Volvo’s new design director, Steve Mattin, believes Volvo should remain unique and independent. Mattin was formerly
with Mercedes-Benz where he created the A-Class, the S-Class, the C-Class sports coupe and the SL. I don’t know why the
previous Volvo designer, Peter Horbury, isn’t with Volvo any more, but I thought they were heading in the right
direction – sleeker and more aerodynamic, but still retaining its distance from its parent, Ford. However, this quote
from Mattin is particularly disturbing: “I tend to live the brand – it is fixed in your brain and becomes impregnated
in your soul.” Um, yeah, not only does safety conscious Volvo want the market on pregnant women, but also wants to
impregnate my soul.
UPDATE: Peter Horbury now leads Ford’s North American design. Thanks, Nick.