8 October, 2021

Accor forms new partnership to invent self-driving ‘mobility platform’ for urban spaces

Hospitality giant Accor has joined forces with two other French companies, Citroën and JCDecaux, to bring their shared vision for the future of urban mobility to life.

According to a press release issued by Accor, the common ambition of the newly formed ‘Urban Collëctif’ is to “optimise mobility so that everyone can reclaim urban spaces and significantly improve the quality of life”.

This ambition relies on an innovative concept dubbed Citroën Autonomous Mobility Vision, which combines a high-tech and universal mobility platform, The Citroën Skate.

Using autonomous, electric and agile Citroën technology, this disruptive, open-source urban mobility concept aims to decongest cities while also meeting citizens’ growing needs in terms of mobility, services, safety and wellbeing in cities.

The Citroën Skate platform can accommodate all compatible pods developed by a partner, thereby expanding mobility and service offerings.

The platform has three new service pods – Sofitel En Voyage, Pullman Power Fitness and JCDecaux City Provider – each offering a unique experience to explore cities in a new way.

To give you a better idea of what Citroën, Accor and JCDecaux have in mind with their futuristic initiative, check out the video below:

Damien Perrot, global senior vice president of design at Accor, said each pod is a bold and modern interpretation of interior and automotive design.

“They are designed beyond the conventions and standards that the industry is using today, with precision engineering, high-end materials, refined aesthetics and revamped functions and applications,” he said.

“Thanks to this unprecedented partnership, which is highly innovative both in form and substance, we are creating endless opportunities for the future.”

Eventually, the hospitality giant said the Sofitel and Pullman pods could be reserved using the ALL – Accor Live Limitless app.

Steven Taylor, chief marketing officer at Accor, said: “The presentation of the Sofitel En Voyage and Pullman Power Fitness Pods is a new example of our augmented hospitality strategy.

“We are resolutely focused on making our brands increasingly more visible and more relevant, in order to be there for our guests, beyond their stays in our hotels.”

Featured image source: Citroën

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accor autonomous Citroën Citroën Autonomous Mobility Vision Damien Perrot JCDecaux JCDecaux City Provider mobility platform Pullman Power Fitness self-driving Sofitel En Voyage Steven Taylor The Citroën Skate The Urban Collëctif