About Volvo

Glady Reign asked:


Since the unveiling of the Volvo C30, it has already caught the attention of the public. Add to that the radical ad campaign being launched by Volvo. The design of the car that departs from the conventional boxy design that is common to Volvo cars makes this car standout in the car manufacturer’s lineup. This standout quality of the car is complemented by a high performance engine plus a complete lineup of safety features. The interior is also one of the strongest selling points of the car. This is due to the fact that the company has given much thought to every little detail of the vehicle - from Volvo cargo liners to the technologically advanced floating center stack.

The design and overall performance of the car makes it an award winner. Among the accomplishments of the company’s first compact car is its winning the “Das Goldene Lenkard 2006” and the “Auto Trophy 2006” awards and accolades. The car also won the prestigious “Design Award 2006” making them a strong competitor in the compact car market. Another recent success is their winning in the readers’ choice feature of the famous German trade journal “Auto Motor Und Sport” dubbed the “Die besten Autos 2007” or “The Best Cars of 2007”. The Volvo C30 has come to the top of the of the lower medium import class and is way ahead of some tough rivals.

The compact car from the safety oriented car manufacturer won hands down in the class by taking 19.1 percent of all the votes. The most notable reason behind the popularity of the recently unveiled car is its radical design penned by the company’s senior designer Simon Lamarre. Furthermore, the driving experience aboard such a finely crafted machine is at par with that of its competitors. Another reason why the car has such a large number of admirers is its wide array of safety features which Volvo is known for. The award is a prestigious one and will surely help the company in marketing the Volvo C30.

The challenge which the Volvo C30 recently topped is actually one of the classes that has been running for 31 years and it gives awards in 10 different vehicle categories.

The competition offers readers a wide number of choices from 312 different current car models and more than 100,000 readers participated in choosing the winner in each category. And out of those large numbers of voters, 12.2 percent found the Volvo S80 one of the best cars in the upper medium import class. This figure is enough to put the second generation Volvo limousine in second place in the said class. The Volvo S80’s strong performance in the said competition is attributed to its luxurious yet functional interior designs, driving characteristics and smart features. And since the Volvo S80 is also from Volvo, you can expect a lot of safety features included in the package.

The success of both the Volvo C30 and the Volvo S80 is a good help to the company’s marketing campaign to further increase their share in the global market. The company’s dedication to produce high performance car with eye catching designs while not sacrificing the safety of their consumer is evident in both the Volvo S80 and the Volvo C30. The public can only look forward to more cars from the car maker that will have the same award-winning characteristics that the two models already posses. And the future is looking good with the recent release of the latest version of the company’s Volvo V70 which is already poised to cement Volvo’s place at the top of the leader board in the estate car segment.



Gary

Jon Barlow asked:


Until quite recently in order to appear on Volvo’s sales radar you would have needed to be either a police force or someone with a lot of furniture or children to move around or perhaps both. There have only been a couple of occasions in Volvo’s long motoring history where they have produced a design that bucked the reputation for solid and dependable if not terribly exciting cars. The P1800 was a design classic but considering they stopped making it in 1973 and was in essence a sports car something new from the Swedish stable has been a long time coming.

Other previous attempts to make a small, two-door hatchback have resulted in the much maligned 340 series with its Renault engine or the somewhat troublesome 480 which smelt of smouldering electrics as soon as you turned the ignition key. As a result of these somewhat disastrous forays into the smaller car market, Volvo rather rapidly went back to producing larger rear wheel drive cars which it has historically been rather good at.

Volvo who were founded in 1927 surprised the automotive world in 1999 and decided to sell the family silver to good ‘ol Ford and as a result the two blue badges (oval and kinda square) became one. This was quite a canny move by the Swedes as Ford has more or less let Volvo get on with things and in turn Volvo has sent a healthy profit back to Detroit (a reported $700 million in 2004). Despite falling sales in the USA, it has at times been the only profitable car-maker in the House of Henry.

Turning our attention now to the C30, Volvo has benefited from Ford’s ride and handling prowess mainly thanks to the highly praised Focus chassis and its line-up of petrol and Peugeot/Ford diesel engines, Volvo now has the tools to do the small-car business.

The C30 has set itself apart from competition such as the Audi A3 and BMW’s 1-series with softer lines and lends itself to less angular coupes of old. The C30 is being strongly marketed at a “young and dynamic” market to people with “intense urban lifestyles” whoever they are, although Volvo is still expecting to sell some cars to the rest of us regular folks. Production will be at Volvo’s Ghent plant in Belgium with some 65,000 C30’s expected to roll off the lines each year.

As you would expect with all Volvo’s the C30 has an excellent build quality to easily match its German rivals. The panel gaps are spot on and the lustrous paintwork then leads you into a well designed high quality cabin. The soft coatings of the interior give rise to a cleverly designed “floating” centre console which provides hidden storage space behind. An optional satellite navigation system emerges from the dash if you should lose your way.

There is not a huge amount of luggage space as you might expect in a two-door coupe but then hey if it’s a family car you are after you’re barking up the wrong tree here.

The C30 comes with a good choice of engine sizes from 1.6 litre petrol through to a 2.5 litre turbocharged T5 model. A number of oil-burners are available too including 1.6/2.0 and the top spec 2.4 D5 Unit. Performance levels are good especially the T5 which will keep you holding on to your seat at a top speed of 149mph which is pretty good considering the car weighs in at 1.4 tons (Volvo’s never have been light weight). The ride quality is good as is the handling thanks to running gear donated from the Ford Focus. In keeping with all Volvo’s, safety is still a big factor and the C30 is packed with features, the cleverest of which is Volvo’s blind-spot information system with discreet lamps in the windscreen pillars which warn you when you’re about to run into something or someone!

The C30 should appeal to many, even people who don’t have “intense urban lifestyles” Sadly I don’t think that includes me any more.



Sandra

Glady Reign asked:


AB Volvo distributor and maker of Volvo aftermarket parts together with its subsidiary Renault Trucks will be launching a new version of Renault Mascott—which is a lightweight distribution truck available with two engine alternatives.

The new Mascott is one of Renault Trucks best sellers in its segment with nearly 15,000 vehicles sold last 2006. Delivery of the newest version is expected to start at the middle of 2007. It is equipped with a new gearbox, new driveshaft and new engine. Two engine alternatives are also available, the 130 hp or 150 hp which meet the European Euro 4 emission standard. In addition, the Renault Mascott features a new, effective brake system that provides the shortest braking distance in the lightweight truck segment.

In other news, Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) has received all necessary regulatory approvals for the earlier announced equity investment of 70% in Shandong Lingong Construction Machinery Co., Ltd which is a major construction machinery manufacturer in China.

According to Tony Helsham, President and CEO of Volvo CE, “We are delighted to move forward in our partnership with Lingong. Lingong’s management, brand, R&D center, manufacturing base, distribution and suppliers are important elements in Volvo CE’s growth strategy.”

“This cooperation secures Lingong’s future. Volvo’s advanced technology, management and global distribution will be key factors in the development of our company,” said Wang Zhizhong, Chairman of Lingong.

Volvo CE has invested RMB 327.5 million in exchange for 70% of the equity in Lingong. In the year 2005 Lingong’s operating income was RMB 10.2 million on revenue of RMB 2 billion. The deal however has no material impact on Volvo’s financial position.

About Renault Trucks:

Renault Trucks is a French truck manufacturer with its corporate seat at Saint-Priest near Lyon. Since 2001 it was owned by Volvo.

About Volvo Construction Equipment:

Volvo Construction Equipment was originally Volvo BM. It is a subsidiary and business area of AB Volvo. Volvo Construction Equipment develops, manufactures and markets equipment for the construction and related industries. It has production facilities in Europe, Asia, North America, and South America. The company offers worldwide service and spare-part distribution.

Volvo Construction Equipment mainly distributes its machines through independent dealers and in parallel with their rental program to customers in more than 200 countries. The products for the rental centers include the company’s comprehensive line of compact excavators, skid steers, and backhoe loaders.

The Corporation equipment rental arm, Volvo Rents began its equipment franchising initiative in 2001 and currently has more than sixty active equipment rental centers which are mostly in North America. Its operation is continuously expanding its operation in Europe with rental centers in Portugal and Spain.



Lori

Shane Morgay asked:


After just recently taking delivery of their first Volvo from Thomas Hardie Commercials, Merseyside-based Gaskells Waste Services have ordered another Volvo FM-400 8×4 ironclad truck. The new vehicle will be ready for delivery before the year ends.

The waste collection and recycling company is currently running a mixed bucket of nine vehicles and plans to further increase their fleet with more Volvos. Managing Director Jonathan Gaskell said that over a relatively short period of time, they have experienced speedy growth. He added that as the sole trade waste treatment facility in Liverpool, they are now planning to expand more and double their fleet size in the next 18 months.

The company’s new Volvo fleet is anticipated to be specified with the same latest FM arrival specification. It is actually a 400 bhp, 8×4 hook lift with a Day cab in ‘Comfort’ trim, plated for 32 GCW.

Jonathan was asked why Volvo trucks have been selected to augment Gaskells Waste’s fleet. He responded that Volvos are famous for being reliable trucks that cope extremely well with the pressures placed on them within the automotive industry.

Gaskell’s fleet can be seen throughout the Liverpool Area as they give service to department stores, public sector buildings and large tourist attractions with their environmental services.

About Gaskells Waste Services

Specializing in a comprehensive range of tailor-made waste management solutions, Gaskells Waste Services is one of the fastest growing waste collection companies in the North West. It provides a free waste audit to ensure the right solution for recycling of office, retail and construction waste.

Their commitment to the environment is backed by their £2.5m state-of-the-art recycling facility. Through this, they can dramatically trim down the amount of waste going to landfill and provide the most efficient and cost effective service available today.

About Volvo Trucks

Volvo’s first truck was built back in 1928. Today, Volvo is the second largest producer of heavy trucks, building reliable transport solutions for clients all over the world.

All over the world, Volvo trucks are sold and serviced in more than 130 countries, through more than 1,000 dealerships and 1,800 workshops.

More than 95 percent of the trucks built are in heavy weight class more than 16 tons.

Development and production take place in Sweden, Belgium, Brazil and the USA, with truck assembly operations in different countries, both at their own plants and in alliance with locally-owned industrial concerns. Volvo has eight assembly plants and eight factories owned by local interests.

Though not stated, expect that each truck is equipped with rigid Volvo brake disc to jive with the robust truck body.



Hazel

meredith955 asked:


I have a 1972 Starcraft with a 140 mercruiser and a pre alpha outdrive. Can i use a volvo penta outdrive on a mercruiser engine.

Lawrence

Kevin Anderson asked:


Ford Motor Co.’s Swedish Volvo brand will be launching a new concept vehicle named XC60 at the 2007 North American International Auto Show at Cobo Center in Detroit. The concept vehicle is engineered to dump the boxy image of the automaker and pave way for a sleek and evocative new Volvo crossover.

According to the automaker the design innovations incorporated in the XC60 will form part of future Volvo models. “In recent years, we have successfully emphasized the Scandinavian characteristics that base prestige on timeless, functional elegance,” said Steve Mattin, Volvo’s director of design. “Now we’re elevating our design DNA to an entirely new level by literally pumping up our cars’ visual volume.” It is time to once and for all forget all about boxy Volvos.”

Volvo XC60 Concept is the auto show preview of the production version of the car. The evocative features of the crossover include the beefy 20-inch wheels in an angled position, innovative tailgate, and the stylish grille. The rear of the vehicle also sports a bolder lettering of Volvo’s brand identity. XC60’s lower section is made transparent from inside of the crossover to improve rear visibility. Also, its interior features the iconic iPod-inspired instrument panel plus the exotic ambience of Volvo lighting. Its front and rear seats feature a ‘pony-tail’ slot that extends down the back of the seat to boost rearward vision and ventilation. Said feature was previewed on the Volvo YCC (Your Concept Car).

“The XC60 Concept features a number of innovations that indicate how our cars will look in a few years time. It is time to once and for all forget about boxy Volvos,” said Mattin. “Instead, we will make our Scandinavian design heritage more emotional and radiant by adding sculptured, exciting shapes and innovative features. With more expressive and emotive shapes, if you can recognize a Volvo from 50m today, I want to get to the point where you will instantly spot a Volvo from twice that distance in the future.”

XC60 will be joining XC70 and XC90 in the All Wheel Drive (AWD) range of Volvo. XC60 is equipped with chosen sophisticated Volvo XC90 vintage car truck parts. Several Volvo XC70 parts were also integrated in the crossover to a different level of auto charisma. Like the new Volvo C30, XC60 is aimed to improve modern demands on design, innovations and performance.



Tiffany

Patrick Kolodziejek asked:


Volvos are known for being extremely safe cars. They are so safe, in fact, that Volvo has started a “Volvo Saved My Life” Club. This club recounts the many moments in which Volvo drivers have been saved by the safety features of these amazing vehicles.

The Volvo v70 and Volvo s70 comes with standard with numerous safety features that you don’t want to miss out on. These safety features may be what put you in Volvo’s special club.

The Volvo line of cars begins with the Safety-Cage Passenger Compartment. This feature is complete with front and rear crumple zones that are able to dissipate and distribute the collision force. This reduces the physical strain on the car’s passengers. There are also roof pillars and transverse roof profiles that would prevent the car caving in should it roll. The side collision impact system also distributes the force of a collision to the side of a car.

The second feature is the Side-Impact Protection System. This reduces injuries in the event of a side impact. The car’s body is designed to reduce the deformation that occurs to a car when hit form the side.

In many front-end collisions, individuals are often harmed by the steering shaft. In a Volvo s70 you will find a collapsible steering column that is designed to prevent the penetration of the steering column into the vehicle’s cabin.

In rear end collisions, whiplash is a common injury. These injuries are created by the catapult effect that occurs when a vehicle is rear-ended. In the event of an accident to the rear of the vehicle, the Whiplash Protection Seating System is activated. There are two phases involved with this feature. The first is a wire frame and the limited-travel spring system. These features prevent your body from being pressed deeply into the seat. The second is a system that allows the seat to actually move backwards and prevent the person from being thrown forwards. This system is designed to work at speeds of up to 20 mph, as this is when whiplash injuries occur the most.

The airbag system on a Volvo is like not other car. There are three-step airbags with a driver’s and passenger side kneepads. A driver and a passenger will often need protection for their knees. Many knee injuries occur in accidents that are front-end collisions. The driver and the front passenger are often thrown forwards in these types of accidents and the knees may be jammed into the lower console.

These are just a few safety features that are found in the Volvo s70 and Volvo v70, but there are many more additional features that may be found in each car as well.



Harvey

Jess asked:


Somebody hit out Volvo on the Driver side in a parking lot, but they were evidently going fast because they caved in the Driver Side doors. Any ideas on what it will cost to fix this?

Eleanor

Glady Reign asked:


In the past, Volvo is known as a conservative car manufacturer. They are known for boxy cars with conservative styling cues. Although the safety of their cars is well-known, the conservative styling of past Volvos failed to attract the attention of younger car buyers. The past decade though has seen Volvo making a big change in the design of their vehicles, making them look more radical but these Volvo products still has safety as the main concern. That is very much true with the new Volvo V70 and XC70 vehicles.

The two new offerings from the Swedish car manufacturer have been redesigned by Volvo for the 2008 model year. Both vehicles received new platforms, new engines, new transmission and new technologies. With the upgrading of the XC70 and the V70, Volvo is looking to attract more family car buyers.

Although crossover SUVs are the most popular vehicles in the market these days, Volvo decided not to go with the flow and instead focus on the development of the new wagons. According to the car manufacturer, the 2008 version of the V70 will be released in the fall while the XC70 is expected to hit showrooms by February next year.

The V70 and the XC70 were designed using the Volvo S80 as an inspiration. Both wagons are incorporated with styling cues and features found on the luxury sedan. The V70 and the XC70 will be directly competing with the Audi A6 Avant, the Volkswagen Passat Wagon, and the Subaru Legacy Wagon. With its segment not as crowded as the crossover segment, it is possible that the V70 and the XC70 will carve their niche in the market.

While the V70 and XC70 are offered with new designs and new features, it still has that Volvo feel to it. Although not boxy, the V70 and the XC70 are built to give passengers the sense of safety that one normally finds in a Volvo. Reliability of Volvo vehicles is also a strong selling point for the V70 and the XC70. The two wagons, after all, are made by the same people who engineered the reliable Volvo 780 parts that we find in the market.

Ride comfort and handling are also improved compared to previous wagons made by the Swedish car manufacturer. With European engineering, the V70 and the XC70 both have a responsive handling and a real good stability that can be experienced and noted even on tight turns. With these characteristics, both wagons have what it takes to lead their respective segments.

The wagons are now offered with six-cylinder engines. In the past, Volvo has stirred clear away from V6 engines. Today though, six-cylinder engines are becoming standard for their vehicles. This is an effort to compete with other car manufacturers such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz in terms of the power that their vehicle’s engine produces.

The standard engine for both wagons is a 3.2-liter inline six-cylinder engines. The same engine is used on Volvo’s flagship - the Volvo S80. The said engine can produce as much as 235 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to a six-speed sequential transmission - the engine can propel the wagons to 60 miles per hour from a standstill in just 8.5 seconds.

A drawback though is that the level of noise during acceleration is far from excellent. With not so good engine acoustics technology, engine noise still manages to enter the cockpit of the vehicles. All in all though, both vehicles are a good choice for car buyers.



Dean