In short, the process can be described as follows: the manager of the Volvo Cars design department supplies the model-car manufacturer with computerised data, original-specification paint samples, drawings and so on to ensure that the model cars can be made as realistic as possible. Using these specifications, the model-car manufacturer produces a prototype that has to meet the approval of Volvo Cars. After that, they start production.
However, it is not possible to make an exact scale model, downsizing from full-scale to miniature. There are several factors that have to be taken into account. The main consideration is the phenomenon that a “real” car and a model car are actually viewed from two entirely different perspectives. Nor is it possible to apply the exterior paint as on the real car – fingertip sensitivity is needed to achieve the right blend for the scaled-down model car.
There are more variants than the model cars created in connection with new-car launches. One new model for summer 2009 is a remote-controlled Volvo XC60 in 1:14 scale. Mattel has made a black Matchbox Volvo C30. The same company also produced a Volvo V70 for Barbie a few years ago. Sweden’s Viking Toys has produced toy versions of the Volvo C30, XC70 and XC90 in tough plastic for young kiddies to play with.
Over the years, some model-car makers have specialized in producing older Volvo models. At present there is a licence agreement for the manufacture of the Volvo 544, P1800, P120/Amazon, 144 and 240 Turbo. However, these are not sold through Volvo’s network but directly via the retail trade sector.
As well as providing support for new-model launches, carrying the brand further and generating profitability for Volvo Cars, these model cars naturally also serve as collector items. There are many model-car collectors the world over. Every year there are several major fairs where collectors meet and buy or trade collector models with each other.
Right now, in fact, Volvo is at an exciting planning stage for forthcoming collector models based on soon-to-be-announced new Volvo models.
“Our preparations are in full swing. Having said that, the forthcoming model cars are still only at the prototype stage,” says Yvonne Hall Tobiasson.
photo:Volvo
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| Volvo C30 from Mattel |
However, it is not possible to make an exact scale model, downsizing from full-scale to miniature. There are several factors that have to be taken into account. The main consideration is the phenomenon that a “real” car and a model car are actually viewed from two entirely different perspectives. Nor is it possible to apply the exterior paint as on the real car – fingertip sensitivity is needed to achieve the right blend for the scaled-down model car.
There are more variants than the model cars created in connection with new-car launches. One new model for summer 2009 is a remote-controlled Volvo XC60 in 1:14 scale. Mattel has made a black Matchbox Volvo C30. The same company also produced a Volvo V70 for Barbie a few years ago. Sweden’s Viking Toys has produced toy versions of the Volvo C30, XC70 and XC90 in tough plastic for young kiddies to play with.
Over the years, some model-car makers have specialized in producing older Volvo models. At present there is a licence agreement for the manufacture of the Volvo 544, P1800, P120/Amazon, 144 and 240 Turbo. However, these are not sold through Volvo’s network but directly via the retail trade sector.
As well as providing support for new-model launches, carrying the brand further and generating profitability for Volvo Cars, these model cars naturally also serve as collector items. There are many model-car collectors the world over. Every year there are several major fairs where collectors meet and buy or trade collector models with each other.
Right now, in fact, Volvo is at an exciting planning stage for forthcoming collector models based on soon-to-be-announced new Volvo models.
“Our preparations are in full swing. Having said that, the forthcoming model cars are still only at the prototype stage,” says Yvonne Hall Tobiasson.
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| Barbie Volvo V70 |
photo:Volvo