Skoda report predicts a hypermobile world in 2050

Pre-booking motorway space to travel to work in your entertainment hub is the latest prediction from respected think-tank the Centre for Future Studies. In a report commissioned by Skoda, the way we use vehicles is predicted to change dramatically by 2050.

In 2050 motorists are predicted to pre-book travel on motorways in timed slots within vehicle ‘pods’, where vehicles take the strain of motoring and car pools are the norm. Motorists can change the colour of their vehicles to match their mood and download the latest software to boost performance.

It will come as no surprise to many that drivers will lose their sense of direction as dependence on satellite navigation becomes far more widespread. Media companies will provide in-car content of games and video that doesn’t require long periods of concentration or interaction.

The increased robotisation of the car will ultimately hand over control to the vehicle, which will boost road safety and enable motorists to use their travelling time to watch the morning news, video conference or answer some emails.

Commenting on the findings of the study Dr Frank Shaw from the Centre for Future Studies said:

“Skoda is to be applauded for thinking about how we will use vehicles in the future. The most effective car manufacturers spot the trends of tomorrow and start building them into the cars of today.

“The key drivers of change determining the design, manufacture and usage of the car of the future are technology, energy supply and demographics. Technology will make cars safer, cleaner and more intelligent and will also provide alternatives to our oil dependency. The car of the future will be far more of a versatile, eco-friendly, cyber-connected travelling space.”

The driving license of the future will be electronic with cars simply not starting if drivers don’t have a license. Drivers will be recognised by their iris and the car immobiliser will disengage only if you are authorised to drive that vehicle at that time.

Looking to the future is a vital part of any car manufacturer’s business. Commenting on the study, Catherine Bell, Head of Press and PR for Skoda said: “Clever car design that enhances the owner’s experience is central to Skoda’s current and future success. This report is an important part of helping Skoda engineers to think about how people will use cars in the future and design vehicles that meet those needs. The new Skoda Roomster, which goes on sale in September, is a great example of a vehicle meeting the changing demands of the driver. It offers a highly flexible interior that can seat children in comfort and safety or provide enough room to accommodate two mountain bikes.”

The study concludes that the main task of the car in 2050 will be the same as today – to take occupants directly from A to B as safely and comfortably as possible, with reasonable speed, minimum fuel consumption and minimum impact on the environment.

Skoda commissioned the report to coincide with the launch of the new Roomster model, which uses a two-room concept for the model’s interior space – the Driving Room and the Living Room. This enables owners to use the vehicle in a variety of ways as the Varioflex rear seat system allows for 20 different seating and carrying space combinations with up to 1,780 litres of luggage capacity.

The Roomster is Skoda’s fourth model line and heralds a new era in individuality and versatility for the brand. Following the lines of a compact MPV, it will also appeal to purchasers of small family hatches but differ from its competitors in this segment thanks to its unconventional design.

The Skoda Roomster continues the tradition of the brand in offering unbeatable value for money, while being fitted with numerous useful and clever creature comforts and luxuries which enhance the feel-good factor. The Roomster is available to order from retailers now and goes on sale across the UK on September 23.