We want flying cars! Children tell automaker Ford what to build next

Ford has created a concept all-electric flying car based on feedback from the next generation of drivers.

The automaker spoke to eight and nine-year-olds about what kind of driving experience they want to have when they get behind the wheel.

They may just be kids in 2021, but when they become eligible to drive this generation will be the first to take their test when all new cars are electric.

The shift to environmentally-friendly motoring is a big issue for today’s young people.

As well as being able to fly, naturally.

Alice Swallow, Senior Innovation Engineer at Ford explained: ‘It’s clear that today’s children have their wonderful imagination, but they’re also sensible at the same time.

‘They want their car to fly and be fun, but they’re also very keen on future mobility being sustainable and safe.’

After speaking with the children, Ford had its Senior Exterior Designer, Nedzad Mujcinovic, mock up what they suggested.

When specifying their perfect wheels, the majority of the children surveyed wanted a vehicle that can take to the sky and fly. Comfortable seats were a big priority (36%) as was a good sound system (27%), while almost a quarter (24%) wanted self-driving ability and environmentally friendly features (32%).

The ‘Ford Future Generation Concept Car’ is an electric-powered flying car illustrated in a striking red and black colour scheme which proved to be the most popular combination.

‘We’ve mocked up how we think this dream car should look. It would certainly grab attention – but we’re not overly sure it will be appearing on our forecourts in the next decade or so,’ Swallow added.

Ford says it also spoke to UK adults about the shift to electric. Some surveyed are ready to make the move but still believe that more needs to be done to educate the nation on electrification.

When asked who should be responsible for this, over half of British adults wanted car manufacturers to educate them on making the switch by 2030, two thirds believe that the government should be educating the public on electrification and almost one in three believe the media has a role to educate the public on banning petrol and diesel.

‘We’re passionate about making the car people want as well as the car people need, and it’s vital we listen to the views of both children and adults on the road to 2030,’ Swallow said.