Frem’s love for cars started at the age 15 when he began sketching them. But the serious work began at the university. Even though he was studying interior design, Frem presented a study to manufacture cars locally. Even then the project was not taken seriously until he executed a 1/3-scale model. Rather taken aback, his university went ahead and supported his ambitions, both morally and financially.
The first prototype, the F1 (Frem 1), was presented to the public in August 2008 with a design reminiscent of the Batmobile. Yet Frem sourced inspiration from wild animals, especially wolves with their long loose mouth. The workshop was a primitive garage near Beirut and the team consisted of three car mechanics. All parts and accessories were locally fabricated while the engine was borrowed from a VW car.
“We worked day and night despite all the incidents that devastated Lebanon in the last three years. This delayed financing,” says Frem. “I even had a close call when one of the bridges was bombed minutes after I crossed it with the car in July 2006 war.”
Specifications include a fibreglass body, independent suspension system, semi automatic gearing, a panoramic aluminium and glass roof, a steering wheel with a cooling system, reverse camera and sensors and lastly a navigation system. Limited financing of around 90,000 USD, 90 per cent of which was provided by the university, hampered more sophisticated specs.
The unveiling of this purely Lebanese designed and made car caused quite a sensation among the local and regional public and attention was attracted far and wide.
Determined to go further with his dream, Frem applied to the Michelin Challenge Design, a North American competition that gives visibility to original creative thinking and innovation in vehicle design. He was selected to be one of the 16 finalists from 220 designs submitted. Competitors included professional auto designers, design firms, independent designers and a handful of students, each relying on academic, corporate or official backup. Frem was the only solo player. His design, the FR1, proved to be a hit and the judges bestowed upon it the title of, “the most distinguished and drivable car” even though it did not win the competition.
Frem was upbeat about the experience and his opportunity to meet the judges who were design professors and executives from giant companies such as Honda, Ford and GM. The fact that they recognised his distinguished talents opened new channels of communication, the fruits of which he was reluctant to disclose.
His next big step is the Michelin Challenge Bibendum due to take place in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil in 2010. This contest boasts being world’s premire event in support of sustainable road mobility where industry, policymakers, academia and the media can review the latest technologies, debate policies and share their visions.
“Only your dream can build your nation,” asserts Frem, proudly pointing his car featured in New York Times. “Average Lebanese and Arab youth should know that they can realise their dream without being a descendant of aristocracies, dynasties or tycoons.” His ultimate dream? “To build a 100 per cent Lebanese manufactured car that can take part in Le Mans race or maybe even Formula One.” A colossal dream perhaps but each David has his Goliath.
