Citroën has created a new self-driving electric platform concept and interchangeable pods that it says could provide a solution to future urban mobility.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Dubbed the Citroën Autonomous Mobility Vision, it’s been developed in partnership with hotel group Accor and advertising firm JCDecaux under their Urban Collëctif collaboration.

It’s based on an autonomous, fully electric platform developed by Citroën and adopting an open-source approach. The platform, which can travel at up to 25km/h (16mph), can accommodate all compatible Pods developed by partners and would be operated as a shared mobility solution that could cut congestion – Citroën says it could “improve traffic fluidity” by at least 35%.

The individual pods, which can be swapped in and out, reflect different lifestyle needs and requirements.

The two pods developed by Accor are based on its luxury Sofitel and sporty Pullman hotel brands. The Sofitel En Voyage pod would provide a French-inspired luxury limousine to transport travellers to restaurants, boutiques, the airport or even just to work – enabling travellers to live Sofitel’s ‘The French Way experience.

The second pod – dubbed The Pullman Power Fitness and basically a mobile gym – reflects the Pullman Power Fitness programme launched last year and would enable travellers to use a rower or a bike to make the most of time while travelling through the city.

The JCDecaux City Provider pod has been inspired by its outdoor advertising and enables up to five passengers to travel, supported by wheelchair and pushchair access, while making use of interactive screens to plan and track journeys and find out more about local places of interest as well as proposed activities, which the pod can head to on request.

Vincent Cobée, Citroën Global CEO, said: “At Citroën, we examine medium- and long-term trends to anticipate consumer expectations and needs. We believe that this new concept can redefine the framework of urban mobility: shared, electric and autonomous. With the solution we are presenting in partnership with Accor and JCDecaux, we are inventing autonomous mobility for all.”