the akxy2 is a futuristic concept car that isn't built by a carmaker

Automakers make concept cars, but not every concept car is made by an automaker. That’s the case with the freshly-released AKXY2, created by Japan’s Asahi Kasei, a diversified supply company that makes everything from textiles and chemicals to automotive supplies, and from medical products to dish soap and Saran Wrap.

The autonomous electric AKXY2 — pronounced ax-ee — was built to celebrate the company’s 100th anniversary and shows off some of its technologies. According to the company, “virtually everything that can be seen, touched or felt in the vehicle is either manufactured or co-developed by Asahi Kasei,” and the concept is driven by a “3 S’s” theme of sustainability, satisfaction, and society.

,’autonav’:true}&autoplay=0&playsinline=1&enablejsapi=1″]

The AKXY2 is an open-space vehicle that can be modified to its passengers’ needs. “Aside from advancements in legislation, evolving demands from customers are causing (automakers) to tear down existing processes in favour of safer, more comfortable and more sustainable vehicles,” said Heiko Rother, General Manager of Automotive Business Development at Asahi Kasei Europe. Rother added that when buying their next vehicle, 50 per cent of car owners in the U.S., Germany, Japan, and China will choose a different brand, and the materials in the car are just as important to differentiate their choice as the drivetrain or performance.

The concept’s interior surfaces include a microfibre suede made partially from recycled polyester, and seat cushions made with recycled and bio-based plastic; a CO2 sensor monitors air quality in the cabin. The tires are made from bio-based synthetic rubber.

Passengers get into the AKXY2 after the canopy is raised and the door is opened to become a ramp. That’s done with ultrasound touch sensors that Asahi Kasei co-developed with UltraSense, a U.S.-based Human Machine Interface (HMI) company; the two also designed the car’s heated seats.

“One of Asahi Kasei’s greatest strengths…is the ability to draw from our diverse product portfolio across multiple group companies, and collaborate with outside start-ups to create new concepts such as smart fabrics,” said Mike Frenchy, Director of North American Mobility at Asahi Kasei America.

The AKXY2 was debuted in May at the Automotive Engineering Exposition in Yokohama, Japan. It will also be shown at the Detroit Auto Show in September 2022, and at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas in January 2023.

MOTOR'S NEWS RELATED

Join Road & Track and Car and Driver on Our Annual Car of the Year Tests

Check out today's coolest new cars alongside editors at Performance Car of the Year, Lightning Lap, and 10Best Awards.

View more: Join Road & Track and Car and Driver on Our Annual Car of the Year Tests

Satisfying Subaru SUVs That People Love Driving and Owning

Satisfying Subaru SUVs that people love driving include the 2022 Crosstrek The 2022 Forester is another Satisfying Subaru SUV that people love Don’t overlook the 2022 Outback for a stress-free driving experience Subaru makes a reliable and safe sport utility vehicle, but that’s not all. These Satisfying Subaru SUVs ...

View more: Satisfying Subaru SUVs That People Love Driving and Owning

Holiday Rambler Eclipse RV Debuts With Theater Seats, Drop-Down Loft

It’s available with three different floor plans.

View more: Holiday Rambler Eclipse RV Debuts With Theater Seats, Drop-Down Loft

Genesis prices 2023 G80 electric car at $81,000, expands EVs to more states

Genesis on Thursday expanded the breadth and availability of its electric car lineup on its path to becoming a fully electric automaker by 2030. The luxury brand’s newest car, the 2023 Electrified Genesis G80, will cost $80,920 (including a $1,095 destination fee) when it goes on sale in September. The ...

View more: Genesis prices 2023 G80 electric car at $81,000, expands EVs to more states

This C5 Corvette Turned Off-Roader Could be Yours For Small Bucks

Photo: Caleb Hodshire/Facebook Fans of the Chevrolet Corvette and off-road vehicles now have a golden opportunity to combine their two passions for a small amount of money. A tuning enthusiast in Illinois, who specializes in Corvette conversions, is selling on Marketplace a fifth-generation (C5) 1999 Corvette built to venture ...

View more: This C5 Corvette Turned Off-Roader Could be Yours For Small Bucks

Audi heads to F1, 2025 Cadillac Celestiq, 2023 Electrified Genesis G80: Today's Car News

Audi confirmed it will enter F1 for the 2026 season. The automaker will team with a thus far unknown chassis partner to provide power units that will be built in Germany and run on synthetic fuel. Alfa Rome announced it will split with Sauber, and all points sign to Audi ...

View more: Audi heads to F1, 2025 Cadillac Celestiq, 2023 Electrified Genesis G80: Today's Car News

Genesis expands GV60, an electric SUV, availability to four more US states

Where is the Genesis GV60 available to buy Electrek’s Take Now might be your chance if you’ve been waiting to buy the Genesis GV60 EV SUV. The Korean luxury automaker announced Tuesday that its flagship electric SUV, the GV60, will be available in four more US states starting in ...

View more: Genesis expands GV60, an electric SUV, availability to four more US states

Our Long-Term 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Is off to an Unforgettable Start

With our 668-hp, six-speed-manual sports sedan, the highs are high, and the lows are low.

View more: Our Long-Term 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing Is off to an Unforgettable Start

Dodge goes electric in style | Autoblog Podcast #744

Tested: Best Car Vacuums for 2022

China: Power to the people or to the carmakers?

Tesla premium connectivity through Starlink V2 confirmed

2022 Ford F-150 Lightning strapped to dyno despite challenges

1983 DeLorean DMC-12 with 5,397 miles for sale

Numbers of Koenigsegg CC850s increase to 70 due to high demand

Tech Deep Dive: What Makes the New Porsche GT3 RS the Most Extreme 911 Ever

4 Terrible 2022 Subcompact SUVs That Consumer Reports Predicts Owners Will Hate

Xiaomi in talks with BAIC to produce electric cars, says Bloomberg

Audi Has Decided to Enter Formula 1 in 2026 After Much Speculation

North Dakota Swing Ahead For WoO: What To Watch For

OTHER MOTO NEWS