Volvo Reveals New Design Direction as Part of Brand Transformation

AsiaNet 54083

GOTHENBURG, Aug. 29, 2013 /PRM=KYODO JBN/ --

   Volvo Car Group reveals the Concept Coupe, the first of three concept cars

launched over a seven month period which will outline the future design

direction of the Swedish car brand. The unveil of the new design vision marks a

key moment in the rapid transformation of Volvo where the new design language

will focus on injecting more emotion into the brand. The culmination of the

three concept cars will become apparent when the iconic XC90 is launched at the

end of 2014. The new design philosophy is spearheaded by Thomas Ingenlath, the

new Senior Vice President of Design.

   To view the Multimedia News Release, please click:

   http://www.multivu.com/mnr/62408-volvo-reveals-new-design-direction

   The Concept Coupe takes design cues from the P1800, a car made famous by

Roger Moore in British TV drama "The Saint". Inspired by modern Scandinavian

lifestyle, it combines contemporary design with a Swedish twist. The Volvo

P1800 entered development in 1961 and is widely regarded as Volvo's most

internationally renowned model. More than 50 years down the line, the new Volvo

Concept Coupe reflects subtle links from the P1800's beautiful forms and

detailing.

   "The new Volvo Concept Coupe reveals how we could shape our cars from now

on. Free from the superficial surface excitement of other brands, we add

emotional value to the Volvo brand with the calm, confident beauty that is the

hallmark of Scandinavian design," says Thomas Ingenlath.

   The newly developed architecture and engine programme enables new and

exciting exterior as well as interior design, user interface and connectivity.

The concept car also includes a completely new approach to Volvo Cars'

human-centric user experience. A large portrait touch-screen in the centre

console interacts with an adaptive head-up display in front of the driver.

   The visual impact of the new proportions is most powerful when viewing the

Volvo Concept Coupe from the side. The distance between the dashboard and the

front axle has been extended and the rear passenger windows moved slightly

rearwards.

   The face of the Volvo Concept Coupe is characterised by the new topography

on the bonnet and the 'floating' grille, flanked by headlights featuring

radical T-shaped DRL light guides. Just like the rear light signature, the DRL

lights are distinctive elements in the new design direction of Volvo Cars.

   The blue-grey exterior is echoed on the inside of the Volvo Concept Coupe.

Refined, handcrafted elements such as the leather instrument panel, inlays made

of naturally aged wood and the dark-blue woven carpets are blended with

beautifully machined metal details.

   For more information, visit https://www.media.volvocars.com/

   Source: Volvo Cars