Volvo Goes Chrome-Free

Chrome is notoriously used by automakers to dress up today's cars-though usually this is limited to the exterior, with a few interior adornments. A little-known fact, however, is that chrome is used in leather treatment, and can trigger reactions in individuals allergic to the metal. That's why Volvo, in its infinite wisdom regarding all things safety, has opted to stop using chrome in the leather tanning process.

According to a press release issued Wednesday, chrome allergies can be triggered simply by touching leather that has been tanned in the material. Contact spurs eczema, a skin rash that can last for several days. The release says avoidance is the only long-term strategy-which is why Volvo is moving away from tanning materials containing chrome. All leather in Volvo cars is now put through a chromium-free tanning process, using natural or synthetic tanning materials instead.

Volvo also says the process they now use causes less environmental damage than tanning the leather with chrome.

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Ford Officially Looks at Selling Volvo Brand

Following months of denying it wasn't interested in selling its Swedish luxury brand, Ford Motor Company announced today it is considering selling off the Volvo Car Corporation as a move to restructure itself.

The announcement comes as Ford, preparing to face another round of Congressional hearings on a possible automaker aid package, is looking at ways to reduce its operating costs. In a release, Ford CEO Alan Mulally said it is "prudent for Ford to evaluate options for Volvo" as the company continues to implement its "ONE Ford" plan.

Similar rumors popped up earlier this year, when Ford sold both its Jaguar and Land Rover subsidiaries to India's Tata Motors. At the time, rumors swirled that Volvo was next on the chopping block, though Ford officials denied such a possibility existed.

Revealing the possible sale may help Ford executives while on Capitol Hill, but it won't aid the automaker in the halls of Sweden's parliament. Earlier today, Automotive News reported that Ford, along with General Motors, was approaching the Swedish government for an aid package targeted for Volvo and Saab, respectively.

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First exterior preview of Volvo S60 Concept

O.K, so it's not an exact clone of the Jag, but the fast roofline and rear fenders - which Volvo claims are "coupe-like" - remind us of the slinky XF. Though certain cues (i.e. the traditional Volvo grille, "cab-forward" proportions, and strong shoulders created by a high beltline) are distinctively Volvo, this may prove to be one of the strongest re-interpretations of Volvo's design language since the 1992 ECC concept.

If you find yourself liking what you see, we've even better news. According to Steve Mattin, Volvo Cars' design director, the concept's exterior, unlike the fanciful interior, gives "a clear indication of what customers can expect of the all-new S60." We'll know for sure when that car launches in 2010, but until then, we'll bring you the latest on the S60 concept as its Detroit debut looms ever closer.

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First Peek at Volvo S60 Concept for 2009 Detroit Auto Show

It isn't much, but this is our first peek at the Volvo S60 Concept Car, which will debut at the 2009 Detroit auto show.

Though the concept is reportedly indicative of the next-generation S60 sedan, Volvo's only showing us a photo of the concept's center console. The floating center stack section isn't surprising (it's used throughout much of Volvo's current line-up), but designers added an interesting touch: it's fabricated entirely of crystal.

"If you want to explore the full scope of Scandinavian design," said Steve Mattin, director of design at Volvo Cars, "Sweden's glassworks are a natural source of inspiration. Large glass areas are very much part of modern Swedish architecture, creating the special, light transparency."

As such, Volvo's teamed with Swedish glassware manufacturer Orrefors to craft the concept's center console. The task hasn't been easy - it is, after all, a large piece of glass, and it's also Orrefors' first attempt at precision glass casting (normally, its molds are hand-crafted).

While designers like the creative versatility allowed by a crystal console (we hear some LED piping will be installed), there's little chance of such a piece entering volume production. Still, the remainder of the S60 concept should be (relatively) ready for production. Should Volvo issue no further teasers of the sedan, look for its first public viewing at the Detroit show come January.

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