Redesigning concept and role of the automobile

This means that cars could become lighter and smaller, yet still be more spacious for their occupants.

The doors could be positioned on any of the four sides, which would help the growing number of elderly drivers, who may find it easier to enter from the front, rather than climbing into their seats from the side.

The book stresses the need for radical restyling, arguing that the iPod would have flopped had it resembled a “shrunken home stereo system.”

(Although the authors fail to mention that, so far, there is little evidence of automotive designers rising to that particular challenge).

Communicate wirelessly

Back to the future, and another proposal, which is to introduce what the authors call the “Mobility Internet.”

This would enable vehicles to communicate wirelessly with each other to share information on the flow of traffic and any unexpected incidents like crashes or sudden downpours.

Tempting though this sounds, it is impossible not to worry about system failure.

The authors don’t address that threat, although they are more thorough in anticipating other obstacles to their vision.

One is how — and where — will electric-drive vehicles recharge?

The book suggests that charging facilities could be added to existing electronic street fixtures, such as bus stops, streetlights, parking meters.

The book offers a thorough and intelligent analysis of the need to transform every aspect of the design of personal transportation.

NYT news service