CES has long been a place for automotive suppliers — be it an OEM or third-party supplier — to showcase their latest technology. It also has become a staple for showing concept vehicles that may or may not ever come to light.
These serve more as a look into a possible future with features that are under development or recently released tools that may be included in next generation vehicles. Automotive has become such a big part of CES that it is given the largest space in the convention hall where huge booths demonstrate these cool vehicles.
The Mobion concept. Source: Hyundai Mobis
Mobion
Hyundai Mobis unveiled its Mobion concept, which has four wheels that are individually controlled. This allows the concept vehicle to enable sideways movement, diagonal driving and pivot turns.
The “in-wheel” technology propels the electric vehicle (EV) forward by placing four small motors inside each wheel, which is obviously much different than a standard EV having a single large electric motor.
The Mobion uses the e-Corner System that integrated braking, steering and suspension into the in-wheel technology.
The Space-Hub concept vehicle. Source: Honda
Space-Hub
The Space-Hub concept prototype was one of two cool concept models rolled out by Honda Motors at CES 2024.
The first is the Space-Hub, a vehicle that is designed to bring more comfort and support to the lives of people. It has no cockpit or steering wheel and can accommodate a variety of passengers and form factors that can be used for numerous use cases.
The Saloon concept vehicle at CES. Source: Honda
Saloon
The second concept is the Saloon from Honda. This is a concept that is made of sustainable materials and designed to push the limits of human-machine interfaces in a sport vehicle. The Saloon has features such as a steer-by-wire and motion control management systems.
The vehicle will feature posture control to assist the driver in a variety of driving situations.
Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) concept at CES. Source: Kia
PBV
Kia revealed its strategy for a modular concept platform at CES 2024 that is aptly named Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV).
The concept is based around Kia’s modular vehicle Concept PV5. The platform allows for different types of modular mobility that are designed for new businesses and lifestyles. It can be used to develop an EV for people with disabilities or a vehicle that can be used for delivery, either autonomous or with drivers.
The MB.OS modular architecture. Source: Globalspec
MB.OS
Mercedes-Benz brought its concept CLA Class vehicle, called MB.OS, for the first time to North America.
The MB.OS is a vehicle that is based on a modular architecture that can be used to produce four models including two SUVs, a four-door coupe and a shooting brake. The concept allows for a range of more than 466 miles and enables high-power 300+ kW DC charging including a 0 kW boost, for a range of 248 miles in about 15 minutes.
The VF Wild concept vehicle at CES 2024. Source: VinFast
VF Wild
Vietnam’s VinFast Auto unveiled its first pickup truck called the VF Wild, a concept that has a flexible bed size allowing it to fold mid-gate and expand from 5 ft to 8 ft with the rear seats folded down automatically.
It would make the VG Wild the largest bed in the pickup segment, the company said. It also has a panoramic glass roof and digital side mirrors for improved aerodynamics.
