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It was the ground-breaking design of the first Volvo C70 that captured the imagination of critics and consumers alike, and began to change the way that Americans look at Volvo automobiles. Today, the C70 Coupe and Convertible have become the keystone of the new school of design that has transformed the entire Volvo model line. But the evocative style that broke the stereotype of the square, stolid Swede is matched by exhilarating performance and elegant luxury, making the C70 Coupe and Convertible worthy competitors in the market for premium coupes and convertibles.
Beneath the taut, muscular shape and sensuous lines lives the power to fulfil the promise of performance made by the new design. For the C70 Coupe, that means a powerful 236 hp 5-cylinder, 2.3-liter engine with inter-cooled high-pressure turbo and 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission. The C70 Convertible expands the possibilities with the addition of a 190 hp, 2.4-liter engine with light pressure turbo and 5-speed automatic. Available Stability and Traction Control, standard 4-channel ABS brakes with sophisticated electronic force distribution, dazzling 16- and 17-inch wheels, and delicious leather trim and wood accents are among the many ingredients that make the C70s genuine touring automobiles.
Can safety be stylish? It can in a Volvo C70, with three-point seatbelts and head restraints at all seating positions, side impact protection system (SIPS) with enhanced side airbags, and WHIPS whiplash protection seats as standard equipment. (The C70 Convertible even provides roll-over protection with the unique ROPS system.)
"I intended to set the stage for future design with the C70 Coupe. I wanted a Volvo that would be desired, one with ageless styling and yet show our past. This is our first true sports coupe in almost 30 years. I intentionally challenged my design team to create a new styling language for Volvo," comments Volvo's Chief of Design, Peter Horbury. "I threw away the box and kept the toy."
Coupe and Convertible Buyers
Most coupe buyers are male, in their mid-40's. Their reasons to buy are design and performance. They are "spec sheet" buyers who are looking for unique design. The will cross-shop other coupes - a lot. And thrive on analysis before making their decision.
Convertible buyers are predominately (70%) women. For them, it's more about "wind in your face" rather than performance and drivetrain. The convertible buyer's attitude is "I've earned this car, I owe it to myself." They tend not to cross-shop. This is more of an impulse decision than one of analysis.
Competitive Gro 10510c21k up
Coupe: BMW 3 Ci series and M3, Lexus SC300/400 and MB CLK Coupe.
It has the comfort, safety engineering, handling and fuel economy of a sophisticated European wagon - but it's not a wagon. It has the ground clearance, all-wheel-drive and rugged appeal of an SUV - but it's not an SUV. Meet the 2001 Volvo Cross Country, a versatile, stylish vehicle that combines the best of both worlds.
The 2001 model has more of everything that made the first generation Cross Country so successful: improved performance (197 hp and 5-speed automatic), greater all-road capability (with amazing 8.2-inch ground clearance), and ready-for-adventure good looks (taller tires, flared fenders and attractive body cladding). With real-world traction and control to match its good looks, an imaginative interior with optimum flexibility from 40/20/40 split rear seat, and a host of useful options and accessories, the new Cross Country is sure to appeal to consumers looking at SUVs for the first time as well as existing SUV owners who want to get back to civilization.
Occupant safety doesn't take a back seat to fun in Cross Country. Based on the acclaimed Volvo large car platform (which helped the Volvo S80 earn the first 5-star/5-star side impact crash test rating), the Cross Country incorporates the company's latest safety innovations, including dual-stage front airbags, side airbags (part of the SIPS Side Impact Protection System) and Inflatable Curtain, as well as WHIPS whiplash protection seats and other features. PremAirT catalytic radiator technology helps reduce ground level ozone and convert it to oxygen, Öko-Tex certified materials inside the car are free from harmful substances to improve air quality, and a clever interior air management and filtration system all contribute to improving the environment.
"Without question, our Cross Country has been a total success. When we brought out this vehicle, we were not quite certain it would sell. We were thankfully wrong. We see even strong sales this year with our completely redesigned Cross Country, one that takes rugged outdoor styling to a higher level. It takes the best of a wagon and adds rugged outdoor appeal to an already outstanding new wagon series," comments Volvo Cars of North America CEO and President Mark LaNeve. "Almost since the beginning, this one vehicle continues to account for roughly 50% of all our wagon sales. We don't see this trend stopping. In fact, we intend to expand this line with additional products."
Cross Country Buyers
They tend to be between 35 and 45 years old. Likely married, but without children. Almost identical to S60 buyers. However, where the S60 buyer tends to have an urban orientation, Cross Country buyers are suburban in nature. They have strong family orientation with lots of self-expression in their lives. Household income is around $155,000. Approximately 45% have cross-shopped an SUV and about 11% have traded in one for a Cross Country.
Competitive Gro 10510c21k up
BMW X5, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Audi All Road, Lexus RX 300, and MB M-Class.
The new Volvo S60 is a sophisticated sedan with cutting-edge technology, a coupe profile and a sporty soul, built with Volvo's legendary safety engineering.
Based on Volvo's P2 platform, the S60 uses high torsional stiffness and refined suspension tuning to deliver dramatically improved ride quality with exceptional handling. Highly evolved 5-cylinder engines with available turbocharging, automatic or manual 5-speed transmissions, and state-of-the-art braking and traction control systems confirm S60 as a fine European sedan with a performance pedigree.
The cockpit design of the S60 optimizes the driving experience with clear instruments and logical controls, comfortable orthopedic seats and other driver-centric creature comforts. And the S60 delivers more. The coupe profile belies the S60's spacious interior with comfortable seating for five The smooth, aerodynamic shape and exceptional build quality make the interior a quiet, refined environment.
Safety features abound with standard Side Impact Protection System with side airbags and Inflatable Curtain, Whiplash protection seating, seat belts with pyrotechnic pre-tensioners in all seating positions, dual-stage front airbags, plus Volvo's safety cage construction. Extensive personal security features and industry-leading environmental control technologies are reassuring evidence that the Volvo S60 is the modern interpretation of the sporty sedan for thoughtful buyers.
"My mandate was to design a car that will appeal to younger people, those who wouldn't normally consider a Volvo. In short, design a Volvo sedan that is inspired by a sports car and drives like one," comments Volvo's Chief of Design, Peter Horbury.
"I wanted to bring forward recognizable symbols of our past, design elements that define Volvo. The grille is derived from performance turbos of our past. The strong 'V' hood line is lifted from our 122 series and the strong shoulder line from our 140 series. But I also wanted something bolder. I brought in the C70 Coupe roof line and, with clever packing, created a rather comfortable rear seat for tall passengers," states the S60 designer Giza Loczi. "It's a true Volvo sedan with the heart and soul of a coupe."
S60 Buyers
They will be around 35-38 years old and relatively successful early in life, 50/50 split between men and women. Pre-family or late-start families with median income around $100,000. Well educated and early adopters of technology: Palm VIIs, Internet phones. They are confident but not cocky, value merit over title and likely self-employed or work for a start-up. Value authenticity - opposed to traditional status symbols. Demographics like the new MB C-Class, but don't need the 'badge'.
Competitive Gro 10510c21k up
Trade-ups are expected from Toyota Camry, VW Passat, Honda Accord, Acura. They will cross-shop from A4 2.8, BMW 3-series, MB C-Class.
Since its introduction in 1998, the elegant Volvo S80 sedan has carved out a growing share of the market for premium luxury sedans and earned an enviable reputation for its unique ability to deliver style with safety, sophistication with practicality, and luxury with environmental responsibility. The flagship of the Volvo Car Corporation line, the 2001 Volvo S80 refines the car's benchmark safety and environmental performance while enhancing comfort and convenience.
With silky-smooth power from a pair of highly evolved in-line 6-cylinder engines, a choice of sophisticated stability and traction control systems, and acclaimed ride and handling, S80 performance meets the high standards expected of a European luxury sedan. A host of technical innovations, from mirrors with memories to headrests that fold at the touch of a button, provide the complete driving experience.
While the S80 surrounds its owners in supple leather upholstery and subtle Scandinavian colors and designs, and soothes them with premium audio offerings, it also protects them with Volvo safety engineering. Pioneering innovations such as Inflatable Curtain for side impact protection and WHIPS whiplash protection seating, plus dual-stage front airbags and SIPS side impact protection with side airbags, make S80 the industry standard for occupant protection. Protection for the environment is also a priority for the Volvo S80, with features like the PremAirT radiator to help reduce ground level ozone, an all new internal air quality filtration system and the auto industry's first Environmental Product Declaration of environmental practices.
"In the S80's first year, it out-sold many luxury sedan competitors. Our flagship sedan is capturing buyers who never considered Volvo as a competitive alternative to other European luxury automobiles. Dollar for dollar, one would be hard pressed to find another sedan with the ride quality, safety engineering, value for the money, and built with concern for our environment, as is our S80," comments Mark LaNeve, Volvo Cars of North America CEO and President.
S80 Buyers
They are the company's oldest owners with median age of 55. Very married, empty nesters who are senior managers in their professions. They consider the S80 handsome, luxurious, roomy and safe. They are coming out of domestic cars and are "move ups" from cars like the Toyota Camry.
Competitive Gro 10510c21k up
Acura 3.5 RL, Audi A6, BMW 5-series, Cadillac Seville, Jaguar S-Type, Lexus GS300/GS400, Lincoln Continental and LS, MB E-Class, Oldsmobile Aurora, and Saab 9-5.
Americans abroad are sometimes surprised to see Volvo cars in limousine service, slicing through the streets of the world's capitals and commercial centers, delivering diplomats and executives in comfort, style and, of course, safety. For 2001, an executive version of the popular S80 luxury sedan is available in North America, tailored to the needs of the executive fleet operator or the owner seeking just a little extra.
Dimensionally identical to the S80 2.9 and S80 T6, the S80 Executive concentrates on optimizing the interior for comfort, convenience - and business. The executive rear seating provides 2 inches of additional rear legroom and includes a rear center console with DVD player, 68-channel color TV, video screen, 12-volt refrigerator and audio/video remote control.
Uniquely styled rear seating assures comfortable seating for two. A wide center rear console provides space for video screen, additional DC voltage plugs, and controls for heated rear seats, electric rear window sun shade and the DVD player.
The full array of technology and safety innovations that furnish the 2.9 and T6 versions are also available in the S80 Executive, including powertrain, audio, convenience and comfort features. Standard safety features include: Dual stage front air bags, Side Impact Protection System with side impact air bags, Inflatable Curtain, and Whiplash Protection Seating, just to mention a few.
S80 Executive Buyers
Corporate executives who are occasionally driven to meetings or airports. Affluent families who have children or grandchildren that can be entertained for hours on end. Also chauffeured transportation services that want to provide a unique business or entertainment environment for rear seat customers.
Competitive Gro 10510c21k up
Mercedes Benz E-class, BMW 5 and 7 series, Audi A-6/ A-8, Lincoln Town Car, Cadillac Seville.
Safety engineering, versatile practicality and built without compromise as a premium wagon, the new Volvo V70 is designed for families who want a little fun with their functionality. With three models and an array of family-friendly features, the new V70 expands Volvo's world-wide leadership in the market for premium wagons.
Innovative design and clever engineering permits owners to optimize the interior of the new V70 with features like a two-position rear seat backrest (to accommodate larger cargo without folding seats forward), a folding grocery bag holder hidden under the cargo area floor, fold-up table for the rear seat, and a myriad of little touches like strategically placed hooks for purses and coats. But family transportation doesn't have to be dreary: the new V70 offers a choice of performance packages with three engines (two with turbo power) and two available transmissions. Poised handling with available stability and traction control systems contribute to a dynamic driving character.
The 2001 V70 wagon interprets the new Volvo family design language with smooth, arresting lines reflective of the S80 luxury sedan, yet maintains the functional rear cargo area necessary in a versatile wagon. Based on the same platform architecture as the S80, and sharing its structural integrity, the V70 is certainly the safest Volvo wagon ever built. Dual-stage front airbags, three-point seat belts at all seating positions, SIPS side impact protection with side airbags and Inflatable Curtain, WHIPS whiplash protection seating and the first standard ISO-FIX attachment for rearward-facing child safety seats help safeguard modern families.
"Volvo wagons have been one of our strongest year-to-year best-sellers that continue to account for about 32% of our total sales. They have come to symbolize Volvo's brand identity and are a strong link to our past. Today, the new V70 showcases true Scandinavian design where form and function are combined to not only delight the eye, but please our buyers' concerns for utility," comments Volvo Cars of North America CEO and President, Mark LaNeve. "V70 stands for 'V'ersatility. Our versatile offerings have been a home run with us. In the past, Volvo wagons were like medicine; customers knew they needed it, but it wasn't very pleasant. Today, we've updated our wagon line by adding truly wonderful styling. Now it's a wagon that people desire.as well as need."
V70 Buyers
Quintessential Volvo owners. Primarily married, with two young children and maybe with a Fido or two. They are well educated and value family and friends. Household income is around $110,000. Principal driver is split evenly between men and woman.
Competitive Gro 10510c21k up
Audi A6 Avant, BMW Wagon, MB E-Class and Saab 9-5 wagon.
Volvo
1927 /
All models of the make
Décennies - 1920
The years1920
Pv 4 (1927)
Volvo was founded by Assar Gabrielsson and Gustav Larson, allegedly during a meal consisting of crayfish, in 1924. Their first car, the 1944cc Jakob, was in production by 1927.
Born in 1891, Gabrielsson had studied economics, and was sales manager for the Swedish bearings company SKF, at the time he joined up with Larson. The latter was four years older, and had worked for automotive company White and Poppe in Coventry, England, from 1911 to 1913, before joining SKF in 1917. In 1920 he left and was working as technical manager for AB Galco when he was reunited with Gabrielsson.
The scheme was to build a vehicle more suited to the Scandinavian climate than were US imports, utilizing high-quality Swedish steel and bought-in components. Gabrielson financed the completion of ten prototypes, with bodies styled by Swedish artist Helmer Mas-Olle. Marine engineers Pentaverken built and supplied the engines, and SKF was sufficiently impressed to fund the production run of the first thousand cars, built at Lundby, near Gothenberg, from 1927. SKF also allowed the partners to use one of the company's patented names: AB Volvo, which derives from the Latin 'I roll', with its obvious connotations of bearings in action.
Ov4 (1927)
The company had planned to build 500 cabriolets and 500 saloons but, in the event, only 205 of the steel-bodied open cars were produced, compared with 721 of the closed fabric-bodied PV4 models. In 1929, a three-liter straight-six was introduced, designated the PV650, and this enjoyed and eight-year production run until 1937, during which time there were capacity increases to 3.2 and 3.6 liters, with a few long-wheelbase chassis made for specialist coachbilders. The PV36 of 1936 bore a similarity to the Chrysler Airflow.
Concurrently Volvo was also producing 1.5 ton trucks, from 1928, and a range of taxis known as TRs, based on the PV4. The trucks actually outsold the cars until World War II.
The years1930
Tr 671 (1930)
By 1932, the company was in profit and operating from its own factory; output was well over 900 cars a year, although demand slackened slightly due to economic factors during the mid-1930s. SKF relinquished control of Volvo with a stock flotation in 1935, and at the same time Volvo took over Pentaverken which, as AB Penta, became in 1949 the marine-engineering unit of Volvo.
Sweden's neutrality allowed Volvo to maintain production during WWII, although the production figure of 2,834 cars in 1939 fell back to a low of 99 in 1942. The 50,000 Volvo was a truck, built in 1941.
The years1950
Duett (1953)
Volvo's first post-war car was the stylish PV444, which had been conceived in 1942 and featured independent front suspention and coil springs at the rear. This proved an important model in that it gained Volvo a foothold in the US. For the first time, cars outsold trucks, prompting a major investment program which saw several derivatives of the PV444 produced, including some estates and light commercials. Some 500,000 units were made, including the PV544 development, which was built until 1965, and the PV210 estate which was in production until 1969. In 1958, Volvo invented the 3-point safety belt, considered the most important safety feature of all time.
Not noted for its adventurous styling, Volvo came out with a short fun of 67 glassfiber sports cars, based on the PV444, and styled in the US in 1955 by Glaspar. The project was squashed when the Suez crisis threatened vehicular indulgence.
The years1960
P 210 Duett (1961)
The company's next venture into the world of the semi-erotic was to be the P1800 coupe of 1961, styled initially by Italian coach builders Ghia and finished off by Frua. To start with, bodies were made by the British firm of Pressed steel after Karmann pulled out, and the vehicles were assembled by Jenson at West Bromwich, near Birmignham, England. However, Volvo found sufficient capacity and resourced to shift production to Sweden in 1963, where the car continued to be made until 1973 in the form of a sporting estate-like car called the P1800ES. The P1800 won lasting fame as the car driven by actor Roger Moore in film adaptations of THE SAINT detective stories, and the 115 bhp engine was also used by Facellia and Marcos sports cars.
Gabrielsson retired in 1956, although he remained chariman until his death in 1962. Larson died in 1968, but the pair had already intiated developement of the P120 series prior to Gabrilsson's retirement. The 121 saloon was known as the Amazon, but only marketed with this nomenclature in Sweden because of a prior claim to the name by German motor-cycle manufacturers Kriedler.
A new factory was built with Swedish Government backing at Torslanda, and opened by King Gustav Adolf in 1964. Volvo had already started to build its cars in Canada and Belguim. The millionth car was an Amazon, in 1966, and in the same year, the 140 series was announced. The six-cylinder 164 appeared in 1968 and, by 1970, the Amazon was phased out. The 144s were updated to become 240s in 1974, and a further facelift produced the 244 saloons and 245 estates, which also now include diesel and turbocharged options. The 260 series of 1974 was fitted with the PRV 2.7 liter V6 engine, a unit developed jointly by a consortium of Peugeot, Renault, and Volvo.
The years1980
245 (1981)
By 1983, output has reached five million cars, and included the 760 series, launched in 1982. These somewhat angular cars were powered by a 2.8 liter V6 diesels from VW, or turbocharged 2.3 liter fours, and a spacious estate followed in 1985.
The same year's Geneva auto show also saw the launch of a Bertone-designed 780 coupe, based on the 760 wheelbase. This was hardly a sports model, although it did preface the introduction in 1986 of the Volvo 480ES, a front-drive hatchback which was conceptually rather similar ot the P1800 ES. The 480 used a 1.7 Renault engine, and was built in the Netherlands at the Volvo BV plant.
This particular factory came into Volvo ownership when the company acquired a 75% stake in DAF's car division. Volvo had started negotiations with DAF as early as 1969, and gained its controlling interest after a series of financial moves. In 1976, DAF's four-cylinder Variomatic -transmission 66 model became a Volvo, heralding the introduction of the rather mundane 340 series. By 1981, the Dutch government had invested sufficient capital in the company to reduce Volvo's stake to a 30% share.
240 (1981)
Throughout the '80s, Volvo launched several new models, including the extremely popular 240, the 740, the 760, the 940, and the 960 (later the S90). These cars were very rectangular, and most were luxurious.
The years1990
940 (1990)
As Volvo started the 1990s, much speculation surrounded it regarding a possible deal with Renault. The deal was to take advantage of economies of scale and maximize the benefits of joint activities in purchasing, with a target of raising the number of shared parts suppliers, and therefore shared components, in order to reduce product costs. The planned link would have put the Renault-Volvo group as the third largest manufacturer in Europe with a 12.3% market share. In the event, the link-up never took place.
In 1992, a new car, the 850, was launched. The 850 was a big departure for Volvo. Unlike its previous large cars, the 850 was front-drive and used an all-new five-cylinder engine. Top of the range was the 850 T5 with a turbocharged 2.3 liter engine. Performance was astounding, and surprised many drivers. The 850 was the first car in the world to have side airbags, too. The car still had Volvo's traditional angular styling, albeit updated, but had the performance of a real sports sedan. Volvo entered the T5 estate in the BTCC (racing) where it competed very succesfully against much sportier-looking cars. (The S40 eventually replaced this car in racing).
By the late 1990s, Volvo had dropped the 3-figure model names and extended its range. The biggest shock was a Volvo with curves. The S/V40 range was the result of a joint venture with Mitsubishi. The styling of the car was much more up to date than its predecessor, the 440. In fact, the V40 wagon was named most beautiful estate car by an Italian magazine.
940 (1990)
The 850 was facelifted in 1996 with two new cars, the S70 sedan and the V70 wagon. These two cars advanced Volvo technology by adding 4-wheel drive to the list of options availiable on Volvo cars. A variant of the wagon, the V70XC, was created to battle the now growing sport-utility market. It's suspention was higher than the V70's, and it had added plastic to make it look more macho.
In 1998, Volvo introduced two new cars. The first car was an off-shoot of the S70; it was a coupe named the C70. This car was beautiful, and easily competed with rivals BMW and Mercedes. (a Convertible was launched later) The second car that was introduced by Volvo was the S80. The S80 was on an entirely new platform. The S80 was the replacement for the S90, but it was completely different. For one, it was extremely good looking, with no angles, all curves. It introduced two new safety features: whiplash protection and side impact curtain airbags. It was Volvo's safest car ever.
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VOLVO HISTORY
Volvo was founded by Assar Gabrielsson and Gustaf Larson, allegedly during a meal consisting of crayfish, in 1924. Their first car, the 1944cc Jakob, was in production by 1927.
Born in 1891, Gabrielsson had studied economics, and was sales manager for the Swedish bearings company SKF, at the time he joined up with Larson. The latter was four years older, and had worked for automotive company White and Poppe in Coventry, England, from 1911 to 1913, before joining SKF in 1917. In 1920 he left and was working as technical manager for AB Galco when he was reunited with Gabrielsson.
The scheme was to build a vehicle more suited to the Scandinavian climate than were US imports, utilizing high-quality Swedish steel and bought-in components. Gabrielsson financed the completion of ten prototypes, with bodies styled by Swedish artist Helmer Mas-Olle. Marine engineers Pentaverken built and supplied the engines, and SKF was sufficiently impressed to fund the production run of the first thousand cars, built at Lundby, near Gothenberg, from 1927. SKF also allowed the partners to use one of the company's patented names: AB Volvo, which derives from the Latin 'I roll', with its obvious connotations of bearings in action.
The company had planned to build 500 cabriolets and 500 saloons but, in the event, only 205 of the steel-bodied open cars were produced, compared with 721 of the closed fabric-bodied PV4 models. In 1929, a three-liter straight-six was introduced, designated the PV650, and this enjoyed and eight-year production run until 1937, during which time there were capacity increases to 3.2 and 3.6 liters, with a few long-wheelbase chassis made for specialist coachbuilders. The PV36 of 1936 bore a similarity to the Chrysler Airflow.
Concurrently Volvo was also producing 1.5 ton trucks, from 1928, and a range of taxis known as TRs, based on the PV4. The trucks actually outsold the cars until World War II.
By 1932, the company was in profit and operating from its own factory; output was well over 900 cars a year, although demand slackened slightly due to economic factors during the mid-1930s. SKF relinquished control of Volvo with a stock flotation in 1935, and at the same time Volvo took over Pentaverken which, as AB Penta, became in 1949 the marine-engineering unit of Volvo.
Sweden's neutrality allowed Volvo to maintain production during WWII, although the production figure of 2,834 cars in 1939 fell back to a low of 99 in 1942. The 50,000 Volvo was a truck, built in 1941.
Volvo's first post-war car was the stylish PV444, which had been conceived in 1942 and featured independent front suspension and coil springs at the rear. This proved an important model in that it gained Volvo a foothold in the US. For the first time, cars outsold trucks, prompting a major investment program which saw several derivatives of the PV444 produced, including some estates and light commercials. Some 500,000 units were made, including the PV544 development, which was built until 1965, and the PV210 estate which was in production until 1969. In 1958, Volvo invented the 3-point safety belt, considered the most important safety feature of all time.
Not noted for its adventurous styling, Volvo came out with a short fun of 67 glassfiber sports cars, based on the PV444, and styled in the US in 1955 by Glaspar. The project was squashed when the Suez crisis threatened vehicular indulgence.
The company's next venture into the world of the semi-erotic was to be the P1800 coupe of 1961, styled initially by Italian coach builders Ghia and finished off by Frua. To start with, bodies were made by the British firm of pressed steel after Karmann pulled out, and the vehicles were assembled by Jensen at West Bromwich, near Birmingham, England. However, Volvo found sufficient capacity and resourced to shift production to Sweden in 1963, where the car continued to be made until 1973 in the form of a sporting estate-like car called the P1800ES. The P1800 won lasting fame as the car driven by actor Roger Moore in film adaptations of THE SAINT detective stories, and the 115 bhp engine was also used by Facellia and Marcos sports cars.
Gabrielsson retired in 1956, although he remained chairman until his death in 1962. Larson died in 1968, but the pair had already initiated development of the P120 series prior to Gabrielsson's retirement. The 121 saloon was known as the Amazon, but only marketed with this nomenclature in Sweden because of a prior claim to the name by German motor-cycle manufacturers Kriedler.
A new factory was built with Swedish Government backing at Torslanda, and opened by King Gustav Adolf in 1964. Volvo had already started to build its cars in Canada and Belgium. The millionth car was an Amazon, in 1966, and in the same year, the 140 series was announced. The six-cylinder 164 appeared in 1968 and, by 1970, the Amazon was phased out. The 144s were updated to become 240s in 1974, and a further facelift produced the 244 saloons and 245 estates, which also now include diesel and turbocharged options. The 260 series of 1974 was fitted with the PRV 2.7 liter V6 engine, a unit developed jointly by a consortium of Peugeot, Renault, and Volvo.
By 1983, output has reached five million cars, and included the 760 series, launched in 1982. These somewhat angular cars were powered by a 2.8 liter V6 diesels from VW, or turbocharged 2.3 liter fours, and a spacious estate followed in 1985.
The same year's Geneva auto show also saw the launch of a Bertone-designed 780 coupe, based on the 760 wheelbase. This was hardly a sports model, although it did preface the introduction in 1986 of the Volvo 480ES, a front-drive hatchback which was conceptually rather similar to the P1800 ES. The 480 used a 1.7 Renault engine, and was built in the Netherlands at the Volvo BV plant.
This particular factory came into Volvo ownership when the company acquired a 75% stake in DAF's car division. Volvo had started negotiations with DAF as early as 1969, and gained its controlling interest after a series of financial moves. In 1976, DAF's four-cylinder Variomatic-transmission 66 model became a Volvo, heralding the introduction of the rather mundane 340 series. By 1981, the Dutch government had invested sufficient capital in the company to reduce Volvo's stake to a 30% share.
Throughout the '80s, Volvo launched several new models, including the extremely popular 240, the 740, the 760, the 940, and the 960 (later the S90). These cars were very rectangular, and most were luxurious.
As Volvo started the 1990s, much speculation surrounded it regarding a possible deal with Renault. The deal was to take advantage of economies of scale and maximize the benefits of joint activities in purchasing, with a target of raising the number of shared parts suppliers, and therefore shared components, in order to reduce product costs. The planned link would have put the Renault-Volvo group as the third largest manufacturer in Europe with a 12.3% market share. In the event, the link-up never took place.
In 1992, a new car, the 850, was launched. The 850 was a big departure for Volvo. Unlike its previous large cars, the 850 was front-drive and used an all-new five-cylinder engine. Top of the range was the 850 T5 with a turbocharged 2.3 liter engine. Performance was astounding, and surprised many drivers. The 850 was the first car in the world to have side airbags, too. The car still had Volvo's traditional angular styling, albeit updated, but had the performance of a real sports sedan. Volvo entered the T5 estate in the BTCC (racing) where it competed very successfully against much sportier-looking cars. (The S40 eventually replaced this car in racing).
By the late 1990s, Volvo had dropped the 3-figure model names and extended its range. The biggest shock was a Volvo with curves. The S/V40 range was the result of a joint venture with Mitsubishi. The styling of the car was much more up to date than its predecessor, the 440. In fact, the V40 wagon was named most beautiful estate car by an Italian magazine.
The 850 was facelifted in 1996 with two new cars, the S70 sedan and the V70 wagon. These two cars advanced Volvo technology by adding 4-wheel drive to the list of options available on Volvo cars. A variant of the wagon, the V70XC, was created to battle the now growing sport-utility market. It's suspension was higher than the V70's, and it had added plastic to make it look more macho.
In 1998, Volvo introduced two new cars. The first car was an off-shoot of the S70; it was a coupe named the C70. This car was beautiful, and easily competed with rivals BMW and Mercedes. (a Convertible was launched later) The second car that was introduced by Volvo was the S80. The S80 was on an entirely new platform. The S80 was the replacement for the S90, but it was completely different. For one, it was extremely good looking, with no angles, all curves. It introduced two new safety features: whiplash protection and side impact curtain airbags. It was Volvo's safest car ever.
The S80 recorded huge sales across the world, and it was the first Volvo ever that was really able to compete with BMW and Mercedes, other than the C70.
In 1999, Volvo was bought by Ford.
In the year 2000, Volvo introduced a new wagon, the V70, based on the S80 platform. It was a completely new replacement for the old 850-based V70. It also was the best handling Volvo ever, according to many organizations. Later that year, Volvo would introduce a facelifted version of the S40/V40 and a smaller replacement for the S70, the S60.
Chapman Motors stocks thousands of quality, recycled Volvo parts & accessories.
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14th April 1927
Volvo was born on April 14th 1927, when the first car, which was nicknamed "Jakob", left the factory in Gothenburg. The adventure had begun some years before, however . . . The 1920's was the decade when the car made a real breakthrough, both in the USA and in Europe. In Sweden, people's interest in cars was seriously aroused in 1923 as the result of a jubilee exhibition in Gothenburg attended by 97 car exhibitors. At the beginning of the 1920's imports to Sweden totaled some 12,000 cars a year, but after 1925 this figure rose to around 14,500 cars a year. On the international market it was quite common for car manufacturers to find components in industrial catalogues, purchase them and then assemble a car. The quality which resulted from this procedure was not particularly high and many of these makes quickly disappeared. Quality, however, was of paramount importance to the men who founded Volvo. The basic idea was that they should design and draw the components for the car themselves, select the suppliers to produce these parts according to their specifications and then do the assembly work with the aid of experienced car builders. This basic concept, which was formulated back in 1926, still applies to Volvo's way of making cars.
THE MEN BEHIND VOLVO
Assar Gabrielsson and Gustaf Larson were the two men behind Volvo. Gabrielsson was a Bachelor of Science in Economics and a businessman and began his career at SKF in Gothenburg. In time, he became the head of SKF's subsidiary in France and discovered that it was possible to sell Swedish ball-bearings at a lower price than the US suppliers could. One of the reasons for this was the low workshop wages in Sweden compared with those paid internationally. It seems likely that it was here in France that Gabrielsson began to wonder whether Sweden might not be a suitable place to produce cars. In 1923 he returned to Sweden to become sales manager for SKF. Gustaf Larson was an engineer and designer. He had worked as a trainee at White & Poppe in Coventry in England, where he was involved in the design of Morris engines, among other things. In 1917 Larson returned to Sweden and took a degree at the University of Technology in Stockholm. He then worked as an engineer at SKF in Gothenburg for three years before returning to Stockholm. So, Assar Gabrielsson and Gustaf Larson had several opportunities to meet through their mutual employer. Perhaps it was at this time that the two of them started to develop the idea of Swedish car manufacture.
THE SUMMER IT ALL STARTED
In the summer of 1924 Gabrielsson and Larson began seriously to discuss their plans for producing cars. They came to a verbal agreement in August and a start had already been made on the design work by September. Larson, who did the design work alongside his normal job, gathered together a team of young engineers at his home in Stockholm. In July of 1926 the first chassis drawings were complete. It was Gabrielsson's job to find the money for the project, but his attempts failed and they realised that it would probably be easier if they had some test vehicles to show prospective financiers. They therefore decided to produce a test series of ten vehicles, nine open and one covered. The first test vehicles were produced in nine months and this time Gabrielsson succeeded in obtaining the financial support.
THE NAME BECAME VOLVO
Once there was something concrete to be seen, SKF became interested. The company had been somewhat cautious to begin with, but it now provided guarantees and credit for an initial series of 1,000 vehicles, 500 open and 500 covered. SKF also provided the factory premises and the name, AB Volvo, which had been used in a previous business operation. Volvo is Latin and means "I roll". So the preliminary work and the development period was over and 1927, when the first series-manufactured cars made their appearance, is officially recognised as the year in which Volvo started operations.
The first series-manufactured car, an OV4 nicknamed Jakob, left the factory on Hisingen in Gothenburg on April 14th, 1927. An epoch in Swedish industrial history had begun. The Jakob was based on an American design and had a powerful chassis and live axles with long leaf springs at the front and rear. The four-cylinder engine developed 28 hp at 2000 rpm. Its top speed was 90 kph, but Volvo recommended a cruising speed of 60 kph. The car had 20" artillery type wheels, with wooden spokes in their natural colour and detachable rims. The open 5-seater body had four doors and was covered in sheet steel on a frame of ash and copper beech. The upholstery was made of leather. The open version cost 4,800 Swedish kronor. The covered version (PV4) cost 5,800 Swedish kronor when it was introduced. Sales were slow during the first year - a total of just 297 cars were sold. One of the reasons was the high quality level and the strict controls to which the suppliers were subjected.
Interest in the covered model proved to be greater than expected and the original plan of 500 open and 500 covered cars had to be quickly revised. The Volvo Special was introduced; this was an extended version of the PV4, with a longer bonnet, a more streamlined torpedo shape, narrower windscreen pillars, a rectangular rear screen and bumpers as standard equipment. Front wheel brakes were available at an additional charge of 200 Swedish kronor. Volvo also introduced a truck, the Type 1, in the same year. A couple of small vans had already been built on the chassis of the Jakob in 1927 and the production of trucks had been planned since 1926, when the first drawings were produced. The truck venture was a success. Trucks, and subsequently buses, dominated Volvo's production during the first decades in terms of numbers. In 1928 Volvo's first foreign company, Oy Volvo Auto AB was set up in Helsinki in Finland.
Ever since Jakob, Volvo had been developing the idea of a car with a 6-cylinder engine. Manufacture of the 4-cylinder vehicles was therefore brought to an end after 996 vehicles had been produced instead of the planned 1,000. In April the 6-cylinder PV651 was presented. PV stood for PersonVagn (Swedish for car), 651 for 6-cylinder, 5 seats and 1st series. The PV651 was longer, wider and had a stronger frame than Jakob. The 650 was the same model supplied as a chassis as a chassis without bodywork. The stronger motor had a good reception - particularly on the taxi markets, which Volvo particularly wanted to get into. During the year a total of 1,383 vehicles were sold. Twenty-seven of these were exported. In Sweden, the first issue of a magazine for Volvo owners appeared. This was entitled Ratten (The Steering Wheel). Volvo showed a modest profit for the first time.
26.09.2004
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