A typical small van is little more than an empty box on wheels: functional, certainly, but seldom innovative or smart. But designers from Nissan Design Center (NDC) in Japan and Nissan Design Europe in the UK had other ideas. In creating NV200, the joint team have devised a concept that could revolutionise the small van market.
"A commercial vehicle has a specific job to perform, but that's no reason to design a purely rational vehicle with no warmth. In NV200, function becomes the aesthetic. NV200 is a highly efficient tool but one with a human touch." Shiro Nakamura, senior vice president and chief creative officer at Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
At a glance
-Mobile office and van in one unique package
-Sliding cargo 'pod' extends to reveal...
-... IT workspace and living quarters
-Concept inspired by professional diver
When world-renowned marine biologist and underwater photographer Dr Alex Mustard sets off on an expedition, he takes with him a mountain of equipment.
He needs underwater cameras and lights for his photography plus scuba diving equipment such as wet suits, flippers, masks, air tanks and breathing apparatus. He even takes an underwater scooter for recognisance trips beneath the surface.
He carries with him computer equipment for downloading his digital images once he resurfaces and he needs mobile communication equipment to send the images to clients or research centres.
Naturally he needs a change of dry clothes and if he is planning on being out on an expedition for more than a few hours, he needs food, water and perhaps somewhere to sleep.
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