Volvo Employs Women to Build Concept Car with Dirt-Repellant Glass

In December 2002, Volvo Car Corp. recruited hundreds of women employees to create a vehicle that suits their needs; the resulting concept vehicle is a 215-horsepower coupe with dirt-repellant glass and paint.

The sporty YCC concept (Your Concept Car) was shown publicly for the first time Tuesday during media preview days at the Geneva International Motor Show.

Hans-Olov Olsson, president and chief executive of the Swedish car maker, said the endeavor seemed logical given that the male-dominated industry is constantly trying to attract more women buyers.

Through customer research, Olsson said, the company discovered that women want everything in a car that men want in terms of performance and styling, "plus a lot more that male car buyers have never thought to ask for."

The car also requires an oil change only every 31,000 miles. When it's time for an engine inspection, the car sends a wireless message to a local service center, which notifies the driver. The vehicle has no hood, only a large front end primarily suited for opening by a mechanic. It also features a race-car-like fueling system with a roller-ball valve opening for the nozzle but no gas cap. The engine is a low-emission, gas-electric hybrid.