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Discussion Ahead: Mobility's Role Stirs Up Emotional Responses

Discussion in the sixth Polestar Future Talk encompassed the broad scope of mobility, extending beyond technology, and the car transcending its role as a mere transportation vehicle. Key topics centered around these aspects of mobility, with car influencer Carla Welti and automotive visionary...

Discussion on the Move: "Mobility" Triggers Emotional Responses in Us All
Discussion on the Move: "Mobility" Triggers Emotional Responses in Us All

Discussion Ahead: Mobility's Role Stirs Up Emotional Responses

In the Austrian Alps, the sixth Polestar Future Talk brought together two renowned figures in the automotive world: Frank M. Rinderknecht and Carla Welti. The event, held during this year's FAT International Ice Race, provided a platform for discussing the evolution of mobility.

Frank M. Rinderknecht, a seasoned car expert, differentiates between mobility for pleasure and mobility by necessity. He believes that mobility evokes emotions, involving pleasure, freedom, and status. Rinderknecht has witnessed a genuine transition to electric mobility and attributes politics as one of the driving forces behind this shift. He also notes that car-sharing models have not had the expected success on the market.

Rinderknecht has personally experienced the impact of electric mobility, having traveled over 12,500 kilometers on an electric bus, including a trip from Geneva to Salalah via Doha. His journey underscores the viability of electric vehicles for long-distance travel.

Carla Welti, who joined the automotive world in 2019, echoes Rinderknecht's sentiments. She believes that each form of propulsion has its usefulness and a particular meaning when used correctly. Welti estimates that autonomous driving could be an ideal solution for commuters, but doesn't think it will replace the entire automotive mobility. She emphasises that we never create a bond with what's on the outside, but always with what's on the inside, applying this to both smartphones and cars.

The similarity of vehicles in terms of functions, design, and innovations could make it difficult to establish an emotional connection with them. However, the influencer demands more vehicles with character and a story in the future. Welti believes that motorsports continue to pave the way for significant developments in the automotive industry.

The Arctic Circle collection was unveiled during the FAT International Ice Race, a nod to the four-wheel competition DNA unique to the brand. The collection underscores Polestar's commitment to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in electric mobility.

Both Rinderknecht and Welti agree that a certain deceleration is necessary to truly take a step towards the future. They believe that the potential for change lies in emotions related to mobility. People are interested in discovering the vehicle experience of influencers, not just seeing simple cars on social media.

Expert Tobias Schmidt is another advocate for electric mobility, having demonstrated his conviction at the Globalance event in Zurich. Schmidt believes that the lifespan of cars is much shorter than before due to the increasing use of software, a trend that electric vehicles are expected to accelerate.

The transition to electric mobility has significantly impacted the automotive industry, according to Rinderknecht. As the industry continues to evolve, the focus on emotions and personal connections will likely remain at the forefront of discussions.

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