Russian sales of Volvo this year, like that of other auto brands, still leave much to be desired: following the collapse of the market, the number of buyers in car dealerships has decreased significantly. Sales of the new flagship model XC90, which were supposed to start back in March, were eventually postponed and only start now (exact dates are still unknown). Together with a noticeable price cut for the lineup announced at the end of April, this should improve the company's affairs in Russia. At the same time, despite local problems Volvo, having passed into Chinese hands, has been demonstrating more than decent results in recent years, having managed to retain old customers and attract new ones.
In 2010, the Chinese did not just acquire the first European brand that came to hand. They bought a company primarily known for its security technology. It is with this that the Chinese auto companies from the very beginning existed (and still remain) serious problems: many cars were absolutely uncompetitive in terms of European or American standards.
Five years ago, the global economic crisis forced the American concern to get rid of surplus assets, one of which was the passenger division of Volvo.
The Swedish manufacturer was making losses, and Ford did not want to invest in the company during the crisis. As a result, the Americans sold Volvo to the Chinese auto giant Geely for $ 1.8 billion. At the same time, in 1999, Volvo cost the Americans 3.5 times more - $ 6.5 billion.
When Volvo passed into the hands of the Chinese, many auto experts and brand fans seriously expressed fears that Volvo would lose its image and that the Chinese, using Swedish technology, would not invest heavily in it.
But Volvo's new owner was quick to reassure that the brand would be given strategic independence and the ability to operate on its own business plan.
“Cooperation with the Swedish brand is, first of all, security technologies. Volvo has a very strong position in this aspect of the automotive industry, - said the head of Geely Li Shufu at the end of April. “In addition, we are now focused on research and development work to create a new modular CMA platform (for the production of C-class cars). The C-Class sedan will go into production in 2017 and will be the first vehicle on a new platform for the small-sized CMA models shared by Geely and Volvo. The same platform will be received by the successor to the Volvo V40. "
“Based on this modular architecture, Volvo develops some products and Geely develops others of its own,
- clarifies Shufu. "They have different directions and completely different characteristics, corresponding to positioning in their segments."
However, here it is worth admitting that Volvo did not initially count on such a format of cooperation. Soon after the deal, the then CEO of Volvo made it clear that no technical collaboration with Geely was out of the question.
“We understand ourselves as part of a financial, not an industrial holding, so we maintain independence, which is very important for us. Geely and I work in completely different areas of the automotive industry, which makes cooperation on a wide range of issues almost meaningless, ”he said.
Well, after a few years the situation has changed, and it is not hard to guess that the Chinese still managed to impose their vision of mutual cooperation on the Swedes.
For Geely, who lacked stars from the sky, the purchase of Volvo opened up access to unique safety technologies and other developments. But at the same time, the deal allowed Geely to become the first Chinese car company to expand not only in the European and US markets, but also in developing countries, becoming a global brand.
At least such plans are declared by Li Shufu, who is called the "Chinese Henry Ford". Geely plans to start exporting Swedish brand cars from factories in China to other countries in the near future. Among the export destinations, besides the United States, experts also mention Russia. Shipments will be made from the Chengdu plant in southwest China.
The Swedish company also does not hide that it is quite pleased with the cooperation. The main criterion is the growing volume of global sales.
According to Lars Danielson, head of Volvo China, 2014 was one of the best years for Volvo Cars. “More than 466 thousand cars have been sold, of all models,” Larson said. -
Business was also successful in Western Europe, which is also an important market for us. 56 thousand cars were sold in the USA. Overall sales were good, with our bottom line up 17% to $ 2.2 million.
However, the margin is still low.
The context needs to be borne in mind here. We invest a lot, invest in new products. Doing what the entire industry is doing would be much easier and the profits would be different. But the plan is what it is. "
The Chinese market for Volvo is the largest today, with a share of 17% of global sales last year. Sweden is on the second place, the USA is on the third with 12%. Next come the UK (about 9%) and the rest of the European countries - 7%.
“I don’t think that the Volvo company, having become the property of Geele, could have lost something,” says the general director of radio “Strana”, a well-known auto expert. - Quite the opposite: the brand has retained all its positions.
Yes, they had big plans for the development of the brand in the Chinese market, but so far they have not been able to achieve noticeable results.
Nevertheless, the fact that the Swedish brand is present in China, Europe and the United States is already good. Here we can cite as an example the fate of another Swedish manufacturer - Saab, which simply went bankrupt and ceased to exist. "
According to the expert, when both companies declare joint technical developments, they are very specific.
“For Geely, the purchase of Volvo was the shortest route to modern automotive technology. They, in fact, did not have their own developments. Therefore, speaking about the joint development of the two brands, one must understand that the entire technical base is provided only by Europeans, and the Chinese side provides funding. Therefore, it is quite logical that the joint technical center of the two companies is located in Sweden, ”he said.
According to Denis Eremenko, general director of PodborAvto, the perception of the brand by Russian consumers has not changed since the moment it came under the wing of a Chinese company. “If the quality of car assembly, the design and positioning of the brand as a whole does not change, the consumer does not even think about who owns the brand,” Eremenko shared his opinion with Gazeta.Ru. “The purchase of Volvo by the Chinese is just such a case, so this circumstance did not affect the demand on the part of Russian buyers”.
Volvo is not the only example. On the account of the Chinese - the purchase by Dongfeng Motor Group of 14% of the shares of the French concern PSA, which is going through difficult times, the acquisition of BAIC from Saab technologies. One cannot but recall the failed deal to sell the Hummer brand to the Chinese. In addition, it recently became known that the Chinese state-owned chemical corporation ChemChina plans to acquire the Pirelli tire brand for 7.1 billion euros.
But the same tactic is used not only by the Chinese. For several years now, the Indian has owned the British Jaguar Land Rover and is doing everything not to be associated with the legendary premium brand among ordinary buyers.
Volvo is a Swedish car brand that produces sedans, station wagons, sports cars, coupes and trucks. Volvo Car Corporation is headquartered in Gothenburg. It is part of the Geely Automobile holding.
When creating cars, the brand's engineers are especially careful about the issue of safety. They have developed the largest number of innovative technologies in the field of passive and active safety in comparison with other brands.
At its inception, the company was part of the world's largest manufacturer of bearings, lubrication systems, seals and mechatronics SKF. The word "Volvo" was the slogan of the company. Translated from Latin, it means "torsion".
Volvo was founded in 1927 in Gothenburg as a subsidiary of SKF. Assar Gabrielsson became its managing director and Gustav Larson became its chief engineer. They immediately announced that safety for all road users would be the guiding principle behind the development of Volvo cars.
The first Volvo car left the assembly line on April 14, 1927. It was the ÖV 4, nicknamed "Jacob". The main components of the chassis were developed by Ian G. Smith, who worked in the American auto industry for many years and borrowed many technical solutions from American cars.
Gustav Larson worked on the development of the four-cylinder in-line 2-liter engine with side valves. The power unit developed 28 hp. at 2000 rpm The maximum speed of the model was 90 km / h. The open body with five passenger seats was made of sheet steel and was placed on an ash and birch frame. In the harsh climate of Sweden, the open-source version of the model was not successful. But the PV4 sedan was much more comfortable and popular. Its body was a wooden frame, sheathed not with sheet steel, but with artificial leather. By expanding the seats, it was possible to get two comfortable berths.
Volvo ÖV 4 (1927-1929)
In 1928, a lengthened version of the PV4, the Special, was introduced, which featured a longer hood, a smoothed dash line, narrower windshield pillars, and a rectangular rear window. In the same year, the first Volvo truck, the Type 1, was produced.
Since its inception, the company has hatched plans for a six-cylinder engine. In April 1929, the first model with a new engine, the PV651, was presented. Under its hood was a 3-liter power unit with 55 hp. The PV651 and PV652, which became its successor, were wider and longer than previously produced vehicles.
The six-cylinder models helped the company enter the taxi market it was aiming to enter. In the first year of sales alone, 1,383 copies were sold, of which 27 were exported.
The reliable and safe cars really liked the taxi companies. Demand spurred Volvo engineers to develop the seven-seat TR671 and TR672 models, which received a lengthened chassis. In 1935, they were replaced by the TR701-704 with a 3670 cc engine. cm and a capacity of 80-84 hp.
In 1933, the new PV653 (Standard) and PV654 (De Luxe) entered the market. They got an all-metal body, 17-inch wheels instead of 19-inches, an updated dashboard with a glove box. The cars differed from their predecessors by improved noise insulation: the engine was separated from the chassis by rubber cushions, and the wall between the passenger compartment and the engine compartment was covered with noise-absorbing material.
Volvo PV653 (1933-1937)
Then came the 654 De luxe with a plush interior, two spare wheels and a reversing light. In 1935, the PV658 and PV659 models came out, which had a significant impact on the appearance of all cars produced after themselves. Their radiator had a slightly tilted backward position, and the wheel hub caps took on an unusual shape. All wheels were equipped with hydraulically actuated brakes.
In 1935, a new model appeared with a streamlined design, similar to American cars. It was the Volvo PV36 Carioca, a comfortable, quiet sedan with wishbone and spring independent front suspension, a robust steel body and a high safety record. The cabin could accommodate six people: three in front and three in the back. The seats were spacious and comfortable. A total of 500 copies of the model were produced, plus one chassis, which Nordbergs Karosseri turned into a luxury convertible.
Volvo PV36 (1935-1938)
In 1936, the first generation of small Volvo models appeared - the PV51 car. It was equipped with the same 3.6-liter 86 hp engine as the PV36 Carioca, but was simpler, more affordable and popular. The model was distinguished by a narrow body with an undivided windshield, the presence of only one wiper and a modest interior trim.
In the spring of 1939, the company began developing mechanisms to switch to gas produced from coal. These developments were more useful than ever, since there was a shortage of gasoline in Europe. After the outbreak of hostilities, the production of civilian vehicles came to a standstill. The company switched to the manufacture of special military vehicles and devices for working on gas.
The first post-war car was the PV60. It will be remembered by the fans of the brand as the last car from the generation of huge passenger Volvo with a six-cylinder engine. Her looks were already old-fashioned, but the PV60 still sold well. Say what you like, but this was the last representative of the "old school", very reliable and comfortable.
In 1944, the PV444 was introduced - a car that became a landmark for the brand. It was the first Volvo to feature a compact size and new design that echoed the current trends of American car manufacturers. The car received a one-piece steel monocoque body without a frame and a new four-cylinder engine with a short flywheel and an overhead camshaft. He developed a power of 40 hp. For the first time, a triplex windshield was installed on a car. Another significant advantage of the new model is its low price, which was 4,800 Swedish kronor. For this amount, the first car of the company was sold in 1927.
The PV444 made its debut at the Volvo show in Stockholm, where 2,300 purchase contracts were signed in 10 days. This is despite the fact that the plans of the company included the production of only 8,000 copies of the model. In total, during the production of the car, about 200,000 units were sold.
Volvo PV444 (1946-1958)
In 1954, Volvo made a sensation in the automotive world. It was the open sporty two-seater Sport P 1900. No one expected this from the conservative and safety-focused automaker. The model was developed with an eye on the export markets, as the company already had a negative experience of selling convertibles to the Swedish public. However, this time the car was sold successfully. Still would! In addition to its dashing appearance and thoughtful security system, it could boast of a five-year warranty, which stipulates the obligation of the auto company to pay for repairs more than 200 kroons. The insured event included an accident or road accident. Under the hood of the Sport P 1900 was a 1,414 cc in-line four-cylinder engine. cm with a power of 70 hp.
In August 1966, Volvo introduced the Model 144, which until 1974 was the most massive in the company's history. This car was distinguished by a large glass area and a good exterior design. He also received a lot of Volvo's safety innovations. This list included energy-absorbing areas in the front and rear of the body, a unique braking system, disc brakes on all wheels, a smooth, protruding interior and seat belts for the driver and front passenger.
In 1974, the manufacturer introduced a new generation of cars - the 240 and 260 series, created on the basis of the 140 series. They were distinguished from their predecessors by a different front end, a modernized chassis with MacPherson strut front wheels, larger engines and new four-cylinder engines.
Volvo 240 (1974-1984)
In the mid-70s, Volvo bought the Dutch DAF Car BV, which allowed it to settle into the small car segment. The first novelty of this series was the Volvo 66, which was produced in the body of a two-door sedan or three-door station wagon. It was equipped with a continuously variable automatic transmission and a rear-wheel drive system.
In 1986, the Volvo 480ES, the brand's first front-wheel drive production model, rolled off the assembly line. She received a design unlike the previous work of the company with retractable headlights.
In 1991, the company introduced the SIPS side impact protection system, and in 1994, it created the world's first airbags that protect against side impact.
In 1999, the passenger car division was bought by Ford Motor for $ 6.45 billion. The following year, Volvo Trucks and Renault entered into an agreement to create a single vehicle manufacturing facility, becoming Europe's largest truck manufacturer. In 2010, Ford sold Volvo Cars to the Indian company Geely Automobile.
The acquaintance of Russian buyers with Volvo took place back in the USSR, when, since 1973, truck tractors of the brand were purchased for the needs of Sovtransavto. In 1989, official sales of cars and trucks began in the Soviet Union. Now the brand is represented on the Russian market by three companies: LLC VFS Vostok, CJSC Volvo Vostok, which are responsible for the sale of trucks, and LLC Volvo Kars, which promotes passenger cars. Since 2009, the assembly of Volvo FH, FM, FMX trucks has been carried out in Kaluga. The investment in the construction of the new plant cost 100 million euros. In 2014, the Volvo Group set up a full-cycle cab production at the plant, investing an additional € 90 million.
Despite the division and different owners, the Volvo brand continues its glorious development as a manufacturer of quality and safe cars with a balanced character. The companies are planning to expand production and further improve cars.
Volvo Cars has begun production of its best-selling XC60 at Volvo's Chengdu plant in China. Expansion of production in China was made possible by continuous sales growth.
The Volvo XC60 is the second model to be produced in China. Production of the first model in China, the long-wheelbase Volvo S60L sedan, began in November 2013.
The expansion of production with the start of assembly of the XC60 at the Chengdu plant will create an additional 500 jobs, and the total plant will total about 2,650 people. The new system for calculating working hours will allow you to reach the required volume of production.
The XC60 is Volvo's best seller worldwide and in China.
In the first nine months of 2014, global sales of the XC60 grew 20.4 percent to 98,309 vehicles. During the same period, sales in China increased by 32.3 percent - 24,940 vehicles were sold. Earlier this year, the total production of the XC60, which entered the market in 2008, was 500,000 vehicles.
"Start of productionXC60 in Chengdu is one of the latest milestones on the path of transformationVolvo Cars, - stated Håkan Samuelsson (Hå kanSamuelsson), President and CEOVolvoCars. – It is very important to support overall growth.Volvoin the market that is currently the largest forVolvo".
The Chengdu factory is located in the economic and technological development zone in central China. The plant can produce 120,000 cars per year.
Volvo Cars also has a plant in Daqing, northeastern China, where the assembly of the Volvo XC Classic, a localized version of the first generation Volvo XC90 designed specifically for the Chinese market, has begun.
In addition, Volvo Cars has been operating an engine plant in Zhangjiakou city northwest of Beijing since autumn 2013, supplying its products to assembly plants in Chengdu and Daqing.
All of the company's activities in China are carried out in full compliance with Volvo Cars' global standards and processes, which operate at the Torslanda and Ghent factories in Europe.
"The Chengdu plant is exactly the same as our factories in Europe,- told Lars Danielson (LarsDanielson), senior vice presidentVolvoCarsChinaOperationsand CEOVolvoCarChina. – In terms of quality, technology and equipment used, working conditions, safety and environmental standards, our plant in Chengdu fully complies with global standards and requirements.Volvo Cars".
Volvo Cars has enjoyed strong sales in China this year, with retail sales up 36 percent over 2013. Volvo Cars is clearly ahead of its premium competitors in China and is rapidly expanding its market share.
In addition to the XC60 and S60L in the Chinese market, the leaders in their V60 and V40 segments show excellent sales figures. Volvo cars are currently sold in more than 160 dealerships throughout China.
“The expectations of the Chinese consumers are in no way lower than those of the Europeans. They rely on the highest quality products,- is talking Mr. Danielson. – Buyers have a huge choice in the highly competitive China market, so we guarantee high quality vehiclesVolvoproduced at our plant in Chengdu, which are no different from the cars produced by our factories in Europe. "
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Volvo Car Group v 2013
In fiscal year 2013, profit from operating activitiesVolvo Car Groupamounted to 1.919 million SEK (66 million NIS in 2012). Annual income for this period amounted to 122.245 million NIS. (124 . 547 ), while net profit reached the level960 million sch. (-542 million sch.). Worldwide retail sales reached427 . 840 (421 . 951) cars is an increase of 1.4 percent compared to 2012. Profit from core business was boosted by cost savings and strong sales, which is evidence of the successful implementation of the transformation planVolvo Car Group... According to the company's forecasts, financial results for 2014 will be positive, and sales will demonstrate another record and increase by 5 percent.
O Volvo Car Group
CompanyVolvo has existed since 1927. TodayVolvoIs one of the most famous and respected automotive brands in the world.Volvo Carssells its vehicles in approximately 100 countries, with sales in 2013 of 427,000 vehicles. Since 2010Volvo Cars owned by a Chinese companyZhejiang Geely Holding (Geely Holding). Volvo Carswas part of a group of companiesSwedish Volvo Group (Sweden), and in 1999 it was acquired by an American companyFord Motor Company... In 2010 yearVolvo Carsbought by the companyGeely Holding.
As of December 2013 inVolvo Carsemployed over 23,000 people worldwide. Head officeVolvo Cars, product development, marketing and administrative functions are concentrated in Gothenburg, Sweden. Head officeVolvo Carsin China is located in Shanghai (China). The main production facilities of the company are located in Gothenburg (Sweden), Ghent (Belgium) and Chengdu (China). Engines for carsVolvoare produced at the plant in Skövde (Sweden) andZhangjiakou(China).
In Latin Volvo means “I roll,” the circle with arrows is just a convenient symbol of steel - the largest industry in Sweden before iKEA. The circle and arrow symbolize the shield and spear of Mars, which are also alchemical symbols of iron. In 1924, at the Sturehof restaurant in Stockholm on July 25 - the day that is called Jacob's day in the Swedish calendar - Assar Gabrielsson and Gustaf Larson decided to create a Volvo.
Volvo's birthday is April 14, 1927, the day the first Jakob left the factory in Gothenburg. However, the real history of the development of the concern began a few years later. The 1920s are characterized by the beginning of the real development of the automotive industry simultaneously in the USA and Europe. In Sweden, they became really interested in cars in 1923 after an exhibition in Gothenburg. In the early 1920s, 12 thousand cars were imported into the country. In 1925 their number reached 14.5 thousand. In the international market, manufacturers, in pursuit of increasing their volumes, did not always selectively approach components, so the quality of the final product often left much to be desired, and as a result, many of these manufacturers quickly went bankrupt. For Volvo's creators, quality was fundamental. Therefore, their main task was to make the right choice among suppliers. In addition, tests were carried out after assembly. To this day, Volvo has followed this principle. Let's find out the history of this brand in more detail ...
1927 Volvo OV4 "The Jakob"
Created by Volvo
Assar Gabrielsson and Gustaf Larson are the creators of Volvo. Assar Gabrielsson - the son of Gabriel Gabrielsson, the office manager, and Anna Larson - was born on 13 August 1891 in Kosberg, Skaraborg. Graduated from the Higher Latin School of Knorra in Stockholm in 1909. Received a BA in Economics and Business from the School of Economists in Stockholm in 1911. After working as a clerk and stenographer in the lower house of the Swedish Parliament, Gabrielsson secured a job as a trade manager at SKF in 1916. He founded Volvo and served as president until 1956.
Gustaf Larson - the son of Lars Larson, a farmer, and Hilda Magnesson - was born on July 8, 1887 in Vintros, County Erebro. In 1911 he graduated from the technical elementary school in Erebro; received an engineering degree from the Royal Institute of Technology in 1917. In England, from 1913 to 1916, he worked as a design engineer at White and Popper Ltd. After graduating from the Royal Institute of Technology, Gustaf Larson worked for SKF as a manager and chief engineer of the company's transmission department in Gothenburg and Katrinholm from 1917 to 1920. He worked as a plant manager and later as a technical director and executive vice president of Nya AB Gaico with 1920-1926 Collaborated with Assar Gabrielsson to build Volvo. From 1926 to 1952 - Technical Director and Executive Vice President of Volvo.
Volvo's story began with crayfish
As the book "Volvo Cars" narrates, the history of Volvo begins in June 1924, when Assar Gabrielson, the future managing director of the brand, accidentally met in a cafe with former college classmate Gustav Larson, who would later become the technical director of Volvo. They had a short conversation in a cafe that day, and Gabrielson proposed the idea of creating a car manufacturing enterprise. Gustav Larson agreed that they should have discussed this topic in more detail, but he considered the proposal itself hardly serious and did not attach particular importance to it. Perhaps this idea would not have received development if they had not met a second time in August of the same year.
Here is how Gustav Larson describes this meeting, recalling Assar Gabrielson (the article was published in Volvo magazine after Gabrielson's death in 1962): “I accidentally walked by the Sture-hof restaurant. I saw an advertisement for fresh crayfish, and decided to go inside, where saw Gabriel sitting alone in front of a mountain of red crayfish. I joined him and we took crayfish with great appetite. " So they sat at the same table. Gabrielson had an excellent opportunity to revisit his idea. The verbal agreement, which they reached in August 1924, took the form of a formalized document on December 16, 1925.
This document proclaimed the following: "I, Gabrielson, intending to set up a car manufacturing enterprise in Sweden, make an offer to G. Larson to cooperate with me as an engineer." "I, Larson, accept this offer." Gustav Larson had to design a new car. The remuneration for this work would be between 5,000 and 20,000 Swedish kronor, provided that production went to an industrial level - at least 100 cars per year by January 1, 1928. If the target production level was not achieved, Larson agreed not to claim any what payment. The chassis drawings for the new car were ready six months before the signing of this agreement.
On April 14, 1927, the first production car Volvo was born - the birth year of the automotive industry in Sweden. On that day, the gates of the factory on the island of Hisingen, Gothenburg, were thrown open. The first Volvo car drove out of the gate. It was an open-topped phaeton with a four-cylinder engine. Sales manager Hilmer Johansson was driving.
The designer Mass-Olle was guided by American methods when designing it. The car was equipped with a 1.9-liter 4-cylinder engine with side valves. Under the designation "OV-4" it was offered with an open body, the version "PV-4" was a sedan.
The short drive to the place where the press was waiting for the car passed without incident. But the night before was not an easy one for those in charge of assembling the car. The last parts needed for assembly arrived by train from Stockholm the previous evening. The rush that accompanied the assembly of the car made itself felt: when in the morning engineer Eric Karlberg decided to inspect and check the car, it turned out that it could only move backward. The main component in the rear axle gearbox was installed incorrectly. Such a beginning was perceived as a good omen: from that moment on, the movement should have been only in the forward direction.
The car was called simply and uncomplicated - OV4 and had the affectionate nickname Jacob (Jacob). The letters OV indicated the model was an open-top car, and the number 4 was the number of cylinders in the engine. Volvo Jacob was engineered with an American design, a powerful chassis and independent suspension with long springs at the front and rear. The engine developed a power of 28 hp. at 2000 rpm. The maximum speed of the car was quite decent for that time - 90 km / h.
Initially, Swedish buyers were not eager to buy new cars
The car's four-aperture body was painted dark blue, and the black mudguards stood out against this background. The Jacob open 5-seater had four doors and was constructed from sheet steel with an ash and copper beech frame. The interior was upholstered in leather, the front panel was in wood. Unlike the seats in many other cars, the seats of the first Volvo were sprung. The wheel structure of this car was a removable rim that was mounted on lacquered wood spokes. Minor luxury items in the cabin included a small flower vase, an ashtray and (in the sedan version) curtains on all windows.
A new car with a phaeton body cost 4,800 kroons, and a little later the PV4 sedan was introduced, and an additional 1,000 kroons was added to its price. According to the plans, the plant should produce 500 cars of each model, however, contrary to expectations, Swedish buyers did not seek to buy up new cars. Only 297 cars were sold in the first year. One of the reasons for such a small quantity was the requirement for a very high level of quality of the supplied components and its strict control by the manufacturer.
The PV4's top speed was quite decent - 90 km / h
A year later, a new model is presented - this is the Volvo Special, an extended version of the PV4 sedan. The Volvo Special featured a longer bonnet, slender A-pillars and a rectangular rear window. This car was already fitted with bumpers. At this time, bumpers had not yet become standard vehicle equipment.
Only two years later, the company was able to make its first modest profits. In 1929, Volvo sold 1,383 vehicles. However, in the late 1920s. the car made a real breakthrough, both in the European market and in America.
During his several years at SKF, Assar Gabrielsson noted that Swedish ball bearings were inexpensive compared to international prices, and the idea of creating a production of Swedish cars that could compete with American cars grew stronger. Assar Gabrielsson worked with Gustaf Larson for several years at SKF, and the two people, after also working together for several years in the British automotive industry, learned to recognize and respect each other's experience and know-how.
Gustaf Larson also had plans to create his own Swedish automobile industry. Their similar views and goals led to collaboration after the first few chance encounters in 1924. As a result, they decided to found a Swedish car company. While Gustaf Larson hired young mechanics to assemble cars, Assar Gabrielsson studied the economic background for their vision. In the summer of 1925, Assar Gabrielsson was forced to use his own savings to fund a trial series of 10 passenger cars.
The vehicles were assembled at Galco's Stockholm plant with the involvement of SKF, which had a capital share of SEK 200,000 in Volvo, and SKF also made Volvo a controlled but growth-oriented automobile company.
All work was relocated to Gothenburg and neighboring Hisingen, and SKF equipment was eventually relocated to Volvo's production site. Assar Gabrielsson identified 4 basic criteria that contribute to the successful development of a Swedish car company: Sweden was a developed industrial country; low wages in Sweden; Swedish steel had a solid reputation around the world; there was a clear need for passenger cars on Swedish roads.
Gabrielsson and Larson's decision to start manufacturing passenger cars in Sweden was clearly articulated and based on several business concepts:
- Production of Volvo passenger cars. Volvo will be responsible for both machine design and assembly work, and materials and components will be purchased from other companies;
- Strategically secure with major subcontractors. Volvo must find reliable support and, if necessary, partners in the field of rail transport;
- Concentration on export. Export sales began a year after the start of the conveyor production;
- Attention to quality.
Neither effort nor expense can be spared in the car building process. It's cheaper to get production right in the beginning than to allow mistakes and fix them at the end. This is one of the main tenets of Assar Gabrielsson. If Assar Gabrielsson was astute in business, then the brilliant financier and merchant Gustaf Larson was a genius in mechanical engineering. Together, Gabrielsson and Larson controlled Volvo's two main areas of business - the economy and mechanical engineering. The efforts of two people were based on determination and discipline - two qualities that were often the key to the success of business in industry during the first half of the 20th century. This was their common approach, which laid the foundation for Volvo's first and most important value - quality.
Volvo name
SKF acted as a serious guarantor of the production of the first thousand cars: 500 with a convertible top and 500 with a rigid. Since one of the main activities of SKF was the production of bearings, the name Volvo was proposed for the cars, which means "I roll" in Latin. Thus, 1927 was the year Volvo was born.
A symbol was needed to characterize his child. They have chosen steel and Swedish heavy industry since cars were made from Swedish steel. The "iron symbol" or "symbol of Mars" as it was named after the Roman god of war, was placed in the center of the radiator grille on the first passenger passenger car Volvo, and later on all Volvo trucks. The "sign of Mars" was tightly attached to the radiator using the simplest method: a steel rim was attached diagonally across the radiator grill. As a result, the diagonal stripe has become a reliable and well-known symbol of Volvo and its products, in fact one of the strongest brands in the automotive industry.
When the Volvo P1800 sports car was 50 years old, the Swedish automaker decided to "modernize" the car. True, only on paper - no one is going to launch mass production of the modernized version of the model, drawn by Volvo's chief designer Christopher Benjamin.
At the same time, some experts note that such a car could well find its buyer. Commercial success would be based on the glory of the original P1800 sports car, which was considered the most attractive Volvo in the history of the Swedish brand. The exterior of the Volvo P1800 coupe in 1957 was created by designer Pelle Pettersson, who at that time worked in the Italian studio Pietro Frua. At first, the Swedes were going to start production of this model at the German enterprise Karmann, owned by the Volkswagen concern, but disagreements that arose during the negotiations led to the need to find another partner. As a result, the serial production of the car was only started in 1961, while cars were assembled in the UK at the Jensen plant.
The first Volvo P1800s were powered by a 100 horsepower gasoline engine, but in 1966 it was replaced by a 115 horsepower unit. In addition to the coupe, the car could be ordered as a "convertible" and "station wagon". The total circulation of P1800 for 13 years was 37.5 thousand copies.
In parallel, Volvo begins to produce its first trucks, which were based on the same "Jacob".
So, starting from the 30s of the twentieth century, Volvo presents all the new introductions to mechanical engineering. A new six-cylinder engine was invented, tested and put into production, brake pads are installed on all 4 wheels, interior noise insulation, a muffler is installed, a radiator grill appears - and after all these innovations, the power of the car does not drop in any way! Unsurprisingly, the company is weathering the global economic crisis. Before World War II, Volvo delights its customers with an aerodynamic body.
The 40s passed under the sign of the World War. But Volvo does not lose ground, but on the contrary - it keeps afloat, invents new innovations. Having survived the war and finished the production of car modifications for military needs, Volvo returns to the production of civilian cars. The PV444 model, after all the modifications, conquers the market. The company is increasing its production and, consequently, the export of cars.
In the 50s, Volvo places great emphasis on safety. Brakes and seat belts are being improved. A special committee is being set up to study various accidents.
In 60 - 70 years. the company enters into agreements with DAF and Renault, which increase the productivity and power of vehicles. New modifications and models are being released - Amazone, models 240 and 345. In the 80s, the production of cars per year reaches the 400 thousandth mark! It should not be forgotten that the company continues to be concerned about safety, as evidenced by numerous awards for the modification of the seat belt - the world's first three-point belt that improves safety by 50%.
The 90s brought success to the company again. We have established relations with the French company Renault in the field of production of cars, trucks and buses; a lucrative agreement was signed with Mitsubishi and the Dutch government to create a new brand. But the main fact of this decade is the release of the 960, which was equipped with an automatic transmission. The new car has been modified with the help of Japanese colleagues from Mitsubishi and has a nice design.
At the moment, the Volvo brand is a safety brand. Popular models such as S40, S60, S80, V70, XC70, XC90 drive along the streets. Cars are chosen for comfort, safety and reliability. Every year the brand pleases with novelties and innovations, both in the field of security and the field of reliability of robots of the car. And besides this, Volvo produces reliable motors for boats and ships.
Now let's take a look at the history of Volvo in chronological order:
1924 - the idea of creating the first machine-building plant in Sweden.
1927 - after three years of preparation, the first car of the Volvo brand, OV4 "Jakob", is released, 300 cars are assembled.
1937 - release of new similar models - PV51 and PV52, 1800 cars were produced.
1940s - modernization of vehicles for military needs, then workers' strike, lack of materials. Design and assembly of PV444, an average of 3000 cars are produced per year.
1953 - the release of a new family car - the Volvo Duett.
1954 - an unprecedented step by the company - a 5-year warranty is issued for a car! The first Volvo sports car is produced, which never became fashionable.
1956 - The Amazon brand is released.
1958 - the export of Volvo cars reaches 100 thousand.
1959 - an event occurred that later made Volvo considered the safest car - the three-point seat belt was invented.
1960-1966 - presented the new cars Volvo 1800 and Volvo P 144, which were rightfully considered the safest cars in the world.
1967 - the child seat was modernized, now it can be placed against the movement.
1974 - the Volvo 240 was launched, which included all types of safety that existed at that time.
1976-1982 - the company produces Volvo 343 and Volvo 760, which conquer the market, Volvo is famous all over the world.
1985 - the first car with front-wheel drive appears - the sports car Volvo 480 ES.
1990-1991 - Side impact protection developed and installed on the Volvo 850. The production of the Volvo 960 model, which had a 6-cylinder engine and a power of 240 hp, was launched.
1995 - the release of the famous cars Volvo S40 and V40.
1996 - Volvo now delights its customers with the excellent Volvo C70.
1998 - The Volvo S80 is released not only as a comfortable car, but also one of the safest cars in the world, thanks to its lash protection.
1999 - Volvo buys out Ford, which still owns to this day.
2000 - such "giants" of the car market as Volvo V70 and Volvo S60 come out. Volvo is recognized as the safest car in the world.
2002 - The year of great changes in the products of the Volvo company. The first XC90 SUV was announced, the s40 and s80 models were restyled. Volvo has already stepped firmly into the super-performance market with the S60R and V70R models. The company's design studio has been developing its own SUV for some time now. All leading European manufacturers, even Posrsche, have prepared or started to produce their parquet "jeeps". And finally, in August 2002, mass production of the XC90 model was started.
2003 - At the Geneva Motor Show, Volvo unveiled its next concept car from the Volvo Designers Vision of the Future series. VCC (Versability Concept Car) The Swedish Volvo lineup has been expanded with another 4WD car, following the Volvo S60 and V70 with all-wheel drive, the company's flagship sedan, the Volvo S80. This vehicle uses a system similar to that of the Volvo S60.
2004 - The appearance of the long-awaited new products of the Swedish company: cars Volvo S40 and Volvo V50. The new Volvo S40 is 50 mm shorter than its predecessor, but despite this, Volvo offers the features and qualities of the larger Volvo models.
In Latin Volvo means “I roll,” the circle with arrows is just a convenient symbol of steel - the largest industry in Sweden before iKEA. The circle and arrow symbolize the shield and spear of Mars, which are also alchemical symbols of iron.
In 1924, in the Stockholm restaurant Sturehof on July 25 - the day which is called Jacob's day in the Swedish calendar - Assar Gabrielsson and Gustaf Larson decided to create a Volvo.
Volvo's birthday is April 14, 1927, the day the first Jakob left the factory in Gothenburg. However, the real history of the development of the concern began a few years later. The 1920s are characterized by the beginning of the real development of the automotive industry simultaneously in the USA and Europe. In Sweden, they became really interested in cars in 1923 after an exhibition in Gothenburg. In the early 1920s, 12 thousand cars were imported into the country. In 1925 their number reached 14.5 thousand. In the international market, manufacturers, in pursuit of increasing their volumes, did not always selectively approach components, so the quality of the final product often left much to be desired, and as a result, many of these manufacturers quickly went bankrupt. For Volvo's creators, quality was fundamental. Therefore, their main task was to make the right choice among suppliers. In addition, tests were carried out after assembly. To this day, Volvo has followed this principle.
Let's find out the history of this brand in more detail ...
1927
Volvo OV4 "The Jakob"
Created by Volvo
Assar Gabrielsson and Gustaf Larson are the creators of Volvo. Assar Gabrielsson - the son of Gabriel Gabrielsson, the office manager, and Anna Larson - was born on 13 August 1891 in Kosberg, Skaraborg. Graduated from the Higher Latin School of Knorra in Stockholm in 1909. Received a BA in Economics and Business from the School of Economists in Stockholm in 1911. After working as a clerk and stenographer in the lower house of the Swedish Parliament, Gabrielsson secured a job as a trade manager at SKF in 1916. He founded Volvo and served as president until 1956.
Gustaf Larson - the son of Lars Larson, a farmer, and Hilda Magnesson - was born on July 8, 1887 in Vintros, County Erebro. In 1911 he graduated from the technical elementary school in Erebro; received an engineering degree from the Royal Institute of Technology in 1917. In England, from 1913 to 1916, he worked as a design engineer at White and Popper Ltd.
After graduating from the Royal Institute of Technology, Gustaf Larson worked for SKF as a manager and chief engineer of the company's transmission department in Gothenburg and Katrinholm from 1917 to 1920. He worked as a plant manager and later as a technical director and executive vice president of Nya AB Gaico with 1920-1926 Collaborated with Assar Gabrielsson to build Volvo. From 1926 to 1952 - Technical Director and Executive Vice President of Volvo.
Volvo's story began with crayfish
As the book "Volvo Cars" narrates, the history of Volvo begins in June 1924, when Assar Gabrielson, the future managing director of the brand, accidentally met in a cafe with former college classmate Gustav Larson, who would later become the technical director of Volvo. They had a short conversation in a cafe that day, and Gabrielson proposed the idea of creating a car manufacturing enterprise. Gustav Larson agreed that they should have discussed this topic in more detail, but he considered the proposal itself hardly serious and did not attach particular importance to it. Perhaps this idea would not have received development if they had not met a second time in August of the same year.
Here is how Gustav Larson describes this meeting, recalling Assar Gabrielson (the article was published in Volvo magazine after Gabrielson's death in 1962): “I accidentally walked by the Sture-hof restaurant. I saw an advertisement for fresh crayfish, and decided to go inside, where saw Gabriel sitting alone in front of a mountain of red crayfish. I joined him and we took crayfish with great appetite. " So they sat at the same table. Gabrielson had an excellent opportunity to revisit his idea. The verbal agreement, which they reached in August 1924, took the form of a formalized document on December 16, 1925.
This document proclaimed the following: "I, Gabrielson, intending to set up a car manufacturing enterprise in Sweden, make an offer to G. Larson to cooperate with me as an engineer." "I, Larson, accept this offer." Gustav Larson had to design a new car. The remuneration for this work would be between 5,000 and 20,000 Swedish kronor, provided that production reaches an industrial level - at least 100 cars per year by January 1, 1928. If the target level of production is not achieved, Larson agreed not to claim any what payment. The chassis drawings for the new car were ready six months before the signing of this agreement.
On April 14, 1927, the first production car Volvo was born - the birth year of the automotive industry in Sweden. On that day, the gates of the factory on the island of Hisingen, Gothenburg, were thrown open. The first Volvo car drove out of the gate. It was an open-topped phaeton with a four-cylinder engine. Sales manager Hilmer Johansson was driving.
The designer Mass-Olle was guided by American methods when designing it. The car was equipped with a 1.9-liter 4-cylinder engine with side valves. Under the designation "OV-4" it was offered with an open body, the version "PV-4" was a sedan.
The short drive to the place where the press was waiting for the car passed without incident. But the night before was not an easy one for those in charge of assembling the car. The last parts needed for assembly arrived by train from Stockholm the previous evening. The rush that accompanied the assembly of the car made itself felt: when in the morning engineer Eric Karlberg decided to inspect and check the car, it turned out that it could only move backward. The main component in the rear axle gearbox was installed incorrectly. Such a beginning was perceived as a good omen: from that moment on, the movement should have been only in the forward direction.
The car was called simply and uncomplicated - ÖV4 and had the affectionate nickname Jacob (Jacob). The letters ÖV indicated the model was an open-top car, and the number 4 was the number of cylinders in the engine. Volvo Jacob was engineered with an American design, a powerful chassis and independent suspension with long springs at the front and rear. The engine developed a power of 28 hp. at 2000 rpm. The maximum speed of the car was quite decent for that time - 90 km / h.
Initially, Swedish buyers were not eager to buy new cars
The car's four-aperture body was painted dark blue, and the black mudguards stood out against this background. The Jacob open 5-seater had four doors and was constructed from sheet steel with an ash and copper beech frame. The interior was upholstered in leather, the front panel was in wood. Unlike the seats in many other cars, the seats of the first Volvo were sprung. The wheel structure of this car was a removable rim that was mounted on lacquered wood spokes. Minor luxury items in the cabin included a small flower vase, an ashtray and (in the sedan version) curtains on all windows.
A new car with a phaeton body cost 4,800 kroons, and a little later the PV4 sedan was introduced, and an additional 1,000 kroons was added to its price. According to the plans, the plant should produce 500 cars of each model, however, contrary to expectations, Swedish buyers did not seek to buy up new cars. Only 297 cars were sold in the first year. One of the reasons for such a small quantity was the requirement for a very high level of quality of the supplied components and its strict control by the manufacturer.
The PV4's top speed was quite decent - 90 km / h
A year later, a new model is presented - this is the Volvo Special, an extended version of the PV4 sedan. The Volvo Special featured a longer bonnet, slender A-pillars and a rectangular rear window. This car was already fitted with bumpers. At this time, bumpers had not yet become standard vehicle equipment.
Only two years later, the company was able to make its first modest profits. In 1929, Volvo sold 1,383 vehicles. However, in the late 1920s. the car made a real breakthrough, both in the European market and in America.
During his several years at SKF, Assar Gabrielsson noted that Swedish ball bearings were inexpensive compared to international prices, and the idea of creating a production of Swedish cars that could compete with American cars grew stronger. Assar Gabrielsson worked with Gustaf Larson for several years at SKF, and the two people, after also working together for several years in the British automotive industry, learned to recognize and respect each other's experience and know-how.
Gustaf Larson also had plans to create his own Swedish automobile industry. Their similar views and goals led to collaboration after the first few chance encounters in 1924. As a result, they decided to found a Swedish car company. While Gustaf Larson hired young mechanics to assemble cars, Assar Gabrielsson studied the economic background for their vision. In the summer of 1925, Assar Gabrielsson was forced to use his own savings to fund a trial series of 10 passenger cars.
The vehicles were assembled at Galco's Stockholm plant with the involvement of SKF, which had a capital share of SEK 200,000 in Volvo, and SKF also made Volvo a controlled but growth-oriented automobile company.
All work was relocated to Gothenburg and neighboring Hisingen, and SKF equipment was eventually relocated to Volvo's production site. Assar Gabrielsson identified 4 basic criteria that contribute to the successful development of a Swedish car company: Sweden was a developed industrial country; low wages in Sweden; Swedish steel had a solid reputation around the world; there was a clear need for passenger cars on Swedish roads.
Gabrielsson and Larson's decision to start manufacturing passenger cars in Sweden was clearly articulated and based on several business concepts:
- Production of Volvo passenger cars. Volvo will be responsible for both machine design and assembly work, and materials and components will be purchased from other companies;
- Strategically secure with major subcontractors. Volvo must find reliable support and, if necessary, partners in the field of rail transport;
- Concentration on export. Export sales began a year after the start of the conveyor production;
- Attention to quality.
Neither effort nor expense can be spared in the car building process. It's cheaper to get production right in the beginning than to allow mistakes and fix them at the end. This is one of the main tenets of Assar Gabrielsson. If Assar Gabrielsson was astute in business, then the brilliant financier and merchant Gustaf Larson was a genius in mechanical engineering. Together, Gabrielsson and Larson controlled Volvo's two main areas of business - the economy and mechanical engineering. The efforts of two people were based on determination and discipline - two qualities that were often the key to the success of business in industry during the first half of the 20th century. This was their common approach, which laid the foundation for Volvo's first and most important value - quality.
Volvo name
SKF acted as a serious guarantor of the production of the first thousand cars: 500 with a convertible top and 500 with a rigid. Since one of the main activities of SKF was the production of bearings, the name Volvo was proposed for the cars, which means "I roll" in Latin. Thus, 1927 was the year Volvo was born.
A symbol was needed to characterize his child. They have chosen steel and Swedish heavy industry since cars were made from Swedish steel. The "iron symbol" or "symbol of Mars" as it was named after the Roman god of war, was placed in the center of the radiator grille on the first passenger passenger car Volvo, and later on all Volvo trucks. The "sign of Mars" was tightly attached to the radiator using the simplest method: a steel rim was attached diagonally across the radiator grill. As a result, the diagonal stripe has become a reliable and well-known symbol of Volvo and its products, in fact one of the strongest brands in the automotive industry.
When the Volvo P1800 sports car was 50 years old, the Swedish automaker decided to "modernize" the car. True, only on paper - no one is going to launch mass production of the modernized version of the model, drawn by Volvo's chief designer Christopher Benjamin.
At the same time, some experts note that such a car could well find its buyer. Commercial success would be based on the glory of the original P1800 sports car, which was considered the most attractive Volvo in the history of the Swedish brand. The exterior of the Volvo P1800 coupe in 1957 was created by designer Pelle Pettersson, who at that time worked in the Italian studio Pietro Frua. At first, the Swedes were going to start production of this model at the German enterprise Karmann, owned by the Volkswagen concern, but disagreements that arose during the negotiations led to the need to find another partner. As a result, the serial production of the car was only started in 1961, while cars were assembled in the UK at the Jensen plant.
The first Volvo P1800s were powered by a 100 horsepower gasoline engine, but in 1966 it was replaced by a 115 horsepower unit. In addition to the coupe, the car could be ordered as a "convertible" and "station wagon". The total circulation of P1800 for 13 years was 37.5 thousand copies.
In parallel, Volvo begins to produce its first trucks, which were based on the same "Jacob".
So, starting from the 30s of the twentieth century, Volvo presents all the new introductions to mechanical engineering. A new six-cylinder engine was invented, tested and put into production, brake pads are installed on all 4 wheels, interior noise insulation, a muffler is installed, a radiator grill appears - and after all these innovations, the power of the car does not drop in any way! Unsurprisingly, the company is weathering the global economic crisis. Before World War II, Volvo delights its customers with an aerodynamic body.
The 40s passed under the sign of the World War. But Volvo does not lose ground, but on the contrary - it keeps afloat, invents new innovations. Having survived the war and finished the production of car modifications for military needs, Volvo returns to the production of civilian cars. The PV444 model, after all the modifications, conquers the market. The company is increasing its production and, consequently, the export of cars.
In the 50s, Volvo places great emphasis on safety. Brakes and seat belts are being improved. A special committee is being set up to study various accidents.
In 60 - 70 years. the company enters into agreements with DAF and Renault, which increase the productivity and power of vehicles. New modifications and models are being released - Amazone, models 240 and 345. In the 80s, the production of cars per year reaches the 400 thousandth mark! It should not be forgotten that the company continues to be concerned about safety, as evidenced by numerous awards for the modification of the seat belt - the world's first three-point belt that improves safety by 50%.
The 90s brought success to the company again. We have established relations with the French company Renault in the field of production of cars, trucks and buses; a lucrative agreement was signed with Mitsubishi and the Dutch government to create a new brand. But the main fact of this decade is the release of the 960, which was equipped with an automatic transmission. The new car has been modified with the help of Japanese colleagues from Mitsubishi and has a nice design.
At the moment, the Volvo brand is a safety brand. Popular models such as S40, S60, S80, V70, XC70, XC90 drive along the streets. Cars are chosen for comfort, safety and reliability. Every year the brand pleases with novelties and innovations, both in the field of security and the field of reliability of robots of the car. And besides this, Volvo produces reliable motors for boats and ships.
Now let's take a look at the history of Volvo in chronological order:
1924 - the idea of creating the first machine-building plant in Sweden.
1927 - after three years of preparation, the first car of the Volvo brand, OV4 "Jakob", is released, 300 cars are assembled.
1937 - release of new similar models - PV51 and PV52, 1800 cars were produced.
1940s - modernization of vehicles for military needs, then workers' strike, lack of materials. Design and assembly of PV444, an average of 3000 cars are produced per year.
1953 - the release of a new family car - the Volvo Duett.
1954 - an unprecedented step by the company - a 5-year warranty is issued for a car! The first Volvo sports car is produced, which never became fashionable.
1956 - The Amazon brand is released.
1958 - the export of Volvo cars reaches 100 thousand.
1959 - an event occurred that later made Volvo considered the safest car - the three-point seat belt was invented.
1960-1966 - presented the new cars Volvo 1800 and Volvo P 144, which were rightfully considered the safest cars in the world.
1967 - the child seat was modernized, now it can be placed against the movement.
1974 - the Volvo 240 was launched, which included all types of safety that existed at that time.
1976-1982 - the company produces Volvo 343 and Volvo 760, which conquer the market, Volvo is famous all over the world.
1985 - the first car with front-wheel drive appears - the sports car Volvo 480 ES.
1990-1991 - Side impact protection developed and installed on the Volvo 850. The production of the Volvo 960 model, which had a 6-cylinder engine and a power of 240 hp, was launched.
1995 - the release of the famous cars Volvo S40 and V40.
1996 - Volvo now delights its customers with the excellent Volvo C70.
1998 - The Volvo S80 is released not only as a comfortable car, but also one of the safest cars in the world, thanks to its lash protection.
1999 - Volvo buys out Ford, which still owns to this day.
2002 - The year of great changes in the products of the Volvo company. The first XC90 SUV was announced, the s40 and s80 models were restyled. Volvo has already stepped firmly into the super-performance market with the S60R and V70R models. The company's design studio has been developing its own SUV for some time now. All leading European manufacturers, even Posrsche, have prepared or started to produce their parquet "jeeps". And finally, in August 2002, mass production of the XC90 model was started.
2003 - At the Geneva Motor Show, Volvo unveiled its next concept car from the Volvo Designers Vision of the Future series. Concept car VCC (Versability Concept Car).
The lineup of the Swedish company Volvo has been supplemented with another four-wheel drive car - after the Volvo S60 and V70, the company's flagship, the Volvo S80 sedan, also received all-wheel drive. This vehicle uses a system similar to that of the Volvo S60.
2004 - The appearance of the long-awaited new products of the Swedish company: cars Volvo S40 and Volvo V50. The new Volvo S40 is 50 mm shorter than its predecessor, but despite this, Volvo offers the features and qualities of the larger Volvo models.
2005 - Japanese company Yamaha released the first engine for the new Volvo XC90 V8.
2007 - Volvo's anniversary year kicked off with the Detroit Motor Show, presenting the new XC60 concept. Looking back and looking at the characteristic features of the cars that the company has produced over the past decades, the new car is hardly recognizable as a Volvo. The XC60 concept model is a striking crossover. The design of the vehicle features unusual solutions that give the XC60 a unique appearance. In the same year, Volvo launches new versions of its flagship models, the V70 and XC70, which debuted at the Geneva Motor Show.
Well, about modern models, you probably all know from advertising articles in the media.
sources
http://www.tneo.ru
http://www.swedmobil.ru
http://avtomarket.ru
http://volvo.infocar.com.ua
http://www.volvoclub.ru
