Stackable vehicles: Zihang Zheng’s futuristic solution for urban mobility
Stackable Cars could solve city parking
Zihang Zheng’s toy concept
Modern urban centers worldwide are drowning in congestion, traffic jams, and mounting parking crises. Even the most efficient public transport networks struggle to absorb the surging passenger numbers. Against this backdrop, architects and industrial designers are turning to space‑saving mobility solutions that could reshape city streets.
What makes the concept stand out?
- Inspired by grocery cart design – vehicles can be stacked side‑by‑side, much like shopping carts in a store.
- Revisits traditional parking layout – challenges the idea that each car occupies a fixed footprint.
- Aims for higher occupancy – seeks to maximize the number of cars parked per unit of ground area, addressing the one‑person‑one‑car dilemma.
Key objectives
- Compact stacking – reduces the space required for each vehicle.
- Efficient deployment – makes it easier to install or remove cars from a site.
- Scalable urban mobility – boosts the user base for car usage without expanding a city’s footprint.
Global reception
International observers have praised the Toyota‑Kinto 98% Concept Mobility Solution, suggesting it could herald the end of parking woes in major metropolitan hubs.
Zihang’s Impactful Design Journey
Innovative Solutions to Urban Challenges
Zihang’s work is more than just cutting‑edge aesthetics; it strives to create real‑world differences in modern life. By equipping people with modern technology, he helps them thrive in a fast‑paced urban environment. From AI‑powered robots that manage dog waste to wearables that assist visually impaired individuals, his portfolio demonstrates design that serves tangible needs while maintaining inventive form and function.
Toyota‑Kinto 98% Concept: A Pioneering Vision
Zihang developed the Toyota‑Kinto 98% Concept at Toyota Calty Design Research in Newport Beach, California. Although it began as an independent concept under the Toyota‑Kinto brand, the project received encouragement from the Toyota design team, highlighting his collaborative skills and his ability to thrive within a team.
Awards and International Recognition
- Gold award at the International Design Awards (IDA)
- Silver award at the New York Product Design Awards (NYPDA)
- Winner in the Transportation Design category at the London International Creative Competition (LICC)
Upcoming Exhibition
In addition to its international acclaim, the Toyota‑Kinto 98% Concept will be showcased at The Utopia International A’Design 40×40 Exhibition, AI Industrial Revolution, in New York City from August 30 to September 5, 2025.
Innovative Design Earns Prestigious Recognition
Design Award Highlights
- Celebrated by leading institutions for groundbreaking concept
- Proof that unconventional solutions tackle everyday challenges
- Reinforced the value of persistent innovation
Driving Force Behind the 98% Concept
Industrial Design Roots
- Background influences entire development trajectory
- Employs Blender for high‑detail modeling
- Models function as both visual exploration and technical analysis
Iterative Process and Engineering Mastery
Critical Mechanical Hurdles
- Ensures the stacking mechanism performs seamlessly in real‑world environments
- Refines the vehicle’s aesthetic identity along with functional performance
Concept Overview
Form follows function – each element in the Toyota‑Kinto 98% Concept is purpose‑driven, with no emphasis on luxury or style. The design is intentionally appliance‑like, focused on delivering an efficient, autonomous ride‑share commuting solution.
Design Philosophy
- Every component serves a practical role.
- Appearance underscores functional orientation, not aesthetics.
- Goal: a high‑performance, automated ride‑share platform.
Environmental Sustainability
- Minimizes land use by cutting parking requirements.
- Reduces energy waste through optimized vehicle movement.
- Supports a low‑impact, high‑efficiency transit ecosystem.
Social Impact
- Scalable mobility that eases commuting stress.
- Lower costs for users and professionals alike.
- Improved urban transit accessibility, especially in densely populated areas.
Future Vision
The concept envisions a future where transportation is shared, automated, and optimized for the majority of the population, integrating ride‑share systems into a fully shared, automated mobility network.
Image Credit
Photo courtesy Zihang Zheng
b>Future Mobility Unveiled
Photo courtesy Zihang Zheng
b>Industrial Design as Catalyst
Instead of merely reimagining existing tools, this initiative pioneers a new mechanical blueprint that redefines how cities move.
Key Features
- b>Modular Architecture – components interlock, allowing rapid reconfiguration.
- b>Smart Control Systems – integrates AI sensors for real‑time optimization.
- b>Urban Adaptability – scales from narrow alleys to wide boulevards.
Strategic Advantages
By embedding flexibility into the core design, the framework promises to:
- b>Reduce Infrastructure Costs
- b>Accelerate Deployment Across Cities
- b>Enhance Resilience to Changing Traffic Patterns
