Wheels

By: ROBINSON/BEINTEMA AUTOFILES

The Nissan FORUM, an exploratory design concept developed by Nissan Design America, Inc. (NDA), represents the next revolution in family transportation and makes its world auto show debut at the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January.

Answering the challenge of making family passenger vehicles more appealing to both drivers and passengers, FORUM offers a wide array of innovative ideas from its trackless sliding side doors and elimination of traditional B-pillars, to an interior featuring a multi-position swivelling second row seat and next-generation entertainment and family communications technology.

As its name suggests, FORUM is conceived as a gathering place bringing adults and children together in two independent but linked zones.  

In front is the parents' zone, with advanced information technology controls and seats that are designed to enhance driving pleasure.  

The rear zone is the dedicated kids' space, where they can feel comfortable and entertained. FORUM's advanced technology bridges the two zones, as desired, into one unique family togetherness space.

The FORUM conceptual and design teams took care to consider the needs of both male and female drivers.

Research shows that the primary driver of family vehicles often changes depending on the day of the week and family schedules.  

During the week, FORUM's primary driver might be a mum, picking up the kids at school, dropping them off at practices or lessons so advanced communications systems have been incorporated such as rear seat monitoring cameras and audio controls.

At the weekend, a dad might become the primary driver, taking over FORUM for errands, longer trips or recreational drives so FORUM is designed with responsive power and handling and more aggressive, performance-car styling than traditional family vehicles.  FORUM also offers the exceptional flexibility required to haul large objects and other weekend gear.

© Copyright 2008