BYTON, a start-up car company founded by former employees of Apple, Google, Tesla and BMW, has unveiled its first vehicle - an electric intelligent SUV.
The concept car, launched ahead of the opening of the CES global electronics trade show in Las Vegas, features a 49 inch central display console and three other screens.
The car’s systems are controlled by a combination of voice recognition, touch, biometrics and hand gestures and incorporates Amazon’s Alexa voice control technology.
It has three facial recognition cameras built in for unlocking the car and personalising the setup, while side view cameras are used to replace wing mirrors.
The interior includes a wooden floor and leather seats and the front seats can rotate 12 degrees inwards to make it easier for occupants to interact.
The BYTON supports video and telephone conference capability, enabling users to work while commuting or connect with family and friends.
It also uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyse a user's calendar, locations, hobbies and application data to provide customised advice on what to do next.
The vehicle will have a range of around 520km from a single charge and In fast charge mode, 80% of the battery is recharged in just 30 minutes.
The SUV version of the car will go into production in the company’s Chinese plant at the end of 2019, but will also be available in the US and Europe the following year, costing from $45,000.
A sedan will follow in 2021 and 2022.
"The BYTON Concept SUV connects both the automotive and digital industries in ways that will deliver an entirely new connective experience for people on the move. The result is the world’s first Smart Intuitive Vehicle, or SIV," said Dr Carsten Breitfeld, CEO and Co-Founder, BYTON.
BYTON was established by former executives of Google, Apple, Tesla, BMW and other companies in the technology and automotive industries.
It has its headquarters and manufacturing operations in China, but its R&D centre is in Germany and its North American headquarters is in Silicon Valley.
The SUV version of the car will go into production in the company’s Chinese plant at the end of 2019, but will also be available in the US and Europe the following year, costing from $45,000.
A sedan will follow in 2021 and 2022.
"The BYTON Concept SUV connects both the automotive and digital industries in ways that will deliver an entirely new connective experience for people on the move. The result is the world’s first Smart Intuitive Vehicle, or SIV," said Dr Carsten Breitfeld, CEO and Co-Founder, BYTON.
BYTON was established by former executives of Google, Apple, Tesla, BMW and other companies in the technology and automotive industries.
It has its headquarters and manufacturing operations in China, but its R&D centre is in Germany and its North American headquarters is in Silicon Valley.
