Fiat Mio concept

Fiat has been developing an open source design through the company's www.fiatmio.cc website since August 2009. Since then, more than two million people from 160 countries - but mostly from Brazil - visited the website collaborating with roughly 10,000 ideas for the new Fiat Mio concept. The public had the opportunity to vote for their favorite designs from the earlier sketches, to help define typologies and decide details, such as what kind of doors to adopt.

Speaking to CDN, Peter Fassbender, head the Fiat Centro Stile of Betim, said that main function of the studio on this project was "to give shape to other's dreams". The popular choices included, surprisingly, a two-seater typology, electric powertrain and 'boxy body'.

Paulo Nakamura, design supervisor of the project, pointed out that the open source project was frozen prematurely despite the fact that the process was not yet complete. The Centro Stile then began to create the FCC III (as the project was known internally) and completed the car in time for it's unveiling at the Sao Paulo Auto Show. Special care was given to the graphic value of the light clusters, which harmonically enhance the smooth, fluid lines of the body. The color is quite traditional - following usual Brazilian tastes - but balances out the proportions of the body. The covered wheels can incorporate electric motors at the front and rear, says Nakamura.

The Mio concept features a large glass area at the front that, together with a minimal floating dashboard, creates a spacious feeling interior. Regardless of the fact the intent of the vehicle is to be driven autonomously in some circumstances, the participants considered that it was important to hold a stylish steering wheel.

Aesthetically, the clean shape of the FCC III is very different from the FCC II concept, unveiled at the 2008 Sao Paulo Auto Show, which can only reflect the public's taste, but it may also present new directions for the brand. For Fassbender, the open source project has been an extraordinary experience and the materialization of new design thinking, the design chief said.