Key Dates

29 May -Launch Deadline
28 Aug -Standard
19 Dec -Extended Deadline
26 Dec -Judging
07 Jan 2026 -Winners Announced
Saturday, 20 December 2025 10:34 local time

MU12E

Xiamen King Long United Automotive Industry Co., Ltd. | Product Design - Commercial & Industry - International

 
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Project Overview

MU12E, featuring smart technology, human-centered care, and carbon neutrality, achieves a comprehensive evolution from a mere physical vehicle to a ‘mobile human-centered space’—redefining urban public transportation.

Organisation

Xiamen King Long United Automotive Industry Co., Ltd.

Team

Qing Shao, Ziling Wu, Haoqiang Wang, Hongyi Qiu, Hanlei Xu, Senlei Du, Chenming Huang, Wenjin Luo, Weiyi Zhou, Feiyue Lin

Project Brief

With the growing demand for public transportation, traditional urban buses are always limited to a purely functional role, falling short of aesthetic appeal and human-centered care. To meet the demands of future travel for enhanced experience, inclusiveness, and sustainability, MU12E takes the philosophy of ‘Inspired by Nature, Born in City’ as the core, establishing a novel paradigm for public transportation—integrating aesthetic elegance, efficient operation, inclusive experiences, and environmental sustainability. It represents a comprehensive evolution from a mere physical vehicle to a ‘mobile human-centered space’.

Project Innovation/Need

- Excellent Performance: Powered by a high-power motor (350 kW), MU12E can climb slopes with a gradient of over 20%, effortlessly tackling complex road conditions. Equipped with ECO-Chip 5.0, it enables real-time monitoring of the vehicle and three systems (battery/motor/electric control), and then dynamically optimizes control strategies, significantly enhancing driving safety. The bus also employs a high-energy-density CATL battery and optimized energy management strategies, achieving a range of 500 km and low energy consumption of less than 0.79 kWh/km (a 15%–20% reduction compared to conventional counterparts). It perfectly balances efficiency, eco-friendliness, and safety.

- Humanistic Care: MU12E deeply optimizes the driver experience and passenger experience. The cockpit follows the principle of ‘one-arm control’, with frequently used buttons subtly integrated for easy access. The steering wheel supports four-way adjustment, complemented by a swivel seat, further improving operating efficiency and driving comfort. As for the passenger area, a three-door, low-floor layout, access ramps, and an electronically controlled air suspension system (enabling vehicle lowering and kneeling to reduce boarding/alighting time) ensure a convenient travel experience for vulnerable passengers like older people and individuals with disabilities.

Design Challenge

The challenge was to break away from the visual bulkiness of conventional buses and infuse the vehicle with a modern urban aesthetic. To address that, MU12E, shedding the ‘boxy shape with rounded edges’ common in conventional buses, adopts a powerful square silhouette, while also incorporating downward-sweeping curves to improve aerodynamic performance. This approach achieves excellent structural strength and gives a dynamic visual effect. Moreover, the split headlights, paired with the body featuring sharp lines, form a highly recognizable visual symbol. Inside, the design centers around Eastern aesthetics: turquoise green as the main color is accented by copper-hued finishes, creating an atmosphere that balances traditional charm with modern refinement.

Sustainability

MU12E embodies sustainability throughout the entire lifecycle. It employs a high-safety CATL battery and optimized energy management strategies, achieving a range of 500 km and low energy consumption of less than 0.79 kWh/km (a 15%–20% reduction compared to conventional counterparts). Advanced ECO-Chip 5.0 leverages data-driven learning to continuously improve energy management and driving behavior, contributing to closed-loop low-carbon operation. The bus with a modular architecture enhances maintenance efficiency and extends its service life. The seats adopt a blended fabric made from natural fibers, soft, breathable, and biodegradable.


Product Design - Commercial & Industry - International

This award celebrates creative and innovative design for either a component or overall product. Consideration given to aspects that relate to human usage, aesthetics, selection of components and materials, and the resolution of assembly, manufacturing and the overall function.
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