Auto rickshaws needs to be developed to take the step into the 21-century. Therefore a project was started by University of Gujrat Product Design Department where a Modular car concept was developed in collaboration with Sazgar Company Ltd.; which is a Pakistani manufacturer of auto rickshaws Company. To develop a new product in the modern world one of the most important challenges is class of the users. As for the automotive industries this challenge has a great importance since the outcome can be devastating. One important category from the Class point of view is the vehicle cost, and another important factor in developing or converting auto rickshaw into modular Car was to improve its safety. One way of improving the safety is to improve the suspension and handling which is addressed in this thesis work.

Even today, many auto-rickshaws used in Pakistan are similar in design of the Piaggio Ape C from 1956, based on the Vespa. With a population of over 183 million people, a huge market for these auto-rickshaws exists in Pakistan. This project aims to develop the vehicle platform for a new Modular car that is more environmentally friendly and better suited for its users. The goals for this Modular car are improving vehicle handling, impact safety, and passenger and driver ergonomics while using a platform possible for Hardtack to implement in production. The project proceeded according to the product development process described by Sazgar Company Ltd.

Designers : Tahir Shafiq and Mubashar Hassan
Supervised By Mazhar Abbas

The result of the project is shown in a digital model of the hybrid Modular car concept named Dot concept car and a scale 1:4 prototype for exhibition purposes. The goals stated in the beginning phase of the project were all achieved. This is seen as a great accomplishment even though the goals were quite general in nature. Most areas of the developed concept still leaves considerable room for improvement, however, the project group agrees on that a well worked concept was achieved in relation to the work resources available for a project of this magnitude.

Tuvie has received “Dot Concept Car” project from our ‘Submit A Design‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their design/concept for publication.