Volkswagen Debuts Sedric Self-Driving Concept Car

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Volkswagen Group on Monday unveiled a new concept car which will come get you and whisk you away to your destination with the push of the button.

The self-driving car, dubbed Sedric for short, is VW Group's first vehicle designed for "level 5" autonomous driving, meaning a human driver is not required, the company wrote in its news release.

Just summon it with the press of a button, your voice, or a smartphone app, and Sedric will drive your kids to school then drop you off at the office. Then it will find a parking spot on its own, pick up groceries you've ordered when they're ready for collection, get your kid from sports practice, and drive everyone home.

Because it's fully autonomous and meant to feel like "a comfortable lounge on wheels," Sedric doesn't have a steering wheel or pedals. Instead, it has two rows of two seats, which face each other. It's also fully electric, with a flat battery pack located between the axels.

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VW said Sedric is just the beginning, or the "Father," of a new mobility concept.

"Soon Sedric will also get 'children' and 'grandchildren' with the Group's various brands," which include VW, Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Ducati, Porsche, and more. These offspring will "be created in typical designs for the brands and will feature tailor-made and customer-specific characteristics for equipment."

VW said Sedric can be shared or individually owned. When it rolls up, Sedric will recognize you and open its doors. The opening was designed to be "wide and high, making it easy to passengers to get in even with luggage." Inside, there should be plenty of room for bags and suitcases.

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On the way, you can make small talk with Sedric about the destination, driving time, and current traffic situation. The car's windshield is a large OLED screen with augmented reality, so you can watch something or just sit back and close your eyes.

This mobility concept will "take up less space, will consume less energy, and will be safer and more sustainable" than today's transportation options, VW said. Plus, it will work for all kinds of people: adults and children, people with physical disabilities, city dwellers who don't have their own car or driver's license, and travelers who are just passing through. The control button will have a colorful flashing ring that indicates Sedric's arrival time and vibrates to guide a person with impaired vision to the car.

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