The Frankfurt Motor Show always throws up a few surprises – since many car manufacturers hold their finest or most eye-popping products back for this, one of the world’s greatest motor shows. And eye-popping might be a reasonable term for Renault’s new concept car, the Frendzy.
It’s not only the name that’s unconventional. This car aims to fuse the worlds of work and home life together in a way never seen before. Renault design director Laurens van den Acker was at the helm of the project, which looks to fully provide for both the worker and the family.
Visually, it looks impressively different (the responsibility for which lies with Deyan Denkov), demonstrating Renault’s commitment to being at the forefront of the next generation of motorcars.
Whilst in ‘work-mode’, the vehicle will make use of a 37 inch rear screen, which can display work-related messages of even advertising (although one wonders what kind of new regulations this might inspire). This mode features only the driver’s seat, thus providing plenty of space for carrying work related items/stock and such like. Extensive use of wood is meant to add to the ‘work’ feel. The total load area amounts to an impressive 2250 litres.
An integrated BlackBerry PlayBook tablet computer controls the screen outside and can be plugged into the central console of mobile usage.
But the vehicle is also a family car. Access for multiple passengers is gained by a conventional side door and a rear-hinged back door. Three more seats can be folded out from the floor, coloured orange – as inspired by the very family-oriented business of camping.
In terms of Renault’s existing range of models, it probably sits somewhere between the Kangoo Compact and Kangoo van. Powered by both an electric motor and a lithium ion battery pack – arguably less prone to car breakdown than a combustion engine vehicle – the car has impressive green credentials too. The ideal car for the busy working family? Time will tell.
Breakdown Cover from 
