The VisionVenture, co-created by BASF and Hymer, is a concept van recently developed by the BASF Creation Center. The van boasts lightweight construction and design. The vehicle celebrated its world premiere at the Caravan Salon in Düsseldorf, Germany, at the end of August.
“Hymer is synonymous with premium quality, innovation and a sense of discovery,” said Christian Bauer, managing director of Hymer GmbH & Co.KG. “The VisionVenture developed in tandem with BASF perfectly captures these values. It already promises to give our customers an entirely new sense of freedom.”
More than 20 high-performance plastics and a new painting technology from BASF are used in the concept camper. BASF and Hymer use various lightweight materials and processes in the interior and exterior.
The VisionVenture also has more than 100 3-D-printed components.
“Our products give the designers unprecedented new options and functionalities for the VisionVenture,” said Martin Jung, head of performance materials at BASF. “The end result demonstrates the full diversity of our material competence – from inspiration to finished product.”
Other VisionVenture innovations include:
- The VisionVenture’s has a self-inflating, pop-top roof that inflates in less than 60 seconds. BASF’s Elastollan coating on the roof creates an outer wall that is resistant to water, as well as wind.
- BASF’s Elastocoat C Spray Gel is used to regulate temperature in the cushions.
- Haptex – BASF’s polyurethane system for imitation leather – spans the entire interior. The material is soft and easy to clean and does not contain organic solvents, according to the company.
- By combining plastics with natural materials such as hemp and slate to produce cupboard doors and kitchen fronts, the concept van has no need for heavy alternatives like wood or chipboard.
- BASF’s Chromacool temperature-management technology reflects the sun’s infrared light, thus reducing the build-up of heat in the vehicle body. This passive temperature management means that heating of the vehicle’s surface is reduced by up to 68 degrees Fahrenheit, with the inside temperature dropping by as much as 39 degrees. Less energy is needed for air conditioning, which helps to reduce fuel consumption, or to increase the range of electric vehicles.
- BASF’s Infinergy appears in jet black for the first time in the VisionVenture. In the steps and the bed frame, it gives pressure point relief. As a connection module, it holds the slats in the slatted base together.
- BASF and Hymer have come up with a customized NVH (noise, vibration, harshness) package for the VisionVenture to reduce vibrations and block noise in the interior, drive or chassis.