eRikscha design Concept (Germany, 2010)

For its submission to the 2010 LA Design Challenge, Maybach was envisioning a radically new car culture that will arise in the near future, aligned with modern architecture, infrastructure and nature. A variety of future automotive designs will grow, commensurate, with newly available energy sources, drive systems and alternative production methods. Light, transparent designs with sculptured elegance and an extensive range of comfort and safety options are finding their way into a new eco-conscious world.

The MAYBACH DRS was designed to embody these attributes and leverage the traditional values of the classic "Jin-Riki-Sha" (human powered rickshaw), which originated in Tokyo circa 1870. Beauty, luxury and technical innovation characterize the DRS. It is a futuristic composition of ultra-light construction with a luxurious exterior and interior.

The MAYBACH will also be the first worldwide NMV (Naturally Manufactured Vehicle): Per a complex metamorphosis, a readily developed car is born out of a coded DNA-cocoon. Organic intelligence, aligned with bio-mechanical engineering skills, developed a process being designed for a limited number of exclusive vehicles.

Powered by a self balancing electric drive unit and controlled by an onboard computer that is plugged into a mega city’s transport infrastructure, the MAYBACH DRS delivers a smooth journey cross town. To extend its range, the human-electric hybrid allows pedaling power to be supplemented by the driver.

In 2010 the Design Challenge was awarded at the Los Angeles Auto Show for the 7th time. Clearly, the challenge 2010 was referring to the need for society to minimize consumption of the earth's resources and produce and consume more sustainably.

The major automotive design studios were invited to develop an efficient, light-weight, four passenger vehicle (not to exceed 1,000 lbs./454 kg kerb weight), that is both comfortable and safe, while delivering satisfactory driving performance without sacrificing the styling consumers demand. For the first time studios from Germany and Japan took part in the competition which gives studios a chance to explore new ideas in automotive design.