Volvo YCC
The Volvo YCC ("Your Concept Car") was a concept car launched in 2004. The project was intended to specifically address the needs of female drivers. In the fall of 2001 , Volvo put together a design team made up of women, which included Maria Widell Christiansen, Eva-Lisa Andersson, Elna Holmberg, Maria Uggla, Camilla Palmertz, Cynthia Charwick, Anna Rosén, Lena Ekelund and Tatiana Butovitsch Temm in the individual project phases was accompanied.
Outwardly, the vehicle resembled a futuristic four-seater coupe that had no bonnet. The front end of the vehicle had to be removed to gain access to the engine compartment. This required a workshop that was equipped with the appropriate equipment. The engine was designed in such a way that the oil change was only necessary after 50,000 km. Refueling and refilling the wiper reservoir was made possible by two ball valves without a lid. Studies carried out by Volvo had found (among many other things) that female drivers find removing covers particularly annoying.
The vehicle was equipped with run- flat tires , like those used in armored cars . This made it possible to visit a workshop even after a tire was damaged, and a tire change at the roadside could be avoided.
Two side wing doors were used as doors . The vehicle also had a tailgate that opened upwards , which gave access to the cargo area. All three doors were equipped with motors, which enabled wireless, contactless opening. Pressing a single button on the keychain opened the nearest door, making it easy for someone with bags of groceries or other items to load those items into the vehicle without leaving them on the floor or on the sidewalk .
The interior was optimized for easy-to-use storage space and good looks. All textile parts such as the seats or the door panels could easily be removed in order to vary the color and surface texture. The headrests had indentations for ponytailed drivers . The gearshift lever and the handbrake lever have been removed from the center console to give people in the front area of the vehicle better access to the large storage spaces in the dashboard. The rear seat could be folded up, similar to the seats in cinemas or theaters, to enable the driver to load large items without opening the tailgate.
The bumper and the body were made of sturdy, impact-resistant material to avoid dents. The hybrid drive was economical and powerful at the same time.
The vehicle was controversially discussed by many women who felt offended by it. Some criticized the fact that a car was made especially for women from impact-resistant materials, others were bothered by the door concept, which was specially developed to make it easier for children to load with shopping and get in.