(April 19, 2011) The photo is breathtaking. The Volvo Concept Universe shown this week at the Shanghai Auto Show is a large, luxurious sedan with a new "human-centric design language" that honors the beautiful lines of classic Volvo models — a masterpiece of what Volvo calls Scandinavian Design.


"The Concept Universe offers the world a sneak preview of what people can expect from our next top-of-the-line sedan," says Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO of Volvo.

The automaker has broadly hinted that the concept represents its future S80 flagship sedan.

The fact that Volvo has introduced the concept in China points up the company's aim to be a truly global company. Volvo says the Scandinavian Design is about understanding and caring about people, interpreting what buyers of modern luxury cars want.

"Just like fine luxury goods, this design feels handcrafted and durable enough to stand the test of time," says Peter Horbury, Vice President Design at Volvo. "We will compete with the best with our special kind of Scandinavian Design. It is unmatched in performance and technology, but without superficiality or complication."

According toe Volvo, the interior of the Concept Universe is a comfortable, cultivated environment that is also user-focused and refreshingly uncomplicated. It is driver-orientated in the front and comfortably relaxed in the rear.

"Our aim is to be the brand that best understands what buyers of modern luxury cars want. We are eager to hear what the most demanding Chinese customers think of this luxurious concept. Later, we will show the design in Europe and the United States in order to bring it into the global context that we are aiming for with all our car models," says Jacoby.