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Product Designer
Product Manufacturer Product Description and Principal Function(s) ALLONGÉ’s first hearse, the GSB, is a hearse based on an extend chassis BF Ford Falcon Cab/Chassis ute. As a hearse, its function is to transport the coffined remains of a deceased person in a dignified and public manner, from a mortuary to a funeral service. An important function of a hearse in Australian culture is to display the coffin. This hearse elegantly fulfills the requirement by providing large windows integrated in a modern, distinctive design that draws the eye to the rear and practical focus of the vehicle.Key Product Features and Benefits The ALLONGÉ GSB is the first hearse in Australia to be comprehensively designed from the ground up by an Australian industrial design consultancy. It is also the first vehicle to extend the wheelbase of an AU - BF Ford Falcon in Australia. Common practice for hearse production is to take a station wagon, cut it in half and extend it. In using the ute format, the designer has had greater freedom. The production process moves away from tradition coach building techniques by using a reproducible strong fibreglass canopy, seamlessly integrated onto the ute platform.The resolution of the design has created a clean modern hearse whilst remaining appropriate to a dignified application. The visual vocabulary of the base model Falcon is carried through into the canopy with consistent radii and appropriately placed chamfered surfaces. The high roof line and more upright sides of the canopy create greater presence around the coffin space. Innovation also comes in the choice of off-the-shelf components used in this low volume production vehicle. High mounted tall vertical taillights are a first for an Australian hearse giving visual appeal and aiding on-road safety. Overly ornate fittings common in the funeral industry have been eliminated. The smooth lines and elliptical profile of the roof racks enhance the flowing lines of the vehicle. The flower rails in the rear are simple elegant pieces free from adornment. The interior features warm colours and softer finishes in contrast to the current practice of using cold hard materials such as stainless steel. This continues in the driver cabin where matching high quality double stitched leather is applied to the seats, door and dashboard trims. All interactions with a hearse must be carried out with ease and dignity. The ALLONGÉ GSB features a pull out roller from the coffin deck for initial landing of the coffin, and rollers to allow the coffin to move smoothly across the deck. The side glass opens out to provide easy access for laying flowers around the coffin. The raised roofline creates more space for flowers on top of the coffin as well as allowing bigger side windows to display the coffin. Storage of the necessary equipment for funerals, eg. coffin trolleys, is provided in integrated side hatches and storage space behind the driver’s seats. The ALLONGÉ GSB has an ample dual coffin carrying capacity. ALLONGÉ has excellent vehicle dynamics and passes essential automotive industry standards for maneuverability. It complies with all applicable ADRs. Highest quality materials are used throughout hearse. The fibreglass canopy seamlessly integrates with the base vehicle. Body panel gaps have been minimized across the vehicle. Fibreglass was chosen as it allows the production of complex forms in low volume. The fibreglass specification is a nautical standard, a higher quality than automotive standards. High grade vinyl is used in the rear for robustness and for easier cleaning. Steel used in the chassis extension is the same grade as used in the base vehicle to help ensure a long lasting chassis. |
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Design Mark
