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Two-wheel, pod-like vehicle that can drive itself unveiled Main Article page | Science articles Health page| Disease articles | Links Melbourne, (ANI): Australian car maker Holden has unveiled a radical two-wheel, pod-like vehicle that can drive itself. Xiao has been developed using carbon fiber and is charged by electric motors on each wheel. It can carry two passengers at a time with 40 kilometers on each charge. This vehicle is said to be one of the three concepts developed by giant auto company General Motor, utilizing its different studios around the globe. The cars were unveiled this week and will go on display at the World Expo in Shanghai from May to October. Tony Stolfo of Holden said the company owes the car's success to a number of the company's young designers who have been working on the project for the past 15 months. "This work has really broken the mould of the projects we undertake within the Holden design studio," News.com.au quoted Stolfo as saying. "The fact that our young designers were able to run with this project and develop it to such a high level really speaks volumes for the advanced design capabilities within Australia. "It has meant moving away from designing the traditional elements of a motor vehicle to develop new themes and technologies that might some day define the way we live our lives. "Much of what we have learned during this project will help us in our ongoing efforts to meet the many transport challenges associated with a growing population," Stolfo added. The Xiao features a unique state-of-the-art global technology combined with vehicle-to-vehicle communications and distance-sensing systems. This vehicle can be driven by the occupant or by an on-board computer system. Xiao is also groomed to reduce traffic congestion through its automatic route-selection feature based on real-time traffic information. It also uses wireless technology where it drivers and its occupants can communicate with other commuters while on the road. It also has a sensor and camera systems to assist in changes in driving conditions, improving pedestrian safety, and to respond quickly in any obstruction. (ANI)
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