Volvo
Unveils Car Designed by Women  Volvo
Cars unveiled a concept that's never been attempted in the more than 100 years
of auto manufacturing: the first car designed and developed almost exclusively
by women.
"Your
Concept Car" (YCC) already made its worldwide debut at the Geneva Auto Show
in Switzerland, but it will make its North American public debut on April 9 at
the New York Auto Show. After New York, it will tour select U.S. cities before
continuing its worldwide tour. Though
created from a woman's perspective, the car includes features appealing to both
sexes -- including easier maintenance, clever storage solutions, a better line
of vision, computer-aided parking and a bold, yet elegant, exterior. The
idea for the car began two years ago, when a group of women -- including engineers,
designers and marketers -- at Volvo's global headquarters in Sweden attended a
seminar that focused on how to better cater to women customers. Inspired by the
event, the women began questioning two facts: Women purchase about 65 percent
of cars and influence about 80 percent of all car sales; yet, for a century, men
have made most of the decisions in the design, development and production of a
car. Their
conclusion: If women -- whether they are single professionals, soccer moms, homemakers
or grandmothers -- do the bulk of car buying and driving, they should have a voice
in car design. After successfully lobbying Volvo management, they received approval
to create "Your Concept Car," designing it faster and at less cost than
most concept cars. Beginning today, the women are unveiling it to the world. The
car includes features not typically found in man-made cars. Among the dozens of
unique items: no hood; no gas cap; easy-clean paint; numerous exchangeable seat
covers of various colors and materials (linen, leather, felt, etc.); compartments
for handbags; gull-wing doors that make it easier to load and unload larger items
and children; computerized assistance for parallel parking; and improved sight
lines. Owners carrying large items can set the doors to open automatically when
they reach the doors.
 At
the point-of-purchase, retailers can conduct a body scan of the driver measuring
height and length of arms and legs. The data is stored in the vehicle's key, and
the car recommends a seat position for the driver that provides her or him an
optimal line of vision and reach. The car also electronically notifies the owner's
chosen service center when maintenance is due, and the service technician contacts
the owner to book the appointment. (CONTINUE...)
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