This one is for Leroy
Hi Leroy,
It’s nice to know we have a long timer working on our retail side. I think you said you have been there for 12 years. You must be doing something right. Wow, that’s one huge stack of cars – Thanks.
Here is that video I did around 1997 with Peter Horbury talking about C70 design. This was the first time we met Peter and for years afterwards I found him always approachable with my never ending list of design-related questions. ‘Why is this curve here, in our doors?” And he would calmly answer “Because it adds depth to an otherwise flat piece of metal.”
He always talked about naming our cars. That the idea comes from having our horse tucked away for the night in a barn. The modern version is our garage. How Scandanivan design is different from all others, that their concept of Form and Function lends itself to creating a timeless design language. Heck, look at XC90. I agree it needs a refresh, but it still looks good. That was designed around 1985. I think S60/S80 have that timeless style. Even Porsche 928 still looks good today and it probably started life in a German design studio around 1975.
So here is Peter doing his thing. Please excuse the poor lighting and quality, and pay no attention to the guy behind that camera, which was a monster VHS tape rig that probably weighed 20 pounds.
dan
Posted in design, Designed Around You, Scandinavian Design | 3 Comments »A Brand Video About People
Around 1991 we were looking for a new advertising agency. When this happens, an agency that is presenting their proposal will show us what they think our brand is about, and some hit it dead on. One agency used a video where different people gave the same speech, cut it into segments and then compiled the different segments into one speech. It was very powerful and emotional. It really struck at the core of Volvo and why we are Swedish. Since then, this technique has been copied to death by many different brands but it still is very effective – a bunch of different people with the same message. Since it was a pitch to us, it never went public. Since we could not use it for advertising, we was for employees to understand people’s perception of Volvo. I think the working title was “The Brand.”
I’d like to share another video with you. It is only a minute, but the way it communicates who we are today and where we are going is very clear. That what we do, is and will always be about people. In 60 seconds, this is Volvo.
dan
Posted in Designed Around You, Volvo | 2 Comments »News from the L.A. Auto Show
Showing off concept cars is all about getting closer and closer to something very real. It’s interesting how we conduct design studies and show them off just to get our hearts beating above 125 BPM. About this new concept, I say, “can I please see the production one. Please Please Please.” I guess we’ll just have to wait this out a tad bit longer. Darn that car concept looks great.
Here are some good comments about our future, from one of our biggest critics, Swedespeed.com:
The key points are – we are environmentally responsible with CO2 emissions, maintaining our unique Scandinavian design, and to no longer be stuck between Luxury and, for lack of better word, Standard cars. Hearing what Jacoby is thinking and seeing how he is creating an organization to turn thoughts into product, we truly are heading North. Going to be an interesting ride.
Currently, XC90 is our oldest model. Just one tough work horse that keeps selling. Seeing what was shown out at Volvo’s Monitoring and Concept Center in California, the old gray mare isn’t going to be like she used to be.
dan
Posted in Auto Shows, concept car, design, Designed Around You, LA Auto Show, luxury | Comments Off
