Volvo's stand at the Frankfurt Motor Show is brimming with confidence and swagger on the back of a reported 21 percent increase in sales. New products here include a face-lifted XC90 that should help maintain that trend. But the big news is an all-new concept, kept under wraps until the live unveiling here at the company's press conference. Called Concept You, it apparently will set the trend for Volvos to come.
More coverage from the Frankfurt Motor Show
Volvo Concept You
Volvo Concept You
Volvo Concept You
Volvo Concept You
What is it? A sleek, 4-door fastback. Volvo says the popularity of saloons with coupe overtones is growing in Europe, the United States and China. The Concept You is a toe in the water to see how far Volvo can push the idea.
What's hot? There's no switch gear at all; everything is controlled by a touch-screen that switches on when you look at it. Scandinavian designer-label chic can be found throughout, from Swedish carpet-maker Kasthall and menswear label Oscar Jacobson.
What's not? It's just a concept, and Volvo says no engines with more than four cylinders are in its planning. Still, it's hard to criticize too harshly; the whole point of this exercise is to sample customer and industry feedback.
How much and when? Clearly, the Concept You is little more than a styling exercise, but you can be sure it will be reflected in the next S80 and other cars to be spun off Volvo's Scalable Platform Architecture.
MSN Autos' verdict: Volvo's design and Scandinavian identity are reinforced with this concept — what a contrast to poor old Saab.
