How should the cars be redesigned for a post-pandemic future?
With businesses still reeling from the disruption of the pandemic COVID-19 and wondering what the economy will look like, here are my thoughts and what I envision of how the virus will change the world of Automobile Industry. The Coronavirus pandemic is leapfrogging everyone into a digitized world. Remote working and learning to digital doctors. However, there will be a subtle but profound change to the businesses and society overall. Business “Purpose” will matter more than ever before than simply beyond maximizing the profits. The companies will go one of two ways – either invest more in the staff to ensure agile work culture or rely on freelancers and contract staff who can be let go during the crisis.
Human ingenuity will be more valued, so far, humans are helping deal with the crisis better than machines. On the other hand, we will face a world where we will have a huge struggle to “Trust” people again or feel comfortable in a public place. ‘Fear’ will become the driving force of the New Normal. Whatever the businesses plan, they need to factor in solutions that will first address the word ‘fear’ with their consumers since the consumer behaviour will drastically transform in the New Normal.
According to PwC, COVID-19 is having a significant impact on the global automotive industry with its complex supply chains. Right now, each of the significant geographical hubs is experiencing major disruption. For instance, China is likely to face about 15 -20 per cent decline in auto production with the assumption that the virus will be contained soon. The auto industry in China has already lost about two million units of production. To make matters worse, showroom traffic at most Chinese dealerships was down by 70-90 per cent in February. Auto production and sales in other regions where the virus has spread, namely the United States, Europe, and in Asia – Japan and South Korea are being negatively affected.
With the current reality of Market condition, here is what I propose to the Auto manufacturers for their consideration, which can review the demand for the cars and an immediate come back with increased sales volumes to cater to the market need during the pandemic crisis.
The redesign which I am proposing is as follows – I am also sharing a rough sketch of how the car should be redesigned:
- The car should be compartmentalized with ‘Glass Partitions’ inside, which will not allow direct contact with co-passengers. Everyone will have their side of the door to enter and exit.
- They will be able to communicate to the driver or other passengers through an intercom if required.
- Every passenger inside the car will have their individual AC duct.
- Every passenger will be maintaining the social-distancing
- Every passenger will feel safe and secured in the current environment to travel either in a cab/taxi or in their personal car since they are not coming in physical contact with others travelling in the same vehicle.
- The model ensures complete safety and security for women passengers and young children.
- This model will be effective and will work according to in-country laws. For instance, In India, section 144 is active. More than two people should not travel in the car. If the vehicle ensures no direct contact with another passenger, I am sure the regulators and other authorities across the globe will not have issues with even four people travelling in one car.
To summarise, the above redesign will require a bare minimum investment in the glass partitions and individual AC ducts. The Government Regulative Authorities will quickly approve this redesign of the cars, which will enable the fast and rapid recovery of the economy while ensuring the safety-measures and well-being of the citizens and country.
