Volvo to Offer Breakthrough Storage Space in XC40

One of the main issues when it comes to car interiors is the lack of options for storage of essentials like water bottles, wallets and smartphones. Volvo promises a clutter free experience in its new XC40 with several clever storage options.

To help come up with the best design for the model’s interiors, Volvo sent its customer research team to different parts of the world to understand how urban people use their as they go about their daily lives. They thus learned what people normally take along when they travel and what people really needed when it comes to storage.

Louiza Atcheba, model brand manager for the 40 Series at Volvo Cars said that many people complained about the lack of functional storage spaces inside a car. Shopping bags are always falling over, the phones keep disappearing and there is no space to safely stow your purse or wallet.

Based on the input its team received, Volvo came up with some clever solutions for the interiors like a  world-first, air-ventilated dashboard-mounted sub-woofer. To provide more storage space, the speakers have been moved away from the door. The doors now have enough space to accommodate a laptop, tablet or even water bottles.

The glovebox has a foldaway hook that makes it possible to secure shopping bags and take-away bags without having them move around inside the car. There is also a storage space under the front seat which is large enough for phones or a minitablet.

There are for cards that are regularly used like a fuel card, to be inserted into the dashboard, so that it is within easy reach when needed. There is a tunnel tunnel console below the armrest with plenty of room for a tissue box, and trash disposal becomes easy with a removable bin.

Conny Ewe Blommé, senior design manager at Volvo Cars said that when the team designed the tunnel, it was not just about making a nice design, but also about ensuring that cup-holders can be used as cup-holders and that there are areas for charging cables, coins and cards. Another focus area was to make a usable space for phones which offers wireless charging as well as USB ports.

Boot space is also important when it comes to storage. In the XC40, a smart floor system allows motorists to fold and separate their luggage. The full luggage space can be utilized without removing the floor from the car. The rear seats can also be folded down electronically to provide an easy-access flat loading floor.

Other distinctive features of the model include a fold-up trunk divider with two hooks to secure shopping bags or other luggage, and four load hooks to help load luggage. A private locking storage compartment has also been added under the load floor.

“A lot we have done with the XC40 is based on extensive consumer insight. With the XC40, we declare the end of clutter, making sure that everything is within arms-reach but also out of sight. It’s about clearing the clutter so you can clear your mind,” concluded Louiza Atcheba.