Cars in 2050 could be equipped to provide the ultimate in business travel, including Skype, a built-in bed and digital paint that could be used to match corporate colours.

Concept designs, developed by UK automotive marketplace Auto Trader in partnership with futurologist Tom Cheesewright, predict that corporate travel in 30 years’ time could be facilitated by driverless, pod-shaped electric vehicles featuring an inward-facing seating arrangement in the cabin, ideal for hosting meetings on the go, aided by in-built Wi-Fi capabilities and a large in-built TV.

The 2050 vehicle also features 360-degree panoramic windows with black-out functionality that can be activated with a quick tap.

‘Digital paint’ – which Auto Trader says could be widely available as early as 2040 thanks to advances in technology – would allow passengers to change the colour and style of the car from the tap of an app; enabling professionals to alter the colour of their vehicle to match their brand colours.

A built-in bed would also enable passengers to relax or catch up on sleep while in transit between meetings or whilst returning from late-night events or office parties. Bubble styling would also be put in place, bringing more head room to move while in transit and, along with the cabin set-up, enabling car pooling.

Auto Trader’s Rory Reid said: “The development of autonomous vehicles could completely transform the role that cars play in the business world, enabling motorists to reclaim the commute and fully make use of their time en-route to meetings and events. We can see the car of 2050 becoming an extension of the office, creating new levels of efficiency within the workplace.”

Auto Trader’s Car of the Future design and full report is available online.