discussions

In this section you can participate of the specifications and decisions made for the Fiat Mio. The best suggestions, comments and observations received are meticulously analyzed in open discussions divided into 20 distinct topics.

The final results of these debates will be part of the specifications for the Fiat Mio, and will be available to the public or any other car make or business which might be interested in executing such ideas. This is what we call Creative Commons.

learn more about Creative Commons

Cabin and Passengers – How many seats and doors should the Mio have?

Toyota iQ

The first step in the development of an automobile is to determine the number of passengers and door configuration. Thus, we can estimate the size of the Mio, and set the definitions for the rest of the specifications.

Use of the Vehicle – What type of driving should the Mio be planned for?

traffic

What is the purpose of a new car nowadays? What kinds of functions should it have? What should its autonomy, maximum speed and ideal mileage be?

Gadget Integration – What is the best way to connect cell phones and other gadgets to the car?

Nokia_6110

The tendency nowadays is for gadgets to integrate more and more all the available functions into one system only. The function of media player for example is now more than ever consolidated into modern cell phones.  

Infotainment Show- Voice operated commands or touch screen?

Touchscreen

The car of your dreams must show evolution interfacing driver and passenger. Aside from the growing everyday commodities, the driver should be able to switch the functions and commands on and off with a minimum interference with that which is fundamental: the steering wheel.

Electronic ID – Should the Mio be part of social webs?

Fusion - code

Laptops have passwords and, electronically speaking, know the habits of the user.  Cellular phones are now connected to the web, with added navigational functions that orient those in need. How about integrating all of the above into one vehicle?

Total Visibility- How can blind spots be reduced?

Toyota 1/X

Most drivers have had the experience of nearly hitting another car while crossing over to a different lane or vice-versa, due to the infamous blind spot. The question is: how can it be reduced?

Ecological propulsion drive- What is the ideal propulsion drive for the Mio?

Should it be electric, hybrid, solar, wind powered, with fuel cells, or hydrogen? Above all, the Mio must have a sustainable alternative, low in pollutants and low fuel supply costs.

Electric Silence – Electric cars are noiseless. Is that good or bad?

traffic jam

Alguma vez você já percebeu a aproximação de um carro sem precisar olhar, só de ouvir o ronco chegando perto? Nos automóveis movidos a eletricidade, o ruído do combustível sendo queimado e movimentando as engrenagens do motor a princípio não iria mais existir, tornando as ruas...

Evolved Maintenance – How can one make vehicle maintenance a little more pleasant?

FTP

As with laptops that suddenly freeze or cell phone which stop working, most car owners want to understand what is happening to the car. We need a diagnostic system that is more elaborate, interactive and wastes less paper.

New Materials- Would you buy a non metal car?

A8 spaceframe

The Mio must foment, whenever possible, the use of recycled or natural materials, and substitute metal for plastic and/or other lighter recyclable materials. However, how open is the public for such a car?

Drive by Wire- Can electronic controls substitute steering wheels and conventional pedals?

Drive By Wire

Developed in the aeronautic industry where it now leads the way, the Drive by Wire has substituted mechanical devices and stick shifts for electro-hydraulic systems with artificial sensitivity. Thus, it is possible to give room and revolutionize automobile controls in order to give multiple configurations.

Head-up Display (HUD) – Would the panels on your dashboard be substituted by HUD?

HUD

When information is projected onto the wind shield, the HUD reduces the chances of a driver of taking his or her eyes off the road. This technology has been available on airlines for a while now, and restricted to only a few top of the line cars.

Vehicle Upgrade – Would you rather improve your car instead of having to exchange it for a different one?

Auto Parts

Most participants in the Mio poll suggest updates in order to continue with modern and attractive vehicles over the years. This would mean more available modules ready to be installed in your car. Is this possible?  

Special Needs Accessibility- How can technology guarantee easy access to the steering wheel?

Autonomy

Drivers with special needs depend on adapted vehicles. And most senior citizens don’t benefit from the ergonomic facilities offered in Japan. New technology such as drive by wire can help with the development of an interactive control, capable of adapting to the different necessities.

Driving Aids – How could electronic systems prevent accidents?

crash-test

As a compliment to the already existing electronic systems for brakes, traction and stability, the use of cameras, radars and optic sensors that monitor traffic surrounding the vehicle, are now being implemented, anticipating potentially dangerous situations.

Electrical Refuelling – What is the best way to recharge an electric vehicle?

J1772

In order to manufacture more viable electric cars or equipped with alternative energy, functional refueling stations should be readily available. A wide range of fueling systems is now being implanted around the world, and perhaps will take over the now existing conventional gas stations.

Traffic Automation – Are we headed towards a steering wheel free era?

ATNMBL

While the automobile industry has been developing sensors that monitor the proximity of vehicles and obstacles, experimental satellite navigational systems providing information between cars and roads are being developed. Thus, it would create a systematized traffic flow where the driver would no longer have to drive the car, but simply indicate the desired address.

Onboard Biometry- Your body can function as a key. However, is that really necessary?

A8 - handwriting recognition

Biometry analyses and recognizes the physical characteristics of the driver. Therefore it can also analyze the state in which the driver is in at a particular moment (tired for instance) and automatically block the system as a prevention measure.

Integrated Breathalyzer- Should cars test alcoholic measures before starting the car?

Ignition

Incentives to install breathalyzers in vehicles before permitting ignition, have been taking place in Japan and the United States. This controversial measure has divided those who find it indispensable and those who feel it is unnecessary. 

Spare Tire Necessity- Would you give up your spare tire for other advantages?

Idea

Many new models have eliminated the use of spare tires in order to provide more space, lighter cars, and consequently, fuel economy. Furthermore, most people don’t adequately care for their spare tire, making it useless in an emergency situation. 

How can one make the interior of an automobile more comfortable for the passengers?

Toyota Pod - interior

There is no doubt that a car should treat its passengers well. The car of the future will most likely bring evolutions in this respect.