United Arab Emirates, Dubai, October 13, 2008: Volvo Cars has engaged world-famous Swedish glassworks organization, Orrefors, in the creation of the next concept car, which will be a first taste of the next-generation Volvo S60. The unique new concept, a floating centre stack of hand-made Orrefors crystal, will go on display for the first time at the Detroit international motor show in January 2009.

In this concept car, the graceful, crystal-clear centre stack forms a gentle wave from the instrument panel all the way to the rear seat backrest. "It almost looks like a waterfall from the instrument panel, flowing through the centre of the car," says Volvo Cars design director Steve Mattin. The crystal panel rests softly on rubber pads and with the help of invisible light sources the crystal's shimmering glow can be tailored to match the driver's mood.

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

He adds: "In a concept car, you are able to release your imagination and creativity. Our iconic, super-thin centre stack was the perfect subject. We reinterpreted it and gave it a refined new form. Then it was up to Orrefors to use their superb skill to transform our exciting vision into reality."

Roula Beiruty, Marketing Manager of Volvo Cars ME said: "This task was an exciting test for us and Orrefors experts. However both parties embraced the challenge and the result is one of the most unusual and skill-intensive objects ever produced for a Volvo vehicle. Producing the stack was in itself a task of anticipation - even for the experienced experts at Orrefors. Volvo continuously seeks creative futuristic change and we promise the automotive industry even more innovation ahead."