NAIAS Highlights: Concepts
Consumers help build Volvo vehicle
People logging onto www.conceptcars.volvocars.se are connecting with Volvo product development engineers. In a first for the Swedish automaker, a dedicated Internet website lets consumers pass along their impressions and comments about Volvo's Adventure Concept Car (ACC), unveiled at the NAIAS.
"We want to listen to our customers while there is still time for change," said Hans Gustavsson, Senior Vice President of Research, Development, and Purchasing for Volvo Cars. The ACC, when production-launched within the next two years, will be the automaker's first sport utility vehicle.
A four-, five-, or six-cylinder engine may power the production version. "Nothing has been ruled out," said Johan Hultstam de Valcy, Project Manager, Strategic Design for Volvo Cars. The ACC rides on the same platform as the S80 and S60 sedans as well as the V70 wagon.
The four-seat concept vehicle presents a minimalist cabin. "The prime design idea is to have a clean interior with few controls so there's little in the way to distract the driver," de Valcy said. Passengers have access to a refrigerator and television, though.
The production vehicle is targeted to have tailpipe emissions that meet ULEV and ULEV II requirements in the U.S.
- Kami Buchholz
