Volvo C30 and... Adidas?
Subtly, the little Volvo C30 that recently joined the Swedish automaker's portfolio has found some of its inspiration... in the sport industry.
"We try to look elsewhere for inspiration, says Mr. Lamarre. We attend the big fashion shows and various sports exhibitions. We search for new, fresh elements. So, don't be surprised if your future car's interior has more to do with your house styling than with traditional automotive trends."
That's why the colors and patterns of the C30 are derived from... running shoes. "With the C30 Concept, we borrowed the 'bronze and white' theme of Adidas sneakers and the response was overwhelming. As a result, our production model features a white body and a bronze-colored lower cladding, which makes for an unprecedented design in the industry."
Car luggage
At GM, designers found their inspiration in luggage. The eco-friendly Chevrolet Volt Concept boasts an interior where soft, green-colored suede meets modern-looking, woven composite fibers.
The latter are inspired from quality luggage manufacturing, explains Mrs. Asensio. "Those woven fibers are ultra resistant -- look at what airline companies are doing with our suitcases. In the automobile, they allow new and unsuspected alternatives as well as forward-looking designs."
She adds: "With the Volt Concept, we managed to create extensible storage inside the door panels. That's quite an innovative feature. Unlike hard pockets, these storage compartments are more flexible and thus, more functional. It's kind of like a purse: you always seem to find enough space for all your belongings. In addition, the pockets use illuminated zippers to provide enhanced safety and style."
As we said earlier, light proves to be a precious ally...
Subtly, the little Volvo C30 that recently joined the Swedish automaker's portfolio has found some of its inspiration... in the sport industry.
 |
| The colors of the Volvo C30 Concept were inspired by Adidas sneakers. |
"We try to look elsewhere for inspiration, says Mr. Lamarre. We attend the big fashion shows and various sports exhibitions. We search for new, fresh elements. So, don't be surprised if your future car's interior has more to do with your house styling than with traditional automotive trends."
That's why the colors and patterns of the C30 are derived from... running shoes. "With the C30 Concept, we borrowed the 'bronze and white' theme of Adidas sneakers and the response was overwhelming. As a result, our production model features a white body and a bronze-colored lower cladding, which makes for an unprecedented design in the industry."
Car luggage
At GM, designers found their inspiration in luggage. The eco-friendly Chevrolet Volt Concept boasts an interior where soft, green-colored suede meets modern-looking, woven composite fibers.
 |
| Dashboard of the Chevrolet Volt Concept. |
The latter are inspired from quality luggage manufacturing, explains Mrs. Asensio. "Those woven fibers are ultra resistant -- look at what airline companies are doing with our suitcases. In the automobile, they allow new and unsuspected alternatives as well as forward-looking designs."
She adds: "With the Volt Concept, we managed to create extensible storage inside the door panels. That's quite an innovative feature. Unlike hard pockets, these storage compartments are more flexible and thus, more functional. It's kind of like a purse: you always seem to find enough space for all your belongings. In addition, the pockets use illuminated zippers to provide enhanced safety and style."
As we said earlier, light proves to be a precious ally...