(Yicai Global) April 18 -- Italian car design company Icona Design Group is showcasing three concept vehicles, jointly developed with Chinese online retailer JD.Com, delivery giant Meituan-Dianping and Chery Automobile, at the ongoing Shanghai Auto Show 2019. 

Icona's three designs aim to resolve the issues regarding the transport of people and freight from one to 100 kilometres, Vice President Xue Nan told Yicai Global.

The Chinese market will become Icona's main source of clients and the firm is very optimistic about growth in China's new energy vehicle sector, Xue added.

Space-Pod, a robot that can deliver takeout food even inside buildings, made its first domestic appearance at the fair. Icona partnered with Meituan-Dianping to develop the bot that can carry three orders at a time and uses facial recognition. The device will be applied to Meituan's various business scenarios this year. Space-Pod was launched at the International Consumer Electronics Show held in Las Vegas in January.

Nucleus, one of the displayed models, boasts L5 autonomous driving capabilities, supported by technologies from Chinese startup HoloMatic. A driver's seat and a steering wheel have been removed to provide more comfort for a maximum of six passengers. 

The last autopilot concept is for cargo. JD.Com provided self-driving solutions up to L4 and Chery New Energy Automobile Technology manufactured the vehicle. Without a cockpit, the car can carry as much as 4,000 liters in goods.

Editor: Emmi Laine