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t Thomas Ingenlath, senior vice
president of Design at Volvo:
"Enjoying a car with great power and
capabilities, at the same time as you
are safe and protected, gives a great
feeling of joy and freedom."
u The Volvo Pedestrian and Cyclist
Detection system uses radar and a
high-resolution camera system to
detect and classify pedestrians and
cyclists. Full automatic braking can
be engaged if the system determines
an accident is imminent.
t The Volvo Concept XC Coupé
is not only designed to be stylish,
but safe thanks to everything
from its fundamental structure
to the use of sensors.
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Which is what is expected from a designer.
What isn't is this: "Concept XC Coupé also shows how clever
engineering makes it possible for us to reinforce our world-
leading safety without compromising design, size or weight.
Thanks to the extensive use of high-strength boron steel and
structures with new, ingenious decoupling, we can make SPA
cars"—which refers to the Scalable Product Architecture that
is the basis of the vehicles that Volvo will be creating going
forward—"more compact and safer at the same time."
No, hearing about things like boron steel for safety isn't in the
least bit expected, unless the person talking is an engineer or works
for a steel company. But a designer? Well, obviously at Volvo.
There is another aspect of the safety focus that continues at
Volvo, one, again, somewhat unexpected. They've partnered
with a Stockholm-based sporting equipment company, POC
( pocsports.com ), that produces protective equipment for
skiers and bikers. About the relationship, Ingenlath said,
"POC's products blend functional design with lightweight,
high-performance materials that ofer the ultimate sense of
freedom and protection when things really get rough. This
is perfectly in tune with our aim to make functionality and
safety an emotional experience." Certainly an SUV—even
one as highly styled as the Concept XC Coupé—is about,
potentially, of-road or otherwise difcult performance, as
well as the ability to readily navigate the urban terrain.
While the vehicle does feature design cues that are inspired
by POC equipment (e.g., orange details and graphics; matte
rubber moldings), Volvo is working with the company on the
development of a system that not only detects cyclists and
0614ADP FEATURE Volvo.indd 31 5/21/2014 12:52:41 PM