After all, he says the three-wheeler is the lifeline of most Mumbaikars and belongs to the same cult class as the Beetle and the Willys Jeep.
Peter Stevens redesigns the Indian autorickshaw to make it sexy, slick, and safe. After all, he says the three-wheeler is the lifeline of most Mumbaikars and belongs to the same cult class as the Beetle and the Willys Jeep. Dhananjay Khadilker meets the cutting-edge global designer to fathom his new love
He has designed some of the best-known supercars, including the iconic McLaren F1. So, when you ask Peter Stevens to name an Indian automobile that is a design icon, you expect him to struggle.
Surprisingly, the 62-year-old British designer, who’s now working on a project with Mahindra & Mahindra in Mumbai, thinks India has a vehicle that is not only charming but has great utility too.
“For me, the autorickshaw is an icon, since it transcends fashion and resists ageing. An autorickshaw is in the same class as the Ford T, Fiat 500, Mini, Beetle and the Willys Jeep. All these vehicles were classless.”
Stevens’ introduction to autorickshaws was a bit embarrassing, though. His first sight of an ‘auto’ was about 20 years ago, in Pune. “Since I didn’t know autorickshaw drivers tuck their left leg inside and actually sit on it, my first thought was that a majority of the drivers had lost their left legs.”
It only took a ride to make Stevens familiar with this unique ‘auto’ drivers. “I was amazed to see the drivers expertly manoeuvring the auto despite sitting in a weird, and uncomfortable, way.”
These days, whenever he’s in Mumbai for official work, Stevens inevitably takes a ride in his favourite vehicle. In fact, it was during one such ride that the designer in Stevens woke up and thought of giving a modern touch to the ‘auto’.
“I thought the vehicle could be brought more up-to-date without losing its charm, utility and icon appearance,” Stevens says. Having experienced many bumpy rides, Stevens knew the first thing that needed improvement — the ride. “Because of its three wheels, an ‘auto’ simply cannot avoid potholes, no matter how hard the driver tries,” Stevens says
“A simple, manually adjusted rear spring softener/stiffener could be the first change. This could be done with the help of a lever which could be located at arm’s length from the driver.”
Stevens finds the headlights, along with the rearlights, were the most vulnerable parts. “Since they are located low, the lights take all the abuse, thanks to bad roads and road accidents.” he says.
Stevens feels the lights could be raised higher. “The headlights could be set higher and protected by a tough plastic wheel cover. Also, the rearlights could be located a bit higher and protected by a rear bumper.”
The central section could be made of rolled steel. So, even if the vehicle turns turtle, the section won’t collapse. Having worked for Lotus, Jaguar, McLaren and the Williams Formula One team, Stevens can’t resist giving a dashing look to the ‘auto’. “A rakish roofline gives the auto an aerodynamic shape,” he says.
Also, he prefers a larger windscreen, a built-in sun visor and a comfortable driver’s seat. Whether the ‘auto’ undergoes design changes or not, it is already a legend as far as Stevens is concerned. “I have seen three-wheelers in Italy, but they are primarily used as goods carriers. Here, the three-wheeler has become the lifeline of the people.”
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