From:
http://www.klkntv.com/Global/story.asp?S=2434032

SHANGHAI, China, Oct. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Volvo Car Corporation turned the
international debut of its latest advanced low-emission technologies and
design solutions concept car into a case study revealing that
environmentally-friendly vehicles don't have to be boring.

Photos:
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20041015/LAF002
http://www.allsportauto.com/english/volvo-3cc.php (300 DPI)

Competing in the 7th annual Michelin Challenge Bibendum -- this year being
held in Shanghai, China -- the three-seater, lithium-ion electric powered
Volvo 3CC achieved the Gold standard for Acceleration, Braking, Energy
Efficiency, Low CO2, and Regulated Emissions. Volvo's concept car also took
home the prestigious award for "Best Design."

Michelin's clean vehicle event is a forwarding-looking showcase of
alternative energy solutions for sustainable mobility. Challenge Bibendum
promotes progress in the development of environmentally-positive vehicles by
providing an independent real world demonstration of advanced technologies.
Over 500 media attended the event from more than 40 countries.

"For Volvo, we wanted to demonstrate do-able ideas of delivering sustainable
mobility for future generations," says Volvo Car Corporation spokesman Dan
Werbin, Director Volvo Monitoring and Concept Center (VMCC) in Camarillo,
CA. "Our job is to be innovative in giving consumers smart mobility choices
that also reduce environmental impact and still be safe and exciting," he
said.

Volvo Car Corporation sees this exciting vehicle, with its advanced
materials, powertrain technology, and meticulous aerodynamics, as a tangible
'demonstrator' of a future where Volvo is heading.

Developed as part of Volvo's on-going study of looking ahead at
transportation trends, the 3CC grew out of an optimal mobility philosophy.

Lars Erik Lundin, VMCC, General Manager, notes there were challenges to
anticipating the needs of society and technological advancements of a future
scenario. "Our objective was to fulfill the requirements of sustainability
and environmental care, in a package that was functional and visually
desirable," he said. "A static display and talking about its capabilities
would have been acceptable for the concept, but making it drivable and
demonstrating the messages made it real."

The 3CC is powered by 3,000 lithium-ion cells and thanks to its aerodynamic
design accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 10 seconds. And because of its clean
energy solution there is no emission in the process.

"The 3CC is based on a future proof platform concept," said Ichiro Sugioka,
Chief Science Officer on the project. "This version is electric powered, but
a variety of powertrains can be used based on technology and regional energy
resources."

The 3CC is a technological demonstrator and there are no current plans for
production.

Joining the 3CC at the Challenge Bibendum was a bi-fuel Volvo S80 (powered
by methane [CNG or biogas] backed-up by petrol) and the Volvo S60 PZEV
(Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle developed to meet environmental legislation
in California). Collectively, Volvo staked a claim to 10 Gold standards for
the competition.

For more information on the Volvo 3CC:
http://www.volvocars-pr.com/index.asp?mediaid1=2350

Acceleration Braking Slalom Noise 3CC - A A C C S80 - A A B B S60 PZEV - A B
B C Emissions Fuel Efficiency CO2 3CC - A A A S80 - A B D S60 PZEV - A B C

CONTACT:
Stephen R Bohannon of Volvo Car Corporation
949-735-4376
sbohanno@ volvocars.com

+++

From:
http://www.conceptcar.co.uk/news/design/cardesignnews28.php

13th October 2004

Automotive & Design News:

Volvo's New 3CC

Volvo unveil their design for sustainable mobility

Volvo Car Corporation is rewriting the rulebook on how we will use our cars
in the future with its 3CC prototype being unveiled to the public for the
first time at the Michelin Challenge Bibendum in Shanghai, October 12-14.

Under the bonnet of the 3CC is an electric powertrain that quietly propels
the car to a governed top speed of over 135 km/h (85 mph) and delivers 0 to
100 km/h (62 mph) acceleration in approximately ten seconds with zero
emissions. The Volvo 3CC has dimensions similar to a classic 2-seater sports
car but incorporates a unique two-plus-one configuration, providing seating
for two adults in the front and a unique rear seat solution for an
additional adult or two children.

"With the Volvo 3CC, Volvo Cars is pioneering a new way of looking at
mobility so future generations can enjoy the same freedoms the car has given
my generation. We believe it is necessary to show new ways to reduce
pollution and congestion," says Lars Erik Lundin, Vice President & General
Manager of the Volvo Monitoring and Concept Center (VMCC).

The Volvo 3CC is the brainchild of the designers, engineers and business
people at the Volvo Monitoring and Concept Center think-tank in California.
Their task was to create a `future-proof concept' that would enhance
sustainable mobility. A car not only fuel-efficient, versatile, comfortable,
and safe, but also exciting to drive and look at.

"We want to connect in a positive way with consumers so that they say 'I
want to be seen in this car' ", Lars Erik Lundin explains. "We want to add
emotional value to people's lives by offering an environmentally compatible
car that appeals to all the senses, and which people want to drive."

Despite its small proportions, the Volvo 3CC has been designed to feel
spacious through organic lines, and light colors. Inside, the fixed eye
plane ergonomics and low profile A-pillar aim to create a sense of openness
aided by three transparent panels in the roof. As the doors open by swinging
upwards, a floating dash panel slides forward to ease ingress and egress. A
sliding seat system also assists access to the rear seat. The pedals also
adjust for individual requirements.


In the 3CC, Volvo aimed to attractively present a concept that was focused
on efficient mobility. This was achieved through good aerodynamics on a
compact footprint, lightweight body materials, and an electric powertrain.
Volvo opted to give the 3CC a high strength steel space frame and composite
sandwich floor panels for safety and reduced weight. The outer body is a
bonded one piece carbon fibre shell.

"The double floor used to house the electric energy storage makes the
concept future-proof in that the layout can be adapted for the most
appropriate powertrain in the future, whether it be petrol, diesel, biogas,
or hybrid electric," explains Ichiro Sugioka, Science Officer at VMCC in
California.

"In Shanghai, we are demonstrating the electric powertrain, one of the most
challenging to package into a vehicle, to highlight its potential where
there is abundance of renewable energy that can be converted to
electricity." Wind tunnel tests resulted in an enhanced aerodynamic
efficiency that is 30% better than the new S40 sedan.

With a potential driving range of over 300 km (180 miles) under certain
driving conditions, the torque-to-weight ratio is roughly comparable to the
V70 T5 but available over 0 - 3500 rpm. In typical driving conditions, about
20 percent of the energy can be recovered by regenerative braking. This
performance is achieved using a drivetrain specifically designed for the
3CC, although it too is a prototype. The electric power comes from
lithium-ion cells identical to those used in modern laptop computers that
are packaged in the thin sandwich floor.

Front wheel driven, the Volvo 3CC at Shanghai has double wishbone front and
rear suspension. The front suspension includes horizontally mounted
adjustable coil over shocks that give a low bonnet line. The rear suspension
includes vertically mounted adjustable coil over shocks. Due to the
vehicle's light weight and the power of the regenerative electric braking,
unassisted brakes provide good stopping power.

The interior of the Volvo 3CC offers dynamic ergonomic positioning for both
driver and front passenger. Unique solutions include replacing instrument
panel toggles with proximity sensors that are activated by a finger as it
gets to within 5 mm to adjust lights, climate, and audio system.

"Rather than refining existing cars and technologies for new markets, Volvo
has listened, questioned and speculated about the future and developed this
all new concept," says Lex Kerssemakers, Senior Vice President of Brand,
Product & Business Strategy. "We think the Volvo 3CC opens a door into that
future and we will develop the concept further."

More:
http://www.fuelcellsworks.com/Supppage1288.html

+++

From:
http://www.netcomposites.com/news.asp?2498

Volvo 3CC One Piece Carbon Fibre Prototype Provides Glimpse of Future

Volvo Car Corporation is rewriting the rulebook on how it will use its cars
in the future with its 3CC prototype being unveiled to the public for the
first time at the Michelin Challenge Bibendum in Shanghai.

The Volvo 3CC, featuring composite technology, is the brainchild of the
designers, engineers and business people at the Volvo Monitoring and Concept
Centre think-tank in California. Their task was to create a `future-proof
concept´ that would enhance sustainable mobility. A car not only
fuel-efficient, versatile, comfortable, and safe, but also exciting to drive
and look at.

"We want to connect in a positive way with consumers so that they say 'I
want to be seen in this car'," Lars Erik Lundin explains. "We want to add
emotional value to people's lives by offering an environmentally compatible
car that appeals to all the senses, and which people want to drive."

But Volvo Car Corporation's aim was not just to make the 3CC look good -
they also wanted to deliver on overall sustainable mobility goals by
providing excellent efficiency. Volvo has achieved this objective through
good aerodynamics on a compact footprint, lightweight body materials, and an
electric powertrain.

Volvo opted to give the Volvo 3CC a high strength steel space frame,
composite sandwich floor panels for safety and light weight and an outer
body which is a bonded one piece carbon fibre shell. The resulting chassis
rigidity together with its innovative suspension give the car great handling
characteristics.

"The double floor used to house the electric energy storage makes the
concept future-proof in that the layout can be adapted for the most
appropriate powertrain in the future, whether it be petrol, diesel, biogas,
or hybrid electric," explains Ichiro Sugioka, Science Officer at VMCC in
California. "In Shanghai, we are demonstrating the electric powertrain, one
of the most challenging to package into a vehicle, to highlight its
potential where there is abundance of renewable energy that can be converted
to electricity."

Meticulous wind tunnel tests resulted in an enhanced aerodynamic efficiency
that is 30% better than the new S40 sedan.

"Rather than refining existing cars and technologies for new markets, Volvo
has listened, questioned and speculated about the future and developed this
all new concept," says Lex Kerssemakers, Senior Vice President of Brand,
Product & Business Strategy. "We think the Volvo 3CC opens a door into that
future and we will develop the concept further."