXS powered by Segway.
SEAT President Luca de Meo said that "in addition to being one of the reference points in the automotive sector, SEAT aims to become a major player in shaping future mobility. The projects we are presenting at Smart City Expo are examples of the brand's ability to develop initiatives that will enable people to move around in a more efficient and sustainable way." Furthermore, de Meo added that "the vision of the city of the future is an environment where different technologies and vehicle types coexist, and we believe that solutions such as eXS will help enhance mobility in this new reality."
Cooperation between XMOBA and SEAT Metropolis
The XMOBA and Metropolis: Lab teams, two independent companies of the SEAT Group, are working together to promote smart solutions that improve mobility in cities.
The Bus on Demand project, developed by Metropolis: Lab, aims to improve the efficiency of public transport with a service that adapts to users' needs, including modifications to both the route and frequency of scheduled bus services. The project aims to optimise bus use by offering flexible routes adapted to real-time demand. This initiative is now starting with a pilot test in Wolfsburg (Germany) and will continue in the coming months in Barcelona for the implementation of the second pilot phase.
The second solution presented is the ride-sharing app by Metropolis: Lab. After a first pilot carried out by SEAT employees in Martorell, the app will be open to all users next year. With ride sharing, people living in the same area can share the same vehicle and route to get to work, for example. It offers users flexible and affordable transportation. With this solution, the company aims to protect the environment, less congested roads and more efficient commuting.
The return of the SEAT Cristobal, now 5G
SEAT also unveiled the Cristobal 5G, the prototype model that incorporates advanced safety assistants to reduce risks and accidents. As part of its evolution, the Cristobal now features 5G technology that allows the car to connect with pedestrians and surrounding roads. A use case was recently presented in Segovia and Talavera de la Reina in collaboration with Telefónica.
Luca de Meo said that "Cristobal is a clear example of the potential of a connected car aimed at zero accidents. We are working so that upcoming SEAT models can incorporate 3 of the 17 safety assistants available in this 'guardian angel', which are already in an advanced stage of development."
The three Cristobal functions that are in the final stages of development for inclusion in the new SEAT versions are:
- Exit Assistant, a sensor to detect the nearest vehicles when the door is opened,
- Display Mirror, a rearview mirror using a rear camera for better vision and elimination of blind spots,
- Advanced ACC, automatic adjustment of driving speed based on the permitted limit
Socially responsible navigation with SEAT, Waze and Barcelona City Council
Following the agreement reached in 2017, SEAT became the first brand to integrate the leading navigation app Waze into its vehicles. Now in partnership with Barcelona City Council, both brands are taking another step in their collaboration.
By analysing the data provided by Barcelona City Council and through the use of artificial intelligence, SEAT can predict events that could cause traffic delays or even disruption, such as football matches, concerts, students getting on/off school buses, etc. Waze will inform users about traffic and road events in real time and suggest alternative routes. The aim is to improve urban mobility, save time and fuel and ensure safe travel.
SEAT's first micromobility vehicle
Last week, SEAT announced the launch of the SEAT eXS powered by Segway, a vehicle that represents the brand's first step towards implementing its micromobility strategy.
Smart City Expo visitors had the opportunity to drive the new eXS in an outdoor area open to the public. The new SEAT eXS was designed exclusively by SEAT for its customers and features the leading Segway electric technology integrated into the model's ES2 platform.
Thanks to the large 8-inch diameter wheels, it's easy to drive, while the suspension offers a smooth ride. The vehicle allows for speeds of up to 25 km/h. The eXS also has an additional battery that can be connected to increase its mileage range, reaching a maximum of 45 km, depending on conditions.
The eXS will be available for sale in Spain, France, Germany, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Portugal before the end of the year and in the rest of Europe in 2019.
SEAT's aim is to be in permanent contact with the institutions and city councils in order to contribute to better urban mobility in the future. With this objective in mind, SEAT is looking for Spanish cities where pilot driving tests of the SEAT eXS fleet will be carried out, open to the public. SEAT Group's independent company XMOBA will be responsible for conducting the tests in order to test the potential of the eXS to improve urban mobility.
Hello, Hola, Alexa!
SEAT was the first brand in Europe with an integrated Amazon Alexa voice app. Last week it launched the app in Spanish, Italian and French to allow customers in these three markets to access a wide range of functions through simple voice commands. On this occasion, visitors to Smart City Expo had the opportunity to interact with Alexa in its English and Spanish versions at the SEAT stand.
