When Cardboard Meets the Car — A Future‑Proof Drive
Think about a world where the planet runs low on metal and oil. Suddenly, the sleek steel roof of a sports car turns into… a sturdy honey‑comb cardboard sheet. That’s the bold move Citroën has taken with its new electric concept, the Oli.
Why Cardboard? The Science (and the Sass)
- Not your grandma’s cardboard. The material is a honey‑comb core sandwiched between two layers of white‑plastic coating, making it light‑weight yet strong enough to stand on without collapsing.
- Partners in this crisp‑niche play? BASF, the German chemical juggernaut, who supplied the cutting‑edge polymer tech.
- Added perk: a vertical windscreen that cuts down on glass and weight, adding an almost “Mad‑Max” swagger to the faux‑futuristic SUV aesthetic.
A Myth on the Highway Back Then
Remember the old Soviet rumor that the Trabant was made of brittle cardboard and could be punched through in a downpour? Turns out, the “cardboard” was actually duroplast, a plastic army‑made from recycled cotton waste. Citroën and BASF just decided to make that legend a reality in a way you never imagined.
Quotes from the Frontlines of “Future”
Anne Laliron, Citroën’s Director of Future Products, says: “It’s more than a concept. It’s almost an expression of new lifestyles.” The slogan? “Be car‑free, yet stay covered.”
Other Players Enter the Scene
Renault’s budget wing, Dacia, isn’t idle either – they unveiled the “Manifesto” concept car in mid‑September. It looks right out of a post‑apocalypse blockbuster where oil is worth more than gold. The three brands are basically saying: We’ve got cardboard, we’ve got innovations, and we’re ready for the future.
Takeaway
As the world pivots toward sustainability, Citroën’s Oli shows that sometimes the future
…is a little bit whimsical, a lot like paper, but mostly built for tomorrow. And hey, you’ve got to admit: a carbon‑friendly SUV that feels like cardboard? That’s both refreshing and downright hilarious.
Road map
Dacia Unveils the Bare‑Bones Off‑Road Beast
Ready to ditch the fancy gadgets for a good old truck style? Dacia’s latest off‑roader is all about the fundamentals—in a very literal sense. Swap your GPS for a paper map and a cork dashboard will let you pin it wherever you need. It’s a whole “no‑signal” strategy that feels both nostalgic and surprisingly practical.
Key Specs that Make You Go “Wow!” Without the Over‑Engineering
- Weight: Lighter than a full‑size bicycle—just under 1,000 kg.
- Speed cap: 110 km/h (68 mph). Think of it as a “stay‑on‑the‑track” vibe.
- Door panels: No wire harness, only 8 parts—most cars use 35! Think of it as a minimalist slideshow layout.
- Key lock: Grabbed back. No mysterious remote clicks.
- Dashboard: Pulls data straight from your phone—level up to the “Smartphone‑in‑car” era.
- Manual windows: No auto‑roll, just pure control—pilgrims of the road, roll it yourself.
- Vertical windscreen: Slashes sunlight into the cabin, keeps AC under de‑commission—save that energy for your next trip.
- Aero vent on the hood: A trick to mimic wind‑screen airflow, keeping the vehicle sleek on dusty tracks.
Why This Car is Built to Stand the Test of Time
It’s not just about being lightweight. Dacia engineered the Oli to be recyclable and easy to fix, aiming for 3–4 generations or even a 50‑year lifespan. That’s like a road trip that stretches into the future.
“We’re making an object that will outlast the usual lifespan—it’s something you can repair,” says Patrick Laliron. “You gotta remember we’re using the resources that were given to us. It’s about pulling them together, making the thing last as long as possible.”
Behind the Scenes: From 2019 to 2025
Work on the prototype kicked off in 2019, only to face the wild card of raw material shortages—thanks to the pandemic and the Ukraine conflict. “The last few years have only sharpened our instincts and drive,” Laliron adds. No more “one‑size fits all” after all; it’s a new, focused approach.
What’s Next Thanks to Electric & Hybrid Wins
Car Electric and hybrid vehicles are the future—especially for folks like Dacia who are diving into the greener route. The Oli is one of many vehicles that are learning to love a little less drive time, more breathe time.
