About Volvo

Glady Reign asked:



Easter is known as a hot buying season for auto enthusiasts. But Volvo has additional three good reasons to be jubilant about Easter. This is because its trio of models has scooped awards in the Used Car Honours 2007. The commendations for the XC90, S60, and V50 were published by Auto Express magazine. In connection to this, the Swedish automaker has expressed its plans to offer a wider range of older models through Volvo Selected Used Cars, its approved pre-owned scheme.

At the Auto Express Used Car awards, the Volvo XC90, the acclaimed SUV from the automaker, was adjudged an outright winner in the off-road 4×4 category. There was further success for the Volvo S60 sedan and the Volvo V50 sports wagon. The cars both achieved the Commended status in the compact executive and estate car classes respectively.

Volvo has already established an impressive history in prestigious awards. As a fact, this is the second year that the XC90 has scooped the honor for the Best 4×4 Off-roader. Additionally, this is the third year in succession that Volvo has claimed three trophies.

For the 2007 Auto Express awards, judges have intimated full praise for the Volvo trio. They have this to say: “The Volvo XC90 is still the must-have off-roader. A top Euro NCAP rating and the marque’s reputation for dealer service and reliability combine to make the XC90 a desirable used car that’s also a sensible buy.”

The Volvo XC90, a mid-size luxury crossover SUV which has debuted at the New York Auto Show, is sharing the P2 platform with its siblings - the Volvo S80 and other larger Volvo cars. The remarkable Volvo XC90 parts include the 4.4 L Yamaha V8 engine that produces 311 units of horsepower and 325 ft•lbf of torque. For this model year, the car was updated to deliver a subtly-restyled front and rear, and a more luxurious interior.

In regards with the Volvo S60, judges have this to say: “When it comes to value in this sector, there’s only one place to look. With plenty of kit, loads of space and some of the most relaxing seats we’ve experienced, the Volvo S60 is a soothing choice.” They also gave unrestricted praises in favor of the V50. They said, “With a 417-litre boot that grows to 1,307 litres, the Volvo V50 isn’t the biggest load-lugger, but it’s one of the most stylish. Top-rate safety and build quality complete the package.”

Accepting the prestigious awards was Anne Woodward, the used car programme manager. “Our continued success in the used car market is reflected in the number of visitors to our website, www.volvoselectedusedcars.com, where 280,000 used Volvos are viewed online each month - and that’s a significant increase on last year’s figure.”

Woodward also intimated the automaker’s plans that will appeal to cost-conscious motorists looking to buy a used Volvo. “Last year 12 percent of our used car sales were of vehicles aged three to four years. In 2007 our goal is to get that much nearer to 20 percent. Offering a wider range of older models means more customers than ever will be able to afford a Selected Used Volvo. And that means more people will benefit from the high standards of vehicle preparation and guaranteed peace-of-mind motoring provided by our franchised dealer network,” she said.

Lauren

Glady Reign asked:



Volvo Cars, the Swedish car manufacturer wholly owned by the Ford Motor Company, celebrates its 80 years of involvement and existence in the auto industry. The car company known for their dedication to consumer safety started in 1927 when it was formed as a subsidiary of ball bearing manufacturer SKF.

In 1935, the company was sold publicly at the Swedish stock exchange. From that time until 1999, Volvo Cars was owned by AB Volvo. After that, the Ford Motor Company acquired the car brand and made it a part of Ford’s Premier Automotive Group which is composed of European luxury brand like Jaguar and the recently sold Aston Martin. Volvo specializes in manufacturing high-end cars known for safety. Competition for Volvo includes vehicles sold under the Acura, Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Infiniti, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, and Saab brands.

The Scandinavian car manufacturer is based in Gothenburg, Sweden. Its first managing director was Assar Gabrielson and the first technical manager was Gustav Larson. The world-famous reputation for safety maintained by Volvo started since its birth. In fact, according to Gabrielson and Larson: “Cars are driven by people. Therefore the guiding principle behind everything at Volvo is and must remain safety.” From that time until today, Volvo remains as the world’s leading producer of safe cars. Numerous advances in safety features for automobiles have been developed by facilities created by Volvo for that sole purpose.

The name Volvo was first intended for special series of ball bearings created by SKF to be sold in the United States. While there have been ball bearings manufactured stamped with “Volvo”, these were not released in the market. In fact, the first time that the name Volvo was used publicly is in 1927 when Volvo Cars was formed.

The company’s first ever vehicle which they wholly assembled rolled out of its facility in April 14, 1927 and was it called the Volvo ÖV 4. After that particular model, Volvo produced several models of closed top and cabriolet models. Since Sweden’s climate is harsh for most of the year for common automobiles, Volvo designed their vehicles to take the punishment from the elements. During that time, Volvo accessories have yet to gain popularity.

Volvo’s logo is an ancient chemistry sign for iron. The people behind the company chose the said logo to symbolize the strength possessed by iron used on their cars. In addition to that, Sweden is also known as one of the best producer of high quality iron. When the company applied for registration for a logo, they just copied the front grille of the ÖV 4. From that time on, Volvo’s logo became almost a standard, a measuring stick by which car manufacturers compare the safety of their vehicles to.

Today, the company produces different body styles of automobiles. SUVs, wagons, sedans, and coupes are now part of Volvo’s growing lineup in the global market.

Rita

Anny asked:


I remember an incident of accident of Volvo bus. The bus caught fire and even people watching from outside could not help the people inside. I couldn’t find the details of it in different search engines also. This happened probably in Gujarat, somewhere near Ahmadabad.

Sylvia

Glady Reign asked:



The Volvo C30, a premium hatchback, was delivered by Volvo to grab the spotlight of the auto industry. With the attention on the BMW 1-series, Audi A3 and Volkswagen GTI, the automaker has to come up with something as interesting as those vehicles - or perhaps better - to wage pretty good hatchback war. So Volvo unleashed the C30 not only to improve sales but to enhance the standing of the automaker in the industry.

The Volvo C30, a small family car, is a three-door, four-seat hatchback version of the S40, V50 and C70 luxury vehicles. It is powered by I4 and I5 engines. It is built on the Ford C1 platform which is the same one used by its siblings. It also shares identical sheetmetal. The production Volvo C30 was officially unveiled at the 2006 Paris Motor Show.

The hatchback is specially designed to cater to the needs of the young generation Volvo buyers. The edgy design of the vehicle that features the exotic frameless glass tailgate, a confident stance and the broad shoulders that eventually became Volvo’s design hallmark made it a stunner. “The new C30 is an ambitious new car for Volvo,” said Fredrik Arp, President and CEO of Volvo Car Corporation. “It is a car that aims for a group of young singles, or couples, with intense urban lifestyles. These people prioritize excitement in design and driving characteristics, and this car should suit their varied tastes perfectly.”

The Volvo C30 is offered with a wide variety of diesel engines and gasoline. Diesel engines include the 109 horsepower 1.6 liter inline-4, and a 180 horsepower 2.4 liter inline-5. Conversely, petrol engines include a 100 horsepower 1.6 liter I4, a 170 horsepower 2.4 liter inline-5, and a 220 horsepower turbocharged 2.5 liter inline-5.

The hatchback is also equipped with an upgraded sound system includes a digital 5×130 watt ICE Power amplifier from Alpine featuring Dolby Pro Logic II Surround, and 10 loudspeakers from Danish Dynaudio. This feature is especially designed for the youth market. In addition, C30 also caters to personal choices of the customers; far different from those offered by Volvo 940 parts. “The Volvo C30 is a very exciting car with emotional appeal. We anticipate that the C30’s youthfulness and dynamic design will catch the hearts and minds of people beyond Volvo’s traditional customers,” said Anne Blec, President and CEO of VCNA.

“The C30 has plenty of muscles in a sporty and compact package,” said Steve Mattin, Volvo Car’s design director. “Anyone who recalls the Volvo SCC (Safety Concept Car) or the classic P1800ES will recognize the exclusive and convenient rear tailgate. The distinctive tail lamps ensure that no one will be uncertain about which car they are following.”

In connection with the vehicle’s safety features, Volvo boasts its legendary reputation in said aspect. The Volvo C30 is available with the BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) which aids the driver in identifying another vehicle in the blind spot. As a true Volvo, the hatchback is also equipped with the Intelligent Driver Information System (IDIS), WHIPS, Whiplash Protection System, and a Side Impact Protection System with side airbags and the Inflatable Curtain, IC. The Volvo C30 is also given the patented front and rear structure to absorb and redistribute impact on the vehicle. In cases of accidents, the car also features seatbelts with unique pretensioners to safeguard occupants.

“The new Volvo C30 plays an important role in our push towards a volume of 600,000 cars a year. We are broadening our model program to make it possible for new, younger customers with an intense, urban lifestyle to choose a Volvo with the right appeal as early as possible,” Arp noted. The automaker intends to sell 65,000 cars every year. Seventy five per cent of those sales are expected to come from the Europe market.

Jonathan

George V asked:


My 1998 Volvo S70 displays the outdoor temperature, but it is off anywhere from 5-25 degrees. How can I calibrate/recalibrate this feature so it is half-way useful?

Crystal

1 2 3 asked:


I filled up my Volvo just before it took a dump. I bought a syphon and it won’t go in all the way. Can someone tell me how to retrieve the gas? I put in $48 dollars worth and don’t want it to go to waste.

Travis

Waldo asked:


I installed seats from a 2001 Volvo into my Jeep CJ5. They have heat panels in the bottoms and backs. Any ideas how to wire them without having the original dash buttons and harness? I’m afraid of burning up the wires and/or seats.

Tiffany

Glady Reign asked:

With April 2007 already in the books, Volvo Cars of North America reported their sales for the past month. Reflecting the reduced sales of its parent Ford Motor Company, Volvo announced that they have suffered a 16.5 percent sales decrease in the United States and Puerto Rico.

Year to date sale is also down by 8 percent compared to the first four months of the past year. Last month, Volvo sold 8,139 vehicles, and that number is lower than the 9,749 vehicles they have sold last year for the same month. This brings the year to date sale of Volvo Cars in the United States and Puerto Rico combined to 35,092 vehicles. Last year, for the first four months, Volvo has already sold 38,200 vehicles.

Of the eight models in Volvo’s lineup in the region, the XC90 remains as the best seller. In April, Volvo sold 2,169 units of the XC90. Although it ranks as the best selling model Volvo, it also suffered from decreased sales for the past month. Last year for the same month Volvo has sold 2,582 units of the XC90. That shows a 16 percent decrease in the sales of the award winning model. Year to date sale for the midsize luxury crossover SUV of Scandinavian descent reaches 10,288 units - a decrease of 7.7 percent as compared to the 11,150 XC90 units that Volvo sold for the first four months of 2006.

Next to the XC90 in terms of April sales is the S40 with sales of 1,738 units last month. While being the second best selling Volvo, the S40 also showed reduced sales in the United States and Puerto Rico. Last year during the month of April, Volvo sold 2,109 units of the S40 reflecting a 17.6 percent sales decrease for this year’s April. Year to date sale is also lowered by 10.4 percent. For the first four months of this year, Volvo has sold 7,431 units of the S40. All year though, sales for the S40 already reached 8,290 units after the first four months of the year.

Another model which has seen demand decrease for the past month is the S60. The said model posted the third highest decrease in terms of sale last month. Sales of the Volvo S60 reached up 1,504 units but that amount is still 20.5 percent lower than the 1,892 S60 units that Volvo sold in April of 2006. Year to date sale for the S60 also showed a dismal 28 percent decrease compared to last year’s first four months. This year, there are already 5,882 new S60s sold but that is still a far cry from the 8,170 S60s sold for the first fur months of the past year.

Of all the models in Volvo’s lineup, the V70 posted the highest sales reduction at 46.1 percent. Last year’s April sales for the V70 reached only 464 units and this year it only reached 250 units. Year to date sales is also affected with its 37.6 percent slide.

Of the eight models in Volvo’s lineup in the United States, only two posted increased sales for the past month - the C70 and the S80. Last month, sales for the C70 reached 477 units - a 9.7 percent increase over April 2006’s 435 units. Year to date sale for the Volvo C70 also showed good promise of a better future for the Ford-owned Swedish brand. Last year, during the first four months, Volvo only sold 520 units of the C70 while this year, year to date sale already reached 1,488 units, an increase of 186.2 percent.

Another model showing increased sale is the S80. From last year’s 922 units sold for the month of April, Volvo reported that they have sold 990 units of the said model last month by showing an increase of 7.4 percent. Year to date sale is also increased by 55.2 percent. For the first four months of 2006, Volvo only sold 2,637 units of the S80 while this year, they have already delivered 4,093 units for the first four months.

The complete lineup of Volvo in the United States is composed of the following: the S40, V50, S60, V70, C70, S80, XC70 and the XC90. All of these are known for their long list of safety features and reliable components such as the Volvo fuel pump and other quality parts.

Virginia

lumberjack007-go for it asked:


In my eyes, Volvo Amazone is one of the best cars ever made. Can some one give me information about this car, about the inside, technical information, and people how deal in it?

Stacy

Rain Stockton asked:



Despite the circulating news that Ford is likely to sell its Swedish-based subsidiary, Volvo on the other hand just doesn’t want to be affected by it. As a fact, Volvo Car Corporation the producer of Volvo 240 parts has recently appointed three dealers in India in preparation of its already delayed launching in one of the world’s the fastest growing market.

The three dealerships will be provided with the same visual identity and design as the rest of Volvo dealerships around the world based on the global programme adopted by Volvo which is Volvo Next Face (VNF). This programme is specifically created to produce a modern and unified look for all Volvo dealers worldwide.

According to Paul de Voijs, Managing Director, Volvo Car India, the Swedish-based automaker plans to launch its S80 sedan and XC90 sport utility vehicle in petrol and diesel variants in India by the end of 2007 and will appoint another 7-9 dealers by the end of 2008.

Managing Director Paul de Voijs has told UNI via a telephone interview, “Currently both the cars are awaiting approval on the homologation process and the prices are expected to be announced in the next two to three weeks.”

Volvo will initially import vehicles and distribute them through dealers in Mumbai, New Delhi, and Chandigarh. Volvo Car also plans of sourcing auto components from India, added by Paul de Voijs.

Voijs further said as quoted by Reuters, “If we do decide to manufacture here at a later date, then we will obviously consider manufacturing with Ford.” But he refused to give any comments on the specific investments or sales targets of Volvo for India.

Ford has started manufacturing vehicles in India at its Chennai plant in the year 1995 wherein it produces 60,000 vehicles annually.

Volvo for its part has earlier announced that it would launch dealerships in India scheduled in the fourth quarter of 2006. Unfortunately due to some problems encountered in obtaining necessary approvals have delayed Volvo’s plans said de Viojs.

The plan of Volvo for India is modest compared to what it has in mind for China where it was able to sell more than 7,000 units last year. Volvo has also announced that China just might as well become its number two market in the next 10 years.

Volvo Car is joining a competitive Indian market wherein it has forecasted nearly double yearly sales that will reach 2 million units by 2010. De Viojs has also expressed his confidence on the company saying that it will be able to achieve its objective. He said, “I think there is no better time to enter the market than now, as the economy is still booming, GDP is growing. There’s still growth to be had.”

Ellen