Rinspeed zaZen Concept

Press Release

Swiss made

Link: Esoro
Frank M. Rinderknecht used highly advanced technology and a Swiss-based network of top automotive specialists for his project. Although there is no automobile production in Switzerland, there is a very active automotive supply industry there. Many highly innovative prototypes have been developed and manufactured in Switzerland.

engineered by Esoro - What you dream is what you get

For the seventh time the Swiss engineering company Esoro was hired to serve as general contractor for the entire vehicle project. Esoro was responsible for project management, implementation of new technologies, engineering, design and manufacturing of the Rinspeed "zaZen".

Esoro realized the concept with the help of its highly competent suppliers Schwaller AG (metal works) and Protoscar (styling). Starting with initial concepts, it took the highly skilled development team just six months to realize the entire project.

Strong partners for the future

Gasverbund Mittelland AG, Swiss Energy, Rinspeed and Volkswagen - four strong partners - have the goal to develop vehicles that can be used on an everyday basis but that also depict automotive visions for the future. The exhibited vehicles are operated ecologically with natural gas or biogas as the fuel of choice. With the exception of the zaZen which can also be converted to natural gas operation.

The power supply company Gasverbund Mittelland AG has promoted the marketing of natural gas as a fuel in Switzerland for many years first-hand and also as gasmobil ag's partner. Natural gas is currently the only available, sensible and environmentally-compatible fuel alternative that contributes significantly to a decrease of noxious emissions in particular in heavily populated regions. Furthermore, noxious particles can be further reduced in combination with the CO2-neutral biogas. Speed limits as result of critical particle emission values would be less of an issue. The most important arguments for natural gas and biogas as fuels are: more than 60 percent reduction of noxious emissions compared to petrol or diesel; even less fuel consumption for mixed operation. This results in savings of 30 to 40 percent of fuel costs. Tests have shown that natural gas vehicles are just as safe as the same models with a petrol or diesel motor. Depending on the canton, funds are granted by the natural gas suppliers for the purchase of a new vehicle as well as a reduction of the motor vehicle tax. Natural gas and biogas will become even more attractive with the expected reduction of petroleum tax on natural gas and biogas to take effect from the middle of 2007.

Volkswagen focuses on natural gas

Gasverbund Mittelland AG and Rinspeed joined forces this year with Volkswagen. Europe's major passenger vehicle manufacturer is convinced by the performance potential of natural gas as a fuel and its efficiency. In order to produce the first natural gas models for the series, substantial investments in research, development and production are required. The VW Caddy 2.0 litre EcoFuel and the VW Touran 2.0 litre EcoFuel are two interesting vehicles which will be on offer by the middle of 2006. Both of them can be used privately as well as commercially. Together with Gasverbund Mittelland AG and Rinspeed, Volkswagen will present a study based on the VW Touran with an innovative drive technology at the Natural Gas/Rinspeed stand at the 76th International Motor Show in Geneva. The same study in another outfit can also be inspected at the official Volkwagen stand in Geneva.

Furtherance by Swiss Energy

The Swiss Federal Office of Energy with its Swiss Energy programme has promoted the use of natural gas and biogas for more than ten years. Research activities were initially promoted. This was followed by pilot and demonstration trials with compogas in the canton of Zurich. Some 100 vehicles were put into operation. In the meantime, the Swiss natural gas industry is expanding the fuel station network to over 70 units which led to a marked increase in the demand of natural gas vehicles.
Gasverbund Mittelland AG, Rinspeed AG and Swiss Energy have collaborated in promoting natural gas and biogas as fuels for five years. The concept vehicles by Rinspeed AG give the public the visionary option of using natural gas as a fuel. The vehicle study involving the VW Touran EcoFuel shows a similar realisation option. The third vehicle, the VW Caddy Life EcoFuel is a natural gas vehicle which can be purchased on the market or which will soon be available.

Supply in Europe is no problem

Natural gas and biogas used as fuels is another step on the way to reducing the world economy's dependence on crude oil and to minimising the particulate matter problem of our society. Therefore, the high environmental potential of natural gas and biogas will not only contribute to a reduction of the burdening by soot, nitrogen oxides, CO2 and hydrocarbons in a steady state, but also on the road. The more natural gas vehicles on our roads, the less economic damage will be caused by motor exhaust fumes. In addition, natural gas motors generate less noise than conventional aggregates. The drive technologies of natural gas vehicles are fully developed and tested on the market. The major brands already have several models with natural gas drives in their programmes. It is important for the consumer that the manufacturer warranties prescribed by the legislator are fully granted. Furthermore, supply of natural gas and biogas is ensured around the clock thanks to the continued expansion of the fuel station network in Switzerland and Europe.