2003 Valmet Thunderbird Retractable Glass Roof - AllCarIndex
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2003
February 25, 2003
Valmet Automotive presents the Thunderbird Retractable Glass Roof Concept Car
Valmet Automotive presents at the Geneva Motor Show a new retractable concept car with glass roof. The Thunderbird Retractable Glass Roof has a fully automatic retractable roof with two glass panels. The structural parts of the panels are made of sheet metal and fully lined inside. The concept provides two models in one, top down a traditional convertible without restrictions and top up a hard top.
The fully automatic roof mechanism is robust and simple. The roof is operated by an electro-hydraulic actuation system. The roof folds smoothly into a compact package behind the seats. The automatically operated hard tonneau cover conceals the roof completely.
The Thunderbird Retractable Glass Roof concept car provides new unique features for customers. The retractable roof is neatly stowed in the space between the trunk and the seats and the tonneau cover is completely separate from the trunk lid. Due to smart packaging of the roof the size and shape of the trunk is not compromised and even the trunk lid is the same as on the original Ford Thunderbird.
The Thunderbird Retractable Glass Roof concept has been developed and manufactured in the Technical Center of Valmet Automotive in Uusikaupunki, Finland. The concept car is a unique car representing the specialty vehicle know-how of Valmet Automotive. Series production of this car is not planned.
Valmet Automotive has a long experience in the development and production of convertibles, their roof systems, body structures and interior solutions, and of total concepts for other niche vehicles. In over 30 years the company has manufactured 960,000 vehicles including nearly 300, 000 convertibles. In 2002 Valmet Automotive produced 41,000 vehicles consisting of Porsche Boxster and Saab 9-3 Convertible and 5-d models.
The expertise of our partner, ThyssenKrupp Automotive AG, in development and production of body, chassis and power train components has further enhanced our capability to provide OEMs with niche car projects. The comprehensive service package offered includes project management, product development, supplier management and engineering right through the vehicle manufacturing process.
SOURCE: Valmet
