The concept car Renault teased on Facebook turns out to be the this cute and cuddly MPV called the Frendzy! Renault says Frendzy is a multi-faceted friend, and by that they mean it’s suitable for both work and family. This concept car has clever tailgate and folding seats and stuff. And it is an electric vehicle. The Frendzy is apparently set for IAA debut. Watch the car’s presentation video after the jump, and stay tuned for more details.

Update: Pictures and official details added.

Laurens van den Acker, Senior Vice President, Design Renault: “FRENDZY is the fourth vehicle to illustrate Renault’s new design strategy, a series which started with DeZir. It takes an original and innovative stance on the world of light commercial vehicles – a key part of Renault’s activities”.

Renault’s latest concept car has a dual personality. These days, professional and personal lives are so interwoven that drivers constantly find themselves swapping from one world to the other. The role of FRENDZY is to be a partner that takes the strain out of this busy lifestyle.

Axel Breun, Design Director, Concept and Show Cars: “FRENDZY is the must-have vehicle for flexibility and versatility. It is efficient and modern as a work tool, yet sporting and warmly welcoming for the family”.

On the passenger’s side, there’s no glazing or centre pillar, just one conventional door and one sliding side door which incorporates a 37-inch widescreen display. This is the world of work. The driver’s side, complete with side windows, still no centre pillar, but with centre opening doors, represents the world of the family. Ease of loading and ease of entry go without saying in both worlds.

Exterior designer, Deyan Denkov: “The concept of an asymmetric body design was the most logical way to express this vehicle’s two roles. From the very start, I wanted to move away from the traditional format for commercial vehicles and, in doing so, show that this type of vehicle could also be more emotional, more dynamic and more attractive. I took inspiration from a wide variety of sources, including unconventionally shaped aircraft such as the Airbus Beluga and the Antonov 224.”

Antoine Génin, Design Director, Interior and Colour/Materials: “Our research into materials centred on the area where the technology of industry meets the cosy softness of the family nest. This modern combination of wood and metal picks up on Renault’s strategic design values of simplicity, sensuousness and warmth.”

On a practical level, the fabric roof adapts itself to the shape of bulky objects, magnetic fixings allow the load to be secured to the floor, and modular stowage systems are a practical bonus for business users. The single-piece rear seat is integrated into the floor, while the front seat folds forward in order to free up space. Thanks to its practical, modular interior, FRENDZY lends itself perfectly to the requirements of business users and tradespeople.

The life of the vehicle and its functions as a mobile office are highlighted by a diversity of sounds composed by Andrea Cera using IRCAM’s Modalys software. As he says himself: “Exploring the most informative sounds possible led me to work on variations in speed in order to express them in a clear manner. When accelerating hard, the sound becomes sharper, with a little wind noise. For deceleration phases, I added a more prominent notion of wind which provides greater scope for adapting the sound as a function of how the vehicle is being employed.”

Dimensions (mm)

Length	4,091
Width	1,872 (excluding mirrors) 2,172 (including mirrors)
Height	1,743
Ground clearance (laden)	200
Wheelbase	2,691
Front track	1,640
Rear track	1,640
Load capacity (litres)	2,250

Technical data

Motor	Electric
Power (kW /hp)	44 / 60
CO2 emissions (g/km)	0 (in road use)
Batteries	Lithium – ion
Peak torque (Nm)	226
Top speed (kph)	130
Transmission	Direct drive, with reverse
Tyres	Concept 205/45 R19
Kerb weight (kg)	1,420

Partners

Body construction	ProtoStyle
Tyres	Michelin
Mobile interface	Research In Motion (RIM)
Optics	Gaggione
Sound	IRCAM