The Renault FRENDZY

Renault has unveiled its latest fully electric concept vehicle, it is different from the others in that it can be used both as a commercial and family car. It is a very unique looking vehicle, the passenger side features no glazing or centre pillar, rather a conventional door and a sliding side door with an incorporated 37 inch widescreen display which can be used for advertising and messaging. The driver's side does feature windows, but still no centre pillar. The doors open centrally, to enable ease of access for the family. The rear passenger cabin is further unconventional, there is a bench seat and a touch sensitive pad which slides out from the back of the driver's seat to watch films or play games. The interior features an extensive use of wood, linking between practical "work" and "family" modes, echoing the world of camping. In "work" mode, the rear view mirrors sit upright and the interior lighting is green; "family" mode sees the mirrors swivel to horizontal position and orange lighting for the interior. Magnetic fixings in the paid load area allow the load to be secured to the floor, modular stowage systems provide practical storage. The technology features in the FRENDZY are simply mind boggling. In the dashboard there is the new Blackberry PlayBook, ideal for the working day, providing information about deliveries as well as access to the internet. The BlackBerry PlayBook integrates into the centre console, automatically configuring itself to the Renault environment. The Playbook can also be used to control the exterior screen. Sensors located on each door log loading and unloading of packages automatically, using RFID chips which can contain data such as delivery names and address, weights and dimensions, in combination with the Blackberry PlayBook, users have an up to date inventory of items. Prices and more detailed specs are yet to be released, but I wonder if it will operate like a conventional car or even if you can get it serviced at a normal garage such as Newtownards Renault servicing.