MDI says: AIRPod is the culmination of MDI studies on pollution and urban mobility. This concept will be the first to leave the production line in spring 2009.

Specsheet: Runs on air, zero CO2 emissions.

MDI, Motor Development International, was founded by Guy Negre in 1991 to develop zero pollution engines with the protection of the planet in mind. With a background in mechanical engineering and some ‘un-confirmed’ experience in the automotive world his company seems to be finally taken seriously. Since Tata, India’s top car manufacturer, committed to the production of MDI’s OneFlowAir (formerly named OneCAT) and development of compressed air technology, the potential that this company’s products will actually come to market after is renewed. Frankly the designs of all of their products, and execution, leave any consumer disillusioned. The quality is basic, the designs childish, and with competitors such as Aixam Mega just a few hours away its good to see that some degree of design has been taken into account in the production of their latest addition, the AirPod. A joystick manoeuvres this 3+1 urban pod, costs about 1 euro per 200km, can be recharged at a station in 2 minutes, emits zero CO2 emissions with a maximum speed of 60km/hr, and has a range of 200km in urban areas. The thing that sells the design is the ‘cute’ factor. A characteristic mastered by the Japanese, it is a great way to introduce new technologies to consumers because it removes the fear that comes with change. With references to futuristic images we have seen before, a video game-like cockpit, and front and rear access doors/windows the AirPod feels like a toy (and a crash test nightmare). The sides are dotted with circular ‘bubble’ windows that only add to the quirky wheelbase that is made up of two wheels at the back and two joined smaller ones hidden under the front casing. Vistors were bumping their cameras to get a picture of this 2-metre curiosity as much as they were bumping their heads to get in and out of the vehicle. Guy Negre and his son Cyril Negre were struggling with interest from the press about how a car can run on air…its top secret apparently! But for a little more technological insight check our their new website at www.mdi.lu .