What Rinspeed does

Rinspeed AG is a privately held Swiss creative think tank and mobility laboratory, founded in 1977 by Frank M. Rinderknecht and incorporated as RINSPEED INC. in 1979. Headquartered in Zumikon near Zurich with a headcount of 1-10 employees, the firm designs and showcases visionary concept vehicles for the automotive industry rather than producing consumer products. Over 45 years it has built a portfolio of 26+ concept vehicles, including the 1986 Magic Steering Wheel (now standard in over one billion vehicles globally), the 2008 sQuba diving car, and a family of modular vehicle platforms (Snap 2018, microSNAP 2019, MetroSnap 2020, CitySnap 2022) demonstrating swappable Skateboard chassis and Pod bodies with hot-swap battery systems for last-mile logistics.

The firm's core technology proposition is modular vehicle architecture combined with autonomous-driving integration, sustainable urban logistics, and AR/Web3-enabled user experiences (sQuba 3D-NFT). Each concept vehicle is co-developed with a curated ecosystem of 30+ Tier 1 suppliers and technology partners including Harman, SAP, ZF, Osram, NXP, Kuka, Mahle, and Ibeo, and premiered at premier venues such as the Geneva Motor Show (40 consecutive years), CES Las Vegas, and IAA Transportation.

Rinspeed's revenue model is project-based and undisclosed (the firm states turnover is not published). Income streams include concept car development services for automotive OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, licensing and royalties from legacy innovations such as the Magic Steering Wheel, event and venue services at The Rinspeed Collection in Zumikon, keynotes by the founder, and a nascent NFT and digital-collectibles channel. Customers are concentrated in automotive OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, with additional corporate event clients. The company is family-held with no external investors, no subsidiaries, and no disclosed funding history; it sold its tuning activities to Mansory Switzerland AG in 2008 to refocus on the think-tank model.

Name

Rinspeed

Legal name

Rinspeed AG

Website

https://rinspeed.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1979

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Rinspeed AG is a Swiss mobility think tank and concept vehicle laboratory, founded 1979 by Frank M. Rinderknecht, designing visionary concept cars for automotive OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers through a curated partner ecosystem.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Automotive Concept Vehicles

NAICS

Motor Vehicle Steering and Suspension Components (except Spring) Manufacturing (336330)

SIC

Motor Vehicle Parts & Accessories (3714)

akta.pro primary industry

Light Electric Vehicles (NEVs/LSEVs/Quadricycles) Manufacturing (IMACAOAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Steering Systems & Components (Columns/Racks/EPS Pumps & Motors) (IMACAIAB), Automotive Infotainment, Telematics & Connectivity Hardware Manufacturing (TCU/V2X/GNSS) (IMACAJAH)

Keywords

• Concept vehicle development
• Automotive innovation consulting
• Mobility research lab
• Modular vehicle systems
• Autonomous driving prototypes

Headquarters

HQ city

Zumikon

HQ country

Switzerland

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Concept Car Development Services: Rinspeed develops custom concept vehicles and mobility solutions for automotive industry partners, working with major OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers on prototype development and innovation consulting.
2. Event and Exhibition Services: The company operates 'The Rinspeed Collection' as an exclusive event location for workshops, presentations, customer events, and company gatherings, with founder Frank M. Rinderknecht available for keynotes on mobility topics.
3. Licensing and Royalties: Rinspeed innovations have been widely adopted by the automotive industry, with the Magic Steering Wheel concept now standard in over one billion vehicles worldwide, generating licensing value.
4. NFT and Digital Collectibles: Rinspeed created 3D NFT one-offs including the sQuba NFT and offers buying options for vehicles in 'The Rinspeed Collection' through auction platforms.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Rinspeed AG develops visionary concept vehicles and mobility prototypes for the automotive industry, building one-of-a-kind showcase cars in collaboration with major OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers such as Harman, SAP, ZF, and Osram. Each concept demonstrates future technologies — including modular Skateboard/Pod architectures, autonomous driving, and sustainable last-mile logistics — and is unveiled at premier international auto shows. The company also operates The Rinspeed Collection event venue, delivers keynote speaking engagements, and licenses patented innovations such as the Magic Steering Wheel.

Product overview

Rinspeed AG is a Swiss creative think tank and mobility laboratory for the automotive industry with over 46 years of history. Rather than a single unified product, the company offers a portfolio of visionary concept vehicles showcasing future mobility technologies, along with experiential services. The core offering includes modular autonomous vehicle concepts (Snap, microSNAP, MetroSnap, CitySnap) demonstrating swappable chassis/body architectures and last-mile logistics solutions; self-driving passenger vehicles (Oasis, Σtos) featuring advanced AI assistants, social media integration, and multi-functional interiors; the iconic sQuba diving car and its 3D-NFT digital collectible; and The Rinspeed Collection event venue. Each concept car serves as a technology showcase built with global automotive supplier partners including Harman, SAP, ZF, and others. The company also offers keynote speaking engagements by founder Frank M. Rinderknecht. Notable innovations include the Magic Steering Wheel (now standard in over 1 billion vehicles) and various modular mobility systems.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• The Rinspeed Collection: The world’s most unique collection of 26 concept vehicles displayed at the event location in Zumikon next to Zurich.

Products and services

• CitySnap Concept Vehicle Fourth-generation modular concept vehicle for sustainable city logistics featuring mobile parcel station delivery system. Reduces required delivery vehicles by up to 50%, cuts CO2 emissions by 6% per package, and reduces delivery costs by 17% per package. Includes automated loading and unloading of exchangeable locker units, developed with partners EY, Keba, Mosolf Move-Tec, ams Osram, Gentex, Borbet, and others.
• sQuba 3D-NFT 3D NFT (Non-Fungible Token) digital collectible based on the iconic sQuba diving car concept. Features WebAR augmented reality experience accessible via QR code without app download. One-of-a-kind animated 3D installation bridging analog, digital, and underwater worlds, sold via auction platform.
• MetroSnap Concept Vehicle Modular electric vehicle with revolutionary Hot Swap system enabling rapid exchange of vehicle bodies (Pods) and batteries in seconds. Combines smart city logistics, supply chain, and passenger transport in a single platform. Skateboard chassis contains batteries that charge during pod-swapping operations. Built with partners including SAP, Harman, ZF, Clean Energy Global, Eberspächer, Ibeo, Schaeffler Paravan, and TTTech Auto.
• microSNAP Concept Vehicle Compact modular vehicle with dimensions comparable to a Renault Twizy. Features fully automated robot station for autonomous joining and separation of chassis and bodies. Designed for swarm deployment in last-mile delivery and micro-mobility passenger transport. Built with partners including Kuka (robotics), Mahle (48V traction motor), Hankook Tire, Luxoft, and NXP Semiconductors.
• Snap Concept Vehicle Revolutionary modular vehicle concept where chassis (Skateboards) and bodies (Pods) can be swapped at any time. Addresses the problem of diverging lifecycles between long-lasting vehicle bodies and short-lived IT/software components. Skateboards are recycled after a few years to avoid expensive hardware updates.
• Oasis Concept Car Self-driving electric vehicle for urban mobility featuring an integrated small garden plot behind the windshield. Equipped with Harman LIVS technologies, social media integration, voice and gesture controls, and a multi-functional interior that transforms into living room, office, or cinema. Developed with ZF in-wheel motors and torque vectoring for near-zero turning radius.
• Σtos (Etos) Concept Car Self-driving concept car based on BMW i8 platform featuring autopilot, integrated DJI drone with landing platform, and intelligent infotainment. Notable for folding steering wheel from ZF TRW that creates a workspace. Equipped with 8 HD cameras for 360-degree monitoring and a gaze-tracking system for driver awareness.
• The Rinspeed Collection (Event Location) Private collection of over 26 unique Rinspeed concept vehicles available for exclusive corporate events, workshops, and presentations. Located in Zumikon, Switzerland, next to Zürich. Includes the only functional diving car in the world. Venue offers keynotes on the future of mobility, sustainability, and autonomous driving.
• Keynotes & Speaking Engagements Keynote speeches and presentations by founder Frank M. Rinderknecht on mobility trends, autonomous driving, and innovation. Over 400 keynotes, lectures, panel discussions, and presentations delivered with multi-lingual experience.
• Magic Steering Wheel Innovation World's first multifunctional steering wheel with integrated controls, introduced in 1986. Now featured in over 1 billion vehicles globally. Became a global standard for steering wheel controls including radio, phone, and driving assistance functions, generating licensing value for Rinspeed.

Quantifiable outcome

• CitySnap modular delivery system reduces required delivery vehicles by up to 50%
• +3 more outcomes

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability11 records

Feature6 records

Partnerships

30 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• GIMS (Geneva International Motor Show)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Rinspeed CEO Frank M. Rinderknecht served as organizer and driver for Tour d'Excellence, an epic EV adventure covering 12,500km from Geneva to Doha and Oman with over 6,000km without available charging infrastructure.
• EY (Ernst & Young)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022EY analyzed the market attractiveness of CitySnap logistics solution and supports the development of the future ecosystem for modular mobility. Contributed study on individualization of mobility for the Oasis concept vehicle.
• Keba AGmajorTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2022Austrian company that adapted their known KePol parcel stations for mobile requirements, developing a lightweight mobile version for the CitySnap modular delivery system.
• ams OsrammajorTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2022Lighting technology supplier providing modern LED technology and innovative product solutions for headlights and rear lights of CitySnap and other concept vehicles.
• Borbet GmbHmajorTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2022Wheel partner providing stylish alloy wheels for Rinspeed concept vehicles including CitySnap (CW5 7.5x18 mistral anthracite polished glossy) and other vehicles.
• Mosolf Move-TecmajorTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2022German specialist for special vehicle construction and electromobility that technically implemented the CitySnap proof-of-concept vehicle.
• Harting Technology GroupmajorTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2022VW Group Award 2020 winner in e-mobility category and ID Buzz supplier. Provides robust, reliable, and user-friendly charging solutions for Tour d'Excellence EV adventures and intelligent antenna systems for concept vehicles.
• EmergemajorTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2022Visualization company specializing in NFT generation and content production with expertise in 3D data visualization, Web3, and Virtual Reality for the sQuba 3D NFT project.
• Mixed Reality I/OmajorTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2022Augmented reality specialist providing custom consulting for Metaverse entry and implementation of apps and platforms in mixed-reality environment for sQuba NFT AR experiences.
• photo baselminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2022Switzerland's first and only photographic art fair, held concurrent with Art Basel, where Rinspeed unveiled the sQuba 3D NFT one-off in June 2022.
• Gentex CorporationmajorTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2022US supplier providing sophisticated camera system and digital rearview mirror for CitySnap, helping drivers safely maneuver while monitoring package delivery operations.
• Strähle+HessmajorTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2022Innovative textile products partner providing sustainable textile design and coordinated interior design using recycled polyester with anti-viral and anti-bacterial treatment.
• SAP SEcoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2020Provides digital platforms that orchestrate and optimize future mobility concepts and transportation through data analysis, machine learning, and IoT. Connects OEM marketplaces and 3rd party in-car apps to enterprise backend systems in real-time.
• Harman InternationalcoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2020Samsung company providing advanced digital cockpit solutions, infotainment systems (LIVS - Life-Enhancing Intelligent Vehicle Solutions), and connectivity platforms including Harman Ignite Cloud for autonomous vehicle concepts.
• ZF FriedrichshafencoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2020Lake Constance-based supplier providing in-wheel electric motors, torque vectoring systems, and folding steering wheel technology for autonomous driving modes in Rinspeed concept vehicles.
• MHP (A Porsche Company)majorTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2020Focuses on intelligent mobility ecosystem for automated multi-modal transport solutions, providing software development for mobility platforms.
• StratasysmajorTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2020Provides innovative 3D printing on various materials for interior and exterior components of Rinspeed concept vehicles.
• Clean Energy GlobalmajorTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2020Berlin-based company providing modular and scalable Clean Energy Pack battery system for MetroSnap skateboard chassis.
• EberspächermajorTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2020Thermal management specialist controlling temperature in Pax Pod and Cargo Pod with heating/cooling solutions via app, plus autonomous power supply systems.
• Ibeo Automotive SystemsmajorTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2020World leader in laser scanner sensors for automotive, providing Lidar sensors for obstacle detection and autonomous driving in MetroSnap.
• Schaeffler ParavanmajorTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2020Provides Space Drive drive-by-wire system with street-legal, triple-redundant steering and braking systems for maximum safety.
• TTTech AutomajorTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2020Vienna-based company providing In-Car Compute Platform (ICCP) combining all vehicle functions in a single high-performance control unit.
• DekramajorTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2020Global experts organization testing security and proper functioning of data and information transfer in Rinspeed concept vehicles.
• Zürich Insurance GroupminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020Developing new business models for digital future including time- and use-dependent insurance premium models and coverage-as-a-service.
• Hankook TiremajorTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2019Global tire company and official tire partner for microSNAP, providing Ventus premium tires in sizes 195/40-17.
• KukamajorTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2019Augsburg-based robotics company providing robotics system and automated loading aid system for microSNAP.
• MahlemajorTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2019International leading development partner and supplier providing 48-volt traction motor with integrated systems solutions for microSNAP propulsion.
• LuxoftmajorTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2019Global software development partner supporting Level 2-5 projects with development teams and technologies for ground truth, modelling, and validation for environment models and software platforms.
• NXP SemiconductorsmajorTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2019Provides intelligent antenna for secure linking to outside world for software updates, Car-2-X communication, and infotainment. BlueBox serves as brain for automated driving, GreenBox ensures energy efficiency.
• ZHAW (Zürcher Hochschule für Angewandte Wissenschaften)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partnership with Zurich University of Applied Sciences for the Tour de Suisse Robotique project involving humanoid robot GIGI. Professor Theresa Schmiedel from the Institute of Information Systems (IWI) leads scientific research, while Professor Alexandre de Spindler develops GIGI at the SIRA Lab focusing on social intelligence and responsible interaction.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Italdesign Giugiaro: Italian automotive design and engineering house that develops concept cars and production vehicle programs for global OEMs — the closest functional analog to Rinspeed as a concept-driven B2B services firm for the automotive industry.
• EDAG Group: Germany's largest independent engineering services provider to the automotive industry, developing complete vehicles and concept prototypes for OEMs. Direct parallel to Rinspeed's concept development services though at much larger scale.
• Canoo: EV company built around a modular skateboard platform with swappable top hats — the closest technology analog to Rinspeed's Snap family concept architecture in terms of product vision.
• Bertone: Historic Italian concept car design house (now largely operating in design consulting after multiple restructurings). Concept-driven B2B services peer with comparable output (showcase concept cars for OEMs) and similar size profile.
• Pininfarina: Iconic Italian automotive design house with a 90+ year track record of concept vehicles for OEMs and now extending into its own EV brand (Mahindra-owned). Comparable to Rinspeed in concept-first ethos and OEM partnership model.

Broad incumbents

• Magna Steyr: Austrian contract automotive engineering and manufacturing giant that develops complete concept and production vehicles for OEMs (e.g., Toyota GR Supra, Mercedes G-Class). Broad incumbent in the same space, though at far larger scale than Rinspeed.

Emerging players

• Arrival: British EV startup developing modular electric vehicles targeted at urban logistics and last-mile delivery — a functional analog to Rinspeed's CitySnap modular delivery concept, though as a vehicle producer rather than a concept demonstrator.
• REE Automotive: Israeli EV platform company building modular skateboard chassis with corner modules for commercial vehicles — overlaps with Rinspeed's modular Snap/CitySnap architectural thinking and partner ecosystem approach.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/rinspeed
• Facebookfacebook.com/Rinspeed-174576285915337
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/rinspeed-ag

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Rinspeed