Beneath the bonnet

Beneath the Bonnet is an expanding foam cube that reveals hidden truths about the automobile industry. Each of the four sides represents a different car brand and shows how important facts were but still are kept secret to protect their image. On the Toyota side, a hidden cabinet is hidden behind a removable foam panel. Inside, a recreated memo from a partial recall is visible. This memo is where Toyota claimed its actions were a “win,” even though serious problems occurred. This secret spot shows how important information was hidden. The Tesla side features an animated sequence, where it starts with a clip from an official autopilot demonstration. Then, using glitch effects, the video suddenly cuts to footage of Tesla crashes. This change shows the difference between a smooth public demo and real dangerous events. On the Volkswagen side, two exhaust pieces are set into the foam. Inside, a VW logo with rotten moss represents the emissions scandal and the lies about clean diesel. Finally, the Ford side displays a sign that takes the old motto “Built to Last” and changes it to “Guilt to Last.” This simple change challenges how ford knowing their tire provider, firestone caused rollover crashes.

Juba Hadjali