Led by Samir Bantal, AMO, the think tank founded by Rem Koolhaas has announced a new partnership with Volkswagen to focus on the development of rural mobility. As a first step in the partnership, the team has begun a study for an electric tractor that will be developed for sub-Saharan Africa "to facilitate small-scale agriculture and increase the productivity of subsistence farmers." The project is currently on display at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York as part of the Countryside, The Future" exhibition by AMP and Rem Koolhaas.

AMO and Volkswagen hope to use this research to explore how different concepts of mobility can address challenges with aging population and decreased population in sub-Saharan Africa.

"The e-tractor project is a great example how we can link creativity and technology," said Benita von Matlzahn, Director of Cultural Engagement at Volkswagen in a statement. "And it shows what it needs when we understand mobility is a social right...Responding to the radical changes in the countryside is one vital step on that way."

Director of AMO Samir Bantal said in a statement: "Volkswagen’s interest in the countryside has triggered a new research collaboration that will spawn several projects through cross-pollinations between architecture, which is traditionally about stability, and Volkswagens expertise on mobility. We are excited to dive deeper into the issues of rural mobility together with Volkswagen’s experts."