Autodesk Alias software helps Volvo Car design

The fully-functional concept model was unveiled to critical acclaim at the Frankfurt Motor Show last autumn. However, getting to that point was not trivial, according to the company. Volvo says that, following the earlier success of its Concept Universe at the Shanghai Motor Show, in April 2011, the design team was under "extreme pressure" to further refine ideas and produce a working model, including interior, in a matter of months, ahead of Frankfurt. Using Autodesk Alias software, the concept modelling team was able to create digital prototypes from the designers' initial sketches. This, says Volvo, enabled the team to quickly hone and test the design on screen, so saving time and maintaining design integrity behind the concept. As a result, designers were able to optimise the surfacing and visualisation of the car quickly, without having to start from scratch with every iteration. As part of the design workflow, Volvo says it also used Autodesk Showcase software for visualisation. This enabled the concept to be communicated effectively to the design management team and board.