Dacia's competition to create a new accessory for its value-orientated family cars has entered its final phase, with a winner to be chosen this spring.
At the 2024 Paris Motor Show, Dacia challenged three renowned design schools to design a new accessory that could be used with the brand's YouClip accessory system. First introduced on the new Duster, the YouClip system allows users to fix small, functional accessories to selected spots around the cabin.
Some 65 designers entered their suggestions, and the four finalists have been selected, offering accessories for pets, passenger comfort and cargo-carrying.
What's this YouClip system?
First revealed on the Manifesto concept car, the YouClip system allows accessories to be fitted to clips placed around the car's interior, providing customisable storage and practicality solutions. Examples of such accessories include lights, cup holders and phone mounts.
The Duster was the first production car to be offered with the system, with six clips mounted in the cabin, while the Spring electric car comes with three mounting points. The new Bigster flagship SUV, meanwhile, will have five mounting points as standard, with the option of two more on the head restraints.
So, what's with the competition?
Dacia's challenge to three French design schools - the Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Arts Appliqués et des Métiers d'Art (ENSAAMA), Rubika and Strate - saw 65 entrants submit ideas, and that number has now been whittled down to four. Each design school has at least one contender in the final, which will be judged by a panel of European automotive journalists later this month.
The winner will then be considered as a commercial proposition by Dacia, which could see drivers offered the chance to buy the product from Dacia dealers in the coming months and years.
What are the final ideas?
First up is the Dog Set from Garance Probsting at the ENSAAMA. Incorporating a dog bowl, a compartment for poo bags and a hook for leads or harnesses, it's designed to put everything in one easy-to-reach place for dog owners.
The other ENSAAMA entry to make the final four is the Comfort+ Set designed by Hadrien Costrejean. Essentially an inflatable pillow, the accessory clips to the cabin when not in use, then can be inflated by opening a window while the car is moving. Passengers can then use the pillow to make the car more comfortable and stow it again once finished.
The sole Rubika project is the Legatura by Hector Vanquaethem. Legatura means 'link' in Dacia's mother tongue, Romanian, and the set comprises two parts: a two-layer piece of material and a robust clip for securing it to the YouClip connectors. The multi-function system is designed to be used as a bag, a waterproof boot liner or even an outdoor mat.
Finally, the Strate offering is the RoadBin by Zoe Dusollier. A mini travel bin that can be clipped to the car's cabin, it has an airtight lid, a removable side compartment for spare bin liners, and hooks and carabiners for attaching it to a bag, tent or mountain bike.
When will the winner be announced?
Dacia is expected to reveal the winner in late March or early April, following the judging this month. There's no guarantee, however, that the winning project will go into production and be offered to Dacia customers.