In the first year, in accordance with the assumptions, a vehicle prototype was developed in the V2 lab version.
1. The design of the vehicle has been developed by experienced designer, who specializes in vehicles design.
2. The essence of the project is the combination of our patented manual drive with the electric drives support. We selected motors, batteries and strain gauges. Electric drive control and vehicle communication with the mobile device were also prepared.
3. We will produce crucial parts of our Torqway Hybrid in an injection method. It will allow us to create solid and durable product. Basic tools for the production of injection parts were already prepared.
4. Total novelty, like Torqway Hybrid needs to be present and communicate in a thoughtful way. We created our communication strategy, which include our brand identity and promote product features and advantages.
5. Parallely with the product development we explore the different variants of the product commercialization. A commercialization plan was prepared.
In the second year of the project and according to the project timetable we developed the project to the final prototype stage (prototype v4). We also implemented our communication and commercialization strategy – we participated and presented our final prototype at European and Polish trade fairs and we managed very intensive business networking activities with our potential partners on the market.
WP2. We developed our vehicle to the v3 prototype stage and we also produced first batch of the prototype vehicles for internal and users’ tests.
WP3. After the first batch production we started the testing phase:
- The technical assumptions were tested by the testing team.
- We tested our Torqway with end users (age group 55+), potential business partners (distributors, investors) during the international fairs.
- Warsaw University of Technology was responsible for medical tests. The main conclusion is that the tests proved that riding on Torqway Hybrid improves physical condition of the users in the area of specified muscles and it has significant impact on rehabilitation process.
WP4. The final version of the vehicle was prepared. According to the project milestones we developed our product to the market stage version. We also prepared all technical and production documentation. It is our base to CE certification.
WP5. Second year of the project was crucial for the commercialization activities. We manage networking with different kind of partners and we were searching for investment and distribution opportunities. We have now satisfying business network on crucial EU markets (UK, Germany, Poland, France, Nordics) from the area of e-mobility, senior services, tourism and financial services. We also have three signed memorandums of understanding with B2B customers (distributors and hotels), which are strongly interested in including Torqway Hybrid to theirs portfolio. With another 2 partners negotiations are ongoing. We built a solid base for introducing our product into the market after the Horizon 2020 project.
WP6. We were focused on product promotion, especially after the V3 prototype production. We provide social media communication on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube services. We developed new promotional materials, like product movie, catalogue and business presentations, investment teasers and pitchdeck in different languages. Moreover, we presented our product and project at international fairs and business meetings in EU, USA and Japan. Torqway Hybrid had very good media coverage including local, nationwide and foreign media. Materials about us were published in such prestigious titles like Forbes and National Geographic.
