As part of the Ford empire, Volvo's parent company already offers the Land Rover range, the Mazda Tribute, Ford's Explorer and the new Maverick, so the last thing it needs just now is another 'off-roader' in its range. Mind you, never say never . And now Volvo has just unveiled this - its SUV concept vehicle.
Known as the Volvo ACC (Adventure Concept Car), the newcomer is strictly a concept and is not destined for production in this guise. However it does indicate the way Volvo is thinking - and the company has confirmed that a Volvo SUV will make it to Europe's showrooms within the next two years.
"We want to show that we mean business when we say that we have what it takes to compete with the very best in the SUV segment," said Hans-Olov Olsson, president of Volvo Car Corporation.
Although Volvo's production SUV is unlikely to look like this, the ACC concept does encompass the five major strengths that the designers want to incorporate into the final product:
- Driving characteristics on a par with those of a well-balanced car.
- First class protection for all occupants in an accident.
- Powerful, responsive engines combined with competitive fuel economy.
- Emissions on the same level as a 'normal' car.
- Generous interior space without taking up too much room on the road.
"We are interested to see the kind of reception people give to a large Volvo SUV," confirmed Peter Horbury, Volvo's chief designer. "The target has been to find a design that is not as 'macho' as many other SUV models in the segment. We prefer to talk about a masculine appearance, a design that creates a sense of security. This is important in view of the fact that many SUV buyers are women who like the feeling of safety and control."
The Volvo ACC has four individual seats and what is claimed to be an exceptional equipment level. Among other things, passengers have access to a refrigerator, TV and a world-class audio unit.
Expected to go on sale in the summer of 2003, Volvo's new SUV will undoubtedly share major components with other Ford-produced 4x4s, such as Land Rover's nedgeneration Discovery and the American Explorer. Exactly how the production-ready vehicle will look though, remains something of a mystery. The ACC may provide a few clues but the newcomer's final design has yet to be signed off by Volvo's management.
