Volvo Car Corporation, or Volvo Personvagnar AB, is a Swedish luxury automobile manufacturer, owned by the Chinese Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, formerly of Swedish ownership. Volvo Car Corporation was founded in 1927, in Gothenburg, Sweden. Volvo was originally formed as a subsidiary company to the ball bearing maker SKF. When Volvo AB was introduced on the Swedish stock exchange in 1935, SKF sold most of the shares in the company. Volvo Cars was owned by AB Volvo until 1999, when it was acquired by the Ford Motor Company as part of its Premier Automotive Group. Geely Holding Group then acquired Volvo from Ford in 2010.
Volvo manufactures and markets a range of SUVs, station wagons (estates), and sedans (saloons), compact executive sedans and coupes. With approximately 2,300 local dealers from around 100 national sales companies worldwide, Volvo Cars' largest markets are the United States, Sweden, China, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Belgium. In 2011, Volvo recorded global sales of 449,255 cars, an increase of 20.3% compared to 2010.
Volvo manufactures and markets a range of SUVs, station wagons (estates), and sedans (saloons), compact executive sedans and coupes. With approximately 2,300 local dealers from around 100 national sales companies worldwide, Volvo Cars' largest markets are the United States, Sweden, China, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Belgium. In 2011, Volvo recorded global sales of 449,255 cars, an increase of 20.3% compared to 2010.
Founded
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14 April 1927
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Founder(s)
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SKF, Assar Gabrielsson and Gustav Larson
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Headquarters
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Gothenburg, Sweden
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Key people
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Li Shufu (Chairman)
Håkan Samuelsson (President and CEO),
Hans-Olov Olsson (Vice-Chairman)
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Parent
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Zhejiang Geely Holding Group
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Website
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History
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| Gustav Larson and Assar Gabrielsson |
Volvo company was founded in 1927 in Gothenburg, Sweden, The company was created as a subsidiary company 100% owned by SKF. Assar Gabrielsson was appointed the managing director and Gustav Larson as the technical manager.
"Cars are driven by people. The guiding principle behind everything we make at Volvo, therefore, is and must remain, safety", Assar Gabrielsson and Gustav Larson 1927.
+1927.png "Volvo logotype (PRV-registr.) 1927") |
| Volvo logotype (PRV-registr.) 1927 |
The trademark Volvo (which is Latin for I roll) was first registered by SKF the 11 May 1915 with the intention to use it for a special series of ball bearing for the American market (however in the application for the trademark, it was also designated for the purpose of automobiles), but it was never used for this purpose. SKF trademark as it looks today was used instead for all the SKF-products. Some pre-series of Volvo-bearings stamped with the brand name 'Volvo' were manufactured but was never released to the market and it was not until 1927 that the trademark was used again, now as a trademark and company name for an automobile.
The first Volvo car left the assembly line April 14, 1927, and was called Volvo ÖV 4. After this the young company produced closed top and cabriolet vehicles, which were designed to hold strong in the Swedish climate and terrain. In the registration application for Volvo logotype in 1927, they simply made a copy of the entire radiator for ÖV4, viewed from the front.
In 1964 Volvo opened its Torslanda plant in Sweden, which currently is one of its largest production sites (chiefly large cars and SUV). Then in 1965 the Ghent, Belgium plant was opened, which is the company's second largest production site (chiefly small cars). Finally in 1989 the Uddevalla plant in Sweden was opened, which is now jointly operated by Volvo Car Corporation and Pininfarina of Italy.
The first Volvo car left the assembly line April 14, 1927, and was called Volvo ÖV 4. After this the young company produced closed top and cabriolet vehicles, which were designed to hold strong in the Swedish climate and terrain. In the registration application for Volvo logotype in 1927, they simply made a copy of the entire radiator for ÖV4, viewed from the front.
In 1964 Volvo opened its Torslanda plant in Sweden, which currently is one of its largest production sites (chiefly large cars and SUV). Then in 1965 the Ghent, Belgium plant was opened, which is the company's second largest production site (chiefly small cars). Finally in 1989 the Uddevalla plant in Sweden was opened, which is now jointly operated by Volvo Car Corporation and Pininfarina of Italy.
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A collection of Volvo's most important historical vehicles are now housed in The Volvo Museum, which opened in a permanent location in Arendal at Hisingen on May 30, 1995. For several years, the collection had been housed at "The Blue Hangar," at the then closed Torslanda Airport.
In the early 1970s, Volvo acquired the passenger car division of the Dutch company DAF, and marketed their small cars as Volvos before releasing the Dutch-built Volvo 340, which went on to be one of the biggest-selling cars in the UK market in the 1980s.
In the early 1970s, Volvo acquired the passenger car division of the Dutch company DAF, and marketed their small cars as Volvos before releasing the Dutch-built Volvo 340, which went on to be one of the biggest-selling cars in the UK market in the 1980s.
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In 1999, Volvo Group decided to sell its automobile manufacturing business and concentrate on commercial vehicles. Ford saw advantages in acquiring a profitable prestige mid-size European automobile manufacturer, well renowned for its safety aspects, as an addition to its Premier Automotive Group. The buyout of Volvo Cars was announced on January 28, 1999, and in the following year the acquisition was completed at a price of $6.45 billionUSD. As a result of the divestiture, the Volvo trademark is now utilized by two separate companies:
- Volvo Group – a manufacturer of commercial vehicles, etc. owned by Swedish interests.
- Volvo Car Corporation or Volvo Cars – a manufacturer of automobiles owned by Zhejiang Geely Holding Group and formerly owned by Ford Motor Company.
Ford management
Volvo Car Corporation was part of Ford Motor Company's Premier Automotive Group (PAG), along with Jaguar, Aston Martin and Land Rover. While part of the PAG, the company grew in its range of vehicles significantly. |
| 2002 Volvo S80 |
After Ford sold Jaguar Land Rover to Tata Motors of India in 2008, the company initially decided to keep Volvo Cars despite mounting losses and gross economic downturns. Ford decided to restructure plans for Volvo Cars, pushing it further upmarket alongside the lower end of Mercedes and BMW sedans, wagons, and SUV crossovers. The outcome was the luxurious second generation Volvo S80 and the new small premium crossover Volvo XC60.
When the global economic crisis of 2008 threatened the US automakers, Swedish authorities became concerned about the fate of Volvo if Ford would file for bankruptcy. These concerns mounted after repeated mass-layoffs at Volvo. Ford announced in December 2008 that it was considering selling Volvo Cars. Initially, a sale price of US$6 billion was reported,. Ford reported it was also looking into the possibility of spinning off Volvo as an independent company. The Swedish government was asked to look into a possible state ownership of Volvo, or a financial bailout for Volvo Cars and SAAB of GM. Former parent AB Volvo agreed to help Volvo cut costs through partnerships, and suggested taking part in a shared ownership of Volvo Cars amongst a larger consortium. Other rumored candidates to purchase Volvo Cars included BMW AG of Germany, Investor AB of Sweden, Chinese investors, or Russian investors.
Although it was rumored that Volkswagen would buy Volvo Cars and despite initial denials, Chinese company Geely Holding Group was ultimately selected to takeover the Swedish automaker. Geely Group Holdings Co., allegedly bid between US$-1.5 billion to take over Volvo, with Goldman Sachs investing HK$2.59 billion (334 million USD) to the holding company.
When the global economic crisis of 2008 threatened the US automakers, Swedish authorities became concerned about the fate of Volvo if Ford would file for bankruptcy. These concerns mounted after repeated mass-layoffs at Volvo. Ford announced in December 2008 that it was considering selling Volvo Cars. Initially, a sale price of US$6 billion was reported,. Ford reported it was also looking into the possibility of spinning off Volvo as an independent company. The Swedish government was asked to look into a possible state ownership of Volvo, or a financial bailout for Volvo Cars and SAAB of GM. Former parent AB Volvo agreed to help Volvo cut costs through partnerships, and suggested taking part in a shared ownership of Volvo Cars amongst a larger consortium. Other rumored candidates to purchase Volvo Cars included BMW AG of Germany, Investor AB of Sweden, Chinese investors, or Russian investors.
Although it was rumored that Volkswagen would buy Volvo Cars and despite initial denials, Chinese company Geely Holding Group was ultimately selected to takeover the Swedish automaker. Geely Group Holdings Co., allegedly bid between US$-1.5 billion to take over Volvo, with Goldman Sachs investing HK$2.59 billion (334 million USD) to the holding company.
Geely acquisition
Ford Motor Company offered Volvo Cars for sale in December 2008, after suffering losses that year. On October 28, 2009, Ford confirmed that, after considering several offers, the preferred buyer of Volvo Cars was Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, the parent of Chinese motor manufacturer Geely Automobile. On December 23, 2009, Ford confirmed the terms of the sale to Geely had been settled. A definitive agreement was signed on March 28, 2010, for $1.8 billion. The European Commission and China's Ministry of Commerce approved the deal on July 6 and July 29, 2010, respectively. The deal closed on August 2, 2010 with Geely paying $1.3 billion cash and a $200 million note. Further payments are expected with a later price "true-up". It is the largest overseas acquisition by a Chinese automaker.
Stefan Jacoby, formerly chief executive of Volkswagen of America, became Volvo Car Corporation's President and Chief Executive on August 16, 2010, replacing Stephen Odell, who became chief executive of Ford Europe. Li Shufu became Volvo Cars' Chairman of the Board. His board members include Vice-Chairman Hans-Olov Olsson, a former president and chief executive of Volvo Cars, and Håkan Samuelsson, formerly chief executive of MAN.
Stefan Jacoby, formerly chief executive of Volkswagen of America, became Volvo Car Corporation's President and Chief Executive on August 16, 2010, replacing Stephen Odell, who became chief executive of Ford Europe. Li Shufu became Volvo Cars' Chairman of the Board. His board members include Vice-Chairman Hans-Olov Olsson, a former president and chief executive of Volvo Cars, and Håkan Samuelsson, formerly chief executive of MAN.
Safety
Volvo cars have long been marketed and stressed their historic reputation for solidity and reliability. Prior to strong government safety regulation Volvo had been in the forefront of safety engineering.
In 1944, laminated glass was introduced in the PV model. In 1958, Volvo engineer Nils Bohlin invented and patented the modern 3-Point Safety Belt, which became standard on all Volvo cars in 1959, and then made this design patent open in the interest of safety and made it available to other car manufacturers for free. Additionally, Volvo developed the first rear-facing child seat in 1964 and introduced its own booster seat in 1978.
The 960 introduced the first three-point seat belt for the middle of the rear seat and a child safety cushion integrated in the middle armrest. Also in 1991 it introduced the Side Impact Protection System (SIPS) on the 940/960 and 850 models, which channelled the force of a side impact away from the doors and into the safety cage.
To add to its SIPS, in 1995 Volvo was the first to introduce side airbags and installed them as standard equipment needed in all models in 1996. At the start of the 1995 model year, side impact protection airbags were standard on high trim-level Volvo 850s, and optional on other 850s. By the middle of the production year, they were standard on all 850s. In Model Year 1996, SIPS airbags became standard on all Volvo models.
Also in 1995, the Volvo 745 was recalled due to that the front seatbelts mounts could break in a collision.
In 1998 Volvo installed a head-protecting airbag, which was made standard in all new models as well as some existing models. The head-protecting airbag was not available on the 1996 C70 since the initial design deployed the airbag from the roof and the C70, being a convertible, could not accommodate such an airbag. A later version of the C70 featured a head-protecting airbag deploying upwards from the door, avoiding this problem. It has been stated by many testing authorities that side head protecting curtain airbags can reduce the risk of death in a side impact by up to 40% and brain injury by up to 55%, as well as protecting during a rollover. In 1998, Volvo introduced its Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS), a safety device to prevent injury to front seat users during collisions.
In 2004, Volvo introduced the Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), which detects vehicles entering the Volvo's blind spot with a side-view-mirror-mounted camera, and alerts the driver with a light. That year also saw Volvos sold in all markets equipped with side-marker lights and daytime-running lights. Also, since 2004 all Volvo models except for the coupes (C70 and C30) are available with an all-wheel drive system developed by Haldex Traction of Sweden.
In 2005, Volvo presented the second generation of Volvo C70, it comes with extra stiff door-mounted inflatable side curtains (the first of its kind in a convertible).
Even though Volvo Car Corporation was owned by the Ford Motor Company, the safety systems of Volvo are still standard on all Volvo vehicles. Volvo has patented all their safety innovations, including SIPS, WHIPS, ROPS, DSTC, and body structures. Some of these systems were fitted to other Ford vehicles in forms similar to those of Volvo systems, only because Volvo has licensed the FOMOCO and other PAG members to utilize these features.
A 2005 Folksam report puts the 740/940 (from 1982 on) in the 15% better than average category, the second from the top category.
In 2005, when the American non-profit, non-governmental Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) released its first annual Top Safety Picks vehicles list, none of Volvo's offered vehicles in the U.S. was included on the list. According to Russ Rader, a spokesman for IIHS, Volvo lagged behind its competitors. Dan Johnston, a Volvo spokesman, denied that the company's vehicles are any less safe than the Institute's top-rated vehicles, adding that
In 1944, laminated glass was introduced in the PV model. In 1958, Volvo engineer Nils Bohlin invented and patented the modern 3-Point Safety Belt, which became standard on all Volvo cars in 1959, and then made this design patent open in the interest of safety and made it available to other car manufacturers for free. Additionally, Volvo developed the first rear-facing child seat in 1964 and introduced its own booster seat in 1978.
The 960 introduced the first three-point seat belt for the middle of the rear seat and a child safety cushion integrated in the middle armrest. Also in 1991 it introduced the Side Impact Protection System (SIPS) on the 940/960 and 850 models, which channelled the force of a side impact away from the doors and into the safety cage.
To add to its SIPS, in 1995 Volvo was the first to introduce side airbags and installed them as standard equipment needed in all models in 1996. At the start of the 1995 model year, side impact protection airbags were standard on high trim-level Volvo 850s, and optional on other 850s. By the middle of the production year, they were standard on all 850s. In Model Year 1996, SIPS airbags became standard on all Volvo models.
Also in 1995, the Volvo 745 was recalled due to that the front seatbelts mounts could break in a collision.
In 1998 Volvo installed a head-protecting airbag, which was made standard in all new models as well as some existing models. The head-protecting airbag was not available on the 1996 C70 since the initial design deployed the airbag from the roof and the C70, being a convertible, could not accommodate such an airbag. A later version of the C70 featured a head-protecting airbag deploying upwards from the door, avoiding this problem. It has been stated by many testing authorities that side head protecting curtain airbags can reduce the risk of death in a side impact by up to 40% and brain injury by up to 55%, as well as protecting during a rollover. In 1998, Volvo introduced its Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS), a safety device to prevent injury to front seat users during collisions.
In 2004, Volvo introduced the Blind Spot Information System (BLIS), which detects vehicles entering the Volvo's blind spot with a side-view-mirror-mounted camera, and alerts the driver with a light. That year also saw Volvos sold in all markets equipped with side-marker lights and daytime-running lights. Also, since 2004 all Volvo models except for the coupes (C70 and C30) are available with an all-wheel drive system developed by Haldex Traction of Sweden.
In 2005, Volvo presented the second generation of Volvo C70, it comes with extra stiff door-mounted inflatable side curtains (the first of its kind in a convertible).
Even though Volvo Car Corporation was owned by the Ford Motor Company, the safety systems of Volvo are still standard on all Volvo vehicles. Volvo has patented all their safety innovations, including SIPS, WHIPS, ROPS, DSTC, and body structures. Some of these systems were fitted to other Ford vehicles in forms similar to those of Volvo systems, only because Volvo has licensed the FOMOCO and other PAG members to utilize these features.
A 2005 Folksam report puts the 740/940 (from 1982 on) in the 15% better than average category, the second from the top category.
In 2005, when the American non-profit, non-governmental Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) released its first annual Top Safety Picks vehicles list, none of Volvo's offered vehicles in the U.S. was included on the list. According to Russ Rader, a spokesman for IIHS, Volvo lagged behind its competitors. Dan Johnston, a Volvo spokesman, denied that the company's vehicles are any less safe than the Institute's top-rated vehicles, adding that
"It's just a philosophy on safety that is different from building cars to pass these kinds of tests."
In 2006 Volvo's Personal Car Communicator (PCC) remote control has been launched as an optional feature with the all-new Volvo S80. Before a driver enters their car, he or she can review the security level and know whether they have set the alarm and if the car is locked. Additionally, a heartbeat sensor warns if someone is hiding inside the car. The S80 is also the first Volvo model to feature Adaptive cruise control (ACC) with Collision Warning and Brake Support (CWBS).
In 2008 a French court found Volvo partially responsible for causing the death of two children and serious injuries of one in Wasselonne on June 17, 1999, when the brakes of a 1996 Volvo 850 failed. The court subjected Volvo to a 200,000 Euro fine.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), Volvo's S80 became one of 2009 Top Safety Picks Award winner. The previous versions of the S40 and S60 models (2005–09 models with standard side airbags) failed to attain the highest rating in their side impact test. However, according to the IIHS, in recent years Volvo Cars have still managed to maintain their high class safety ratings as seen in test results. The Volvo XC90, S80, C70, XC60, S60 and C30 are all rated Top Safety Picks in these crash tests. The 2013 models of the XC60 and S60 even received the Top Safety Pick+ rating.
Volvo has also scored high in EuroNCAP tests. Since 2009, all the Volvo models that EuroNCAP has tested have received 5 star safety ratings: Volvo C30, V40, V60, V60 Plug-In Hybrid, XC60 and V70. The new Volvo V40 (model year 2013-) even got the best test result of any car model ever tested in EuroNCAP.
In 2008 a French court found Volvo partially responsible for causing the death of two children and serious injuries of one in Wasselonne on June 17, 1999, when the brakes of a 1996 Volvo 850 failed. The court subjected Volvo to a 200,000 Euro fine.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), Volvo's S80 became one of 2009 Top Safety Picks Award winner. The previous versions of the S40 and S60 models (2005–09 models with standard side airbags) failed to attain the highest rating in their side impact test. However, according to the IIHS, in recent years Volvo Cars have still managed to maintain their high class safety ratings as seen in test results. The Volvo XC90, S80, C70, XC60, S60 and C30 are all rated Top Safety Picks in these crash tests. The 2013 models of the XC60 and S60 even received the Top Safety Pick+ rating.
Volvo has also scored high in EuroNCAP tests. Since 2009, all the Volvo models that EuroNCAP has tested have received 5 star safety ratings: Volvo C30, V40, V60, V60 Plug-In Hybrid, XC60 and V70. The new Volvo V40 (model year 2013-) even got the best test result of any car model ever tested in EuroNCAP.
Safety milestones
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| The Amazon was noted for its safety features, with a padded dashboard, front and rear seat belts and a laminated windshield |
(This list is not necessarily Volvo innovations, but dates when Volvo incorporated the technology into its cars)
- 1944 Safety cage
- 1944 Laminated windscreen
- 1957 Anchor points for 2–point safety belts, front
- 1958 Anchor points for 2–point safety belts, rear
- 1959 3–point safety belt, standard in front seats
- 1964 Rearward–facing child safety seat, first prototype tested
- 1966 Crumple zones front and rear
- 1966 Safety door–locks
- 1969 Inertia reel safety belts
- 1971 Reminder safety belt
- 1972 3-point safety belt, for outer rear seats
- 1972 Rearward–facing child safety seat
- 1974 Multistage impact absorbing steering column
- 1974 Bulb integrity sensor
- 1975 Braking system with stepped bore master cylinder
- 1978 Child safety booster cushion
- 1982 "Anti–submarining" protection
- 1986 3-point safety belt, for centre rear seat
- 1990 Integrated child safety cushion, in centre rear seat
- 1991 SIPS – Side Impact Protection System
- 1991 Automatic height adjusting safety belt
- 1992 Reinforced rear seats, in estate models
- 1995 Integrated child safety cushion, for outer rear seats
- 1997 ROPS – Roll Over Protection System (C70)
- 1998 WHIPS – Whiplash Protection System
- 1998 IC – Inflatable Curtain
- 2001 SCC – Volvo Safety Concept Car
- 2002 RSC – Roll Stability Control
- 2003 VIVA – Volvo Intelligent Vehicle Architecture, new front structure (S40, V50)
- 2003 Rear seat belt reminders (S40, V50)
- 2003 IDIS – Intelligent Driver Information System, a system that selectively blocks information to the driver in complex traffic situations and lets the information through once the situation has calmed down again (S40, V50)
- 2003 Volvo's Traffic Accident Research Team, inaugurated in Bangkok
- 2004 BLIS – Blind Spot Information System, informing the driver of vehicles in the blind spots, using a yellow LED in the A-pillars (S40, V50)
- 2005 DMIC – Door Mounted Inflatable Curtain (new C70)
- 2006 PCC – Personal Car Communicator (new S80)
- 2006 CWBS – Collision Warning with Brake Support, a system that warns the driver and gives brake support when a collision with another vehicle in front of the car is imminent (new S80)
- 2006 EPB – Electrical Parking Brake (new S80)
- 2007 DAC – Driver Alert Control, a Driver Drowsiness Detection system that alerts the driver when the system detects that he/she is becoming tired (S80, V70, XC70)
- 2007 LDW – Lane Departure Warning, a system that warns the driver for unintended lane departures (S80, V70, XC70)
- 2007 CWAB – Collision Warning with Auto Brake, a system that automatically brakes the car when a collision with another vehicle in front of the car is imminent (S80, V70, XC70)
- 2007 DA – Distance Alert, a system that helps the driver keeping a safe distance to the vehicle ahead, by continuously measuring the distance and lighting up the vehicle's Head Up Display if the time gap becomes shorter than what the driver has specified (S80, V70, XC70)
- 2007 Alcoguard, a hand-held device that the driver blows into before he/she can start the car, mainly aimed for the company-car sector, taxi operators, state authorities and municipalities (S80, V70, XC70)
- 2008 City Safety, a system that automatically brakes the car at speeds below 30 km/h (19 mph) if an obstruction is detected in front of the car (new XC60)
- 2010 Pedestrian Detection with Auto Brake, a system that warns the driver and automatically brakes the car when a collision with a pedestrian in front of the car is imminent (new S60)
- 2012 Pedestrian Airbag, covering the A-pillars and the lower part of the windscreen in case of collision with a pedestrian (new V40)
- 2012 Knee Airbag, for the driver (new V40)
- 2012 Upgraded City Safety, now working up to 50 km/h (31 mph) (S80, V70, XC70, XC60, S60, V60, new V40)
- 2012 LKA – Lane Keeping Aid, a system that steers the car back into the lane again if it's about to unintentionally drift out of the lane (new V40)
- 2012 RSI – Road Sign Information, a system that reads road signs and displays them in the information display, thereby helping the driver to remember speed limits, no-overtaking stretches, low-speed areas, etc. (S80, V70, XC70, XC60, S60, V60, new V40)
- 2012 Enhanced BLIS, now being able to detect approaching vehicles up to 70 meters behind the car (new V40)
- 2012 CTA – Cross Traffic Alert, alerting the driver of crossing traffic approaching from the sides (up to 30 meters away) when reversing out of a parking space (new V40)
- 2013 Cyclist Detection with Auto Brake, a system that warns the driver and automatically brakes the car when a collision with a cyclist travelling in the same direction as the car in front of the car is imminent (S80, V70, XC70, XC60, S60, V60, V40)
Car models
List of Volvo car models
Category
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Models
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Current models
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V40, C30, S60, S80, C70, V70, V60, XC60, XC70, XC90
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Historic models
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ӦV 4, PV4, PV650
Series, PV444, PV544, PV51-PV56, Amazon/120/130, PV36, PV60, Duett, P1900,
TR670 Series, PV800 Series, 340/360, S40, 66, Volvo 440/460/480, S60, 140,
240, 850, S70, 260, 740, 940,S80,164, 760, 960, S90, P1800, 1800S, 1800 E, 1800
ES, 242 GT, 240 Turbo, 850 T5/R, S/V70 T5/R, S60/V70 T5, S60/V70 R, 262C,
780, C70, V40, V50, 145, V70, V90, XC70
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Future models
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XC40
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Concept cars
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Venus Bilo, Philip,
Margarete Rose, Elisabeth, VESC, 1800 ESC, City Taxi, Tundra, VCC, LCP2000,
ECC, ACC, SCC, PCC, PCC2, ACC2, VCC, YCC, T6, 3CC, C30 Design Concept, XC60
Concept, ReCharge Concept, S60 Concept, DRIVe Electric, Universe Concept,
Concept You
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Early years
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- Volvo ÖV 4, a.k.a. Jakob
- Volvo PV650 Series
- Volvo TR670 Series
- Volvo PV 36 Carioca
- Volvo PV51
- Volvo PV800 Series (civilian (PV801, PV802, PV810, PV821, PV822 and PV831) and military (TP21/P2104, P2104))
- Volvo PV 60
- Volvo PV444/544
- Volvo Duett (Volvo PV445, P210)
- Volvo P1900
- Volvo Amazon/Volvo 122
- Volvo P1800
- Volvo 66
- Volvo C202
- Volvo C3-series (C303, C304 and C306)
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| 1987 Volvo 740, one of the few European passenger cars that can harbor a Europallet in its luggage compartment |
Tri-digit nomenclature
Starting with the 140 series in 1966, Volvo used a tri-digit system for their cars. The first number was the series, the second number the number of cylinders and the third number the number of doors; so a 164 was a 1-series with a 6-cylinder engine and 4-doors. However, there were exceptions to this rule—the 780 for example, came with turbocharged I4 and naturally aspirated V6 petrol engines and I6 diesel engines, but never an eight-cylinder, as the 8 would suggest. Similarly, the 760 often was equipped with a turbocharged I4 engine, and the Volvo 360 only had four cylinders. Some 240GLT had a V6 engine. The company dropped the meaning of the final digit for later cars like the 740, but the digit continued to identify cars underhood on the identification plate.
- Volvo 140 (Volvo 142, Volvo 144, Volvo 145)
- Volvo 164
- Volvo 240 (Volvo 242, 244, 245)
- Volvo 260 (Volvo 262C, 264, 265)
- Volvo 340 (Volvo 343, 345)
- Volvo 360
- Volvo 440/460
- Volvo 480
- Volvo 740
- Volvo 760
- Volvo 780
- Volvo 850
- Volvo 940
- Volvo 960
Post tri-digit models
- Released in 1998
- Volvo C70
- Volvo S70 Replaced the 850 saloon version
- Volvo S90 Replaced the 960 saloon version
- Volvo V70 Replaced the 850 wagon version
- Volvo V90 Replaced the 960 wagon version
- Released in 1999
- Volvo S80
- Released in 1996
- Volvo S40
- Volvo V40 Small wagon
- Released in 2004
- Volvo V50
- Volvo C70
- Volvo S70 Replaced the 850 saloon version
- Volvo S90 Replaced the 960 saloon version
- Volvo V70 Replaced the 850 wagon version
- Volvo V90 Replaced the 960 wagon version
- Volvo S80
- Volvo S40
- Volvo V40 Small wagon
- Volvo V50
Current models
Today, the company uses a system of letters denoting body style followed by the series number. S stands for saloon or sedan, C stands for coupé or convertible (including 3-door hatchback aka shooting brake) and V stands for versatile as in estate car. XC stands for cross country originally added to a more rugged V70 model as the V70XC and indicates all wheel drive paired with a raised suspension to give it a mock SUV look. Volvo would later change the name to the XC70 in keeping with its car naming consistent with the XC90. So a V50 is an estate ("V") that is smaller than the V70.
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| 1998 Volvo V70 estate |
Originally, Volvo was planning a different naming scheme. S and C were to be the same, but "F", standing for flexibility, was to be used on station wagons. When Volvo introduced the first generation S40 and V40 in 1995, they were announced as the S4 and F4. However, Audi complained that it had inherent rights to the S4 name, since it names its sporty vehicles "S", and the yet-introduced sport version of the Audi A4 would have the S4 name. Volvo agreed to add a second digit, so the vehicles became the S40 and F40. However, that led to a complaint from Ferrari, who used the Ferrari F40 name on their legendary sports car. This led to Volvo switching the "F" to "V", for versatile.
As of January 2012, all coupes (C30 and C70) are based on Volvo P1 small car platform.
As of January 2012, all coupes (C30 and C70) are based on Volvo P1 small car platform.
- Small Cars (Volvo P1 platform)
- Volvo C70 2006–present (M/Y 2005–)
- Volvo V40 2012–present (M/Y 2013–)
- Volvo V40 xc 2012–present (M/Y 2013–)
- Large Cars (Volvo P2 platform)
- Volvo XC90 2002–present (M/Y 2003–)
- Large Cars (Volvo P3 platform)
- Volvo S60 2010– (M/Y 2011-)
- Volvo V60 2010– (M/Y 2011-)
- Volvo S80 2006–present (M/Y 2007–)
- Volvo V70 2007–present (M/Y 2008–)
- Volvo XC60 2008–present (M/Y 2009–)
- Volvo XC70 2007–present (M/Y 2008–)
Concept cars
- Volvo Venus Bilo (1933)
- Volvo Philip (1952)
- Volvo Margarete Rose (1953)
- Volvo Elisabeth I (1953)
- Volvo VESC (1972)
- Volvo 1800 ESC (1972)
- Volvo EC (1977)
- Volvo City Taxi (1977)
- Volvo Tundra (1979)
- Volvo VCC – Volvo Concept Car (1980)
- Volvo LCP2000 (1983)
- Volvo ECC – Environment Concept Car (1992)
- Volvo ACC – Adventure Concept Car (1997)
- Volvo SCC – Safety Concept Car (2001)
- Volvo PCC – Performance Concept Car (2001)
- Volvo PCC2 (2002)
- Volvo ACC2 (2002)
- Volvo VCC – Versatility Concept Car (2003)
- Volvo YCC – Your Concept Car (2004)
- Volvo T6 (2005)
- Volvo 3CC (2005)
- Volvo C30 Design Concept (2006)
- Volvo XC60 Concept (2006)
- Volvo ReCharge Concept (2007)
- Volvo S60 Concept (2008)
- C30 DRIVe Electric (2010)
- Volvo Universe Concept (2011)
- Volvo Concept You (2011)
- Volvo Concept Coupe (2013)
Alternative Propulsion
Flexible-fuel vehicles
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| The 2005 Volvo FlexiFuel S40 was one of the first E85 flex cars launched in the Swedish market by a domestic automaker. The Volvo FlexiFuel is now offered on the European market |
Plug-in hybrids
The Volvo ReCharge is a plug-in hybrid concept car with an all-electric range (AER) of 60 miles (97 km). It was officially unveiled at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show.
On June 1, 2009, Volvo announced the launching of series production diesel-electric plug-in hybrids by 2012. The company plans to sell a series hybrid with the goal of achieving emissions of less than 50 grams of CO2 per kilometer. As part of a joint venture with Vattenfall, a Swedish energy company, Volvo converted two Volvo V70 to plug-in hybrid demonstrators that have been in field testing in Göteborg, Sweden since December 2009. Vattenfall offered customers participating in this trial the supply of renewable electricity generated from wind power or hydropower. Among other challenges, this test has allowed to experience the all-electric range at low temperatures, which has been a disadvantage of plug-in vehicles.
On June 1, 2009, Volvo announced the launching of series production diesel-electric plug-in hybrids by 2012. The company plans to sell a series hybrid with the goal of achieving emissions of less than 50 grams of CO2 per kilometer. As part of a joint venture with Vattenfall, a Swedish energy company, Volvo converted two Volvo V70 to plug-in hybrid demonstrators that have been in field testing in Göteborg, Sweden since December 2009. Vattenfall offered customers participating in this trial the supply of renewable electricity generated from wind power or hydropower. Among other challenges, this test has allowed to experience the all-electric range at low temperatures, which has been a disadvantage of plug-in vehicles.
Electric Car
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| The Volvo C30 DRIVe Electric concept car was exhibited at the 2010 Paris Motor Show |
Gas-turbine Hybrid
The Volvo ECC(Environmental Concept Car) was exhibited at the 1992 Paris Motor Show. The vehicles range on batteries alone was 90 miles (140 km), and when combined with a full tank of fuel for the turbine, about 415 miles (668 km).Production locations around the world
- Gothenburg, Sweden (Volvo Cars Headquarters and Safety Center)
- Hedared, Sweden Volvo Test Track
Assembly Plants
- Torslanda, Sweden (Volvo Cars Torslanda - Torslandaverken) 1964–present
- Volvo V70, Volvo XC70, Volvo S80, Volvo XC90, Volvo V60
- Ghent, Belgium (Volvo Cars Ghent) 1965–present
- Volvo C30, Volvo V40, Volvo S60, Volvo XC60
- Uddevalla, Sweden (Pininfarina Sverige AB) 1989–2013, since 2005 the factory is operated by Volvo Cars and Pininfarina. Production is ending in 2013.
- Volvo C70
- Chongquing, China (Chang’an-Volvo) 2009-Present
- Volvo S80L
- Chengdu, China (Zhejiang Geely-Volvo) (2013-Present)
- Volvo S60
- Daqing, China (Zhejiang Geely-Volvo) (Future Assembly Plant Opening 2014)
- Zhangjiakou, China (Zhejiang Geely-Volvo) (Future Engine Plant)
Engine Plants
- Skövde, Sweden (Engines)
- Floby, Sweden (Engine components, brake discs)
- Olofström, Sweden (Body Components)
Engine types
Volvo uses in-line, or straight engines in their production vehicles. Volvo is also known for the application of the in-line 5-cylinder engine to its vehicle line up since its introduction in 1993 in the Volvo 850.
- Side valve six – fitted into the PV651/2, TR671/4, PV653/4, TR676/9, PV658/9, PV36, PV51/2, PV53/6, PV801/2, PV821/2, PV831/2 and PV60 from 1929 to 1958
- B4B and B14A – fitted into the Volvo PV and Volvo Duett from 1947 to 1956
- B16 (A and B) – fitted into the PV, Duett and Volvo Amazon from 1957 to 1960
- B18 and B20 – 1.8 L/2.0 L OHV 8v fitted into all Volvo models from 1961 to 1974 except 164 (and 1975 U.S. Spec 240 models).
- B19, B21, and B23 – fitted from 1975
- B200 and B230 – 2.0 L and 2.3 L, respectively, SOHC 8v fitted to 240, 360, 700, 940 series cars from 1985
- B204 and B234 – 2.0 L and 2.3 L DOHC 16 valve engines
- B27/B28 and B280 – 2.7 and 2.8 L SOHC 12v developed together with Renault and Peugeot
- B30 – fitted to all 164 models
Transmissions
Volvo automatic transmissions in the past were made by the ZF Friedrichshafen company, but now the transmissions are co-developed with Aisin of Japan. Geartronic is Volvo Cars' name for itsmanumatic transmission.
- Volvo AW70 transmission
- Volvo AW71 transmission
- Volvo AW72 transmission
- Volvo M30 transmission
- Volvo M40 transmission
- Volvo M400 transmission
- Volvo M410 transmission
- Volvo M41 transmission
- Volvo M45 transmission
- Volvo M46 transmission
- Volvo M47 transmission
- Volvo M50 transmission
- Volvo M51 transmission
- Volvo M56 transmission
- Volvo M58 transmission
- Volvo M59 transmission
- Volvo M66 transmission
- IB5
- MTX-75
- MMT6
- Volvo M90 transmission
- Volvo ZF4HP22 transmission
- AW50-42 (4-speed automatic, FWD/AWD)
- AW55-50/51 (5-speed automatic, FWD/AWD)
- GM4T65EV/GT (4-Speed GM automatic, FWD/AWD)
- AWTF-80 SC (6-speed automatic, FWD/AWD)
- MPS6 (6-speed dual clutch Powershift, FWD)
Sales
Volvo Cars sales during 2010 (2009).
By market
1. United States 53,952 (61,426)
2. Sweden 52,894 (41,826)
3. United Kingdom 37,940 (34,371)
4. China 30,522 (22,405)
5. Germany 25,207 (25,221)
6. Belgium 17,969 (13,223)
7. Italy 17,509 (15,896)
8. Netherlands 14,308 (14,035)
9. France 12,211 (11,596)
10. Russia 10,650 (6,894)
Others: 100,363 (87,915)
2. Sweden 52,894 (41,826)
3. United Kingdom 37,940 (34,371)
4. China 30,522 (22,405)
5. Germany 25,207 (25,221)
6. Belgium 17,969 (13,223)
7. Italy 17,509 (15,896)
8. Netherlands 14,308 (14,035)
9. France 12,211 (11,596)
10. Russia 10,650 (6,894)
Others: 100,363 (87,915)
By model
1. XC60 80,723
2. V50 56,098
3. V70 48,877
4. XC90 37,597
5. C30 35,981
6. S40 31,688
7. XC70 22,068
8. S80 19,162
9. S60 14,786
10. S80L 11,778
11. V40 Unknown
2. V50 56,098
3. V70 48,877
4. XC90 37,597
5. C30 35,981
6. S40 31,688
7. XC70 22,068
8. S80 19,162
9. S60 14,786
10. S80L 11,778
11. V40 Unknown
Marketing
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| The symbol for Mars has been used since ancient times to represent iron |
The name Volvo, is Latin for "I roll".
Logo
The Volvo symbol is an ancient chemistry sign for iron. The iron sign is used to symbolize the strength of iron used in the car as Sweden is known for its quality iron. The diagonal line (a strip of metal) across the grille came about to hold the actual symbol, a circle with an arrow, in front of the radiator.
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| A model of a Volvo XC90 made of Lego pieces on display at Volvo Ocean Race – 2006 in Baltimore Inner Harbor |
Sponsorship
Volvo entered the European Touring Car Championship with the Volvo 240 in the mid-80s. The cars also entered the Guia Race, part of the Macau Grand Prix in 1985, 1986 and 1987, winning in both 1985 and 1986.
Volvo also entered the British Touring Car Championship in the 90s with Tom Walkinshaw Racing. This partnership was responsible for the controversial 850 Estate racing car, which was only rendered uncompetitive when the FIA allowed the use of aerodynamic aids in 1995. TWR then built and ran the works 850 Saloon, six wins in 1995 and five wins in 1996, and S40, one wins in 1997 in the BTCC. In 1998, TWR Volvo won the British Touring Car Championship with Rickard Rydell driving the S40R.
In 2008 Volvo entered the Swedish Touring Car Championship with a C30 powered by bioethanol E85 fuel. Robert Dahlgreen and Tommy Rustad were the drivers, finishing 5th and 10th respectively in the championship. Volvo have also signalled their intentions to enter the 2009 British Touring Car Championship with the same car.
The Volvo trademark is now jointly owned (50/50) by Volvo Group and Volvo Car Corporation. One of the main promotional activities for the brand is the sailing Race Volvo Ocean Race, formerly known as theWhitbread Around the World Race. There is also a Volvo Baltic Race and Volvo Pacific Race, and Volvo likes to encourage its affluent image by sponsoring golf tournaments all over the world including major championship events called the Volvo Masters and Volvo China Open.
Volvo sponsored the Volvo Ocean Race, the world's leading round-the-world yacht race for the first time in 2001–2002. The next edition is taking place between 2011 and 2012. Volvo has also had a long-standing commitment to the ISAF and is involved in the Volvo/ISAF World Youth Sailing Championships since 1997.
In 2011, Volvo Cars is the main sponsor of the winter sports and music festival Snowbombing in Austria.
Volvo has since the 1950s had special international sales programs for customers assigned abroad, for example Diplomat Sales, Military Sales and Expat Sales.
In 2012, Volvo signed NBA star Jeremy Lin to an endorsement agreement. Over the next two years Mr. Lin will participate in Volvo's corporate and marketing activities as a "brand ambassador" for Volvo Car Corp.
Volvo also entered the British Touring Car Championship in the 90s with Tom Walkinshaw Racing. This partnership was responsible for the controversial 850 Estate racing car, which was only rendered uncompetitive when the FIA allowed the use of aerodynamic aids in 1995. TWR then built and ran the works 850 Saloon, six wins in 1995 and five wins in 1996, and S40, one wins in 1997 in the BTCC. In 1998, TWR Volvo won the British Touring Car Championship with Rickard Rydell driving the S40R.
In 2008 Volvo entered the Swedish Touring Car Championship with a C30 powered by bioethanol E85 fuel. Robert Dahlgreen and Tommy Rustad were the drivers, finishing 5th and 10th respectively in the championship. Volvo have also signalled their intentions to enter the 2009 British Touring Car Championship with the same car.
The Volvo trademark is now jointly owned (50/50) by Volvo Group and Volvo Car Corporation. One of the main promotional activities for the brand is the sailing Race Volvo Ocean Race, formerly known as theWhitbread Around the World Race. There is also a Volvo Baltic Race and Volvo Pacific Race, and Volvo likes to encourage its affluent image by sponsoring golf tournaments all over the world including major championship events called the Volvo Masters and Volvo China Open.
Volvo sponsored the Volvo Ocean Race, the world's leading round-the-world yacht race for the first time in 2001–2002. The next edition is taking place between 2011 and 2012. Volvo has also had a long-standing commitment to the ISAF and is involved in the Volvo/ISAF World Youth Sailing Championships since 1997.
In 2011, Volvo Cars is the main sponsor of the winter sports and music festival Snowbombing in Austria.
Volvo has since the 1950s had special international sales programs for customers assigned abroad, for example Diplomat Sales, Military Sales and Expat Sales.
In 2012, Volvo signed NBA star Jeremy Lin to an endorsement agreement. Over the next two years Mr. Lin will participate in Volvo's corporate and marketing activities as a "brand ambassador" for Volvo Car Corp.
Volvo trademark lawsuit
In 1990, Volvo Cars filed a lawsuit against Hong Kong-based Club Volvo night club for infringement in Hong Kong High Court. The lawsuit ended with settlement where the night club paid 1 dollar to Volvo Cars. Since then, Club Volvo had been renamed to Club Borubo (which pronounced like Volvo in Japanese), and then Club Bboss (reference to Big Boss).Last updated on 13 September 2013 at 03:37.
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