The first production Volvo rolled off the Gothenburg factory in 1927. Since then, Volvo Car Group has been a world leader in innovative and safe cars. Today Volvo is one of the most famous and respected automotive brands, the company's sales market includes about a hundred countries.
Volvo Cars was part of the Swedish Volvo Group until 1999, when it was acquired by the American concern Ford motor company. In 2010 Volvo Cars has been bought out Chinese concern Zhejiang Geely Holding (Geely Holding). The new owner contributed to a radical update model range Volvo, a significant increase in the company's production capacity and strengthening the position of the Swedish automaker in the global market.
The Volvo brand is owned by Volvo Trademark Holding AB, jointly owned by Volvo Cars and the Volvo Group.
The corporate and brand development strategy - Designed Around You - is focused on the needs of people and underlies the production and business activities of the company, as well as the basis of its corporate culture.
About 2,300 dealers (most of them independent companies) sell Volvo cars in about 100 countries. As of December 2018, around 43,000 people worked for Volvo Cars worldwide (39,500 in 2017).
Volvo Cars manufactures premium cars different types: sedans (S60, S90), station wagons (V60, V90), cars off-road(V40 Cross Country, S60 Cross Country, V60 Cross Country, V90 Cross Country), crossovers (XC40, XC60, XC90).
In 2018, Volvo Cars sold 642,253 vehicles. This year was the company's fifth consecutive year of record sales. The largest sales market is China, accounting for 20% of total sales in 2018. It is followed by the US (15%), Sweden (10%), the UK (8%) and Germany (7%).
For the 2018 financial year, Volvo Car Group posted an operating profit of SEK 14,185 million (2017: 14,061 million). Revenue for the reporting period was SEK 252,653 million (208,646 million).
Volvo Cars is headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden, where resources are concentrated for product development, marketing planning and administration of the company's current processes. Since 2011, Volvo Cars has had offices in Shanghai and Chengdu, China. The headquarters of the Chinese division of the company in Shanghai is engaged in sales, marketing, purchasing, development and other support functions. There is a technology center on its territory.
In addition to the main factories in Gothenburg (Sweden) and Ghent (Belgium), engines for Volvo Cars have been produced since the 1930s by a factory in Skövde (Sweden). The production of components for the body since 1969 has been established at the plant in Olofström (Sweden). Besides, assembly plants companies operate in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) and Bangalore (India), while research and development centers operate in Copenhagen (Denmark) and Silicon Valley (USA). Finally, Volvo Cars has design centers in Gothenburg, Camarillo (USA) and Shanghai (China).
In 2013 it was launched mass production at the plant in Chengdu (China) - Volvo cars are produced here for Chinese and American markets. In 2014, a second plant in China, in Daqing, began operation, and car engines are also produced at a plant in Zhangjiakou (China). Also, production Volvo cars carried out at the factory in Luqiao (China). In June 2018, the opening of a new Volvo Cars plant in the US city of Charleston, South Carolina took place.
Volvo was founded in 1915 in the Swiss city of Gothenburg as affiliated undertaking bearings manufacturer SKF. It was founded by former college classmates Assar Gabrielson, an SKF employee, and Gustav Larson. The idea to go into the car business came to young engineers in a restaurant, drinking beer and crayfish. Some time later, SKF management approved their idea and allocated funds for the development and production of the first cars.
The name Volvo is derived from the Latin verb volvete, which means "I roll." The Volvo emblem is a symbol of iron and the god of war Mars, who fought exclusively with iron weapons. The associations that this emblem is supposed to give rise to are reliability and durability.
In 1927, the first Volvo car appeared - a phaeton with open top and a four-cylinder engine. It was called OV4, and also had an unofficial name - Jacob. It was not just the first Volvo car, but the first car made in Sweden. The Volvo Jacob had a powerful beech and ash chassis and sprung seats, a rarity in cars of the 1930s. Engine power of 28 hp could accelerate the car up to 90 km / h.
In 1928, Volvo released its first sedan - PV4, and two years later - its modification PV651, with six-cylinder engine with a capacity of 55 liters. With. This model was used as a taxi in Sweden. In the same year, the first Volvo truck– Type 1.
On car showroom in Stockholm, in 1944, Volvo introduced the PV444. This light model has become " people's car» in Sweden, which was due to high quality at low cost. It was originally planned to assemble 8000 cars, however, due to great demand Volvo produced 200,000 vehicles. At the same exhibition, the first bus of the company was presented - PV60, with a diesel engine.
In 1951, Volvo switches to conveyor production. In the same year saw the light of the first family car Volvo Duet.
In the 1980s, the company began production of a new generation of cars. They were different modern design and more powerful engines, which have been modified to reduce fuel consumption. The main model of the 80s was the 760 sedan, which was equipped with six-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines. Up to 100 km / h, it accelerated in 13 seconds.
Today, Volvo is owned by the Chinese concern Geely, which bought it from Ford in 2010 for $1.8 billion. However, Volvo's headquarters remained in Gothenburg.
TechnologiesVolvo
Throughout its history, Volvo has paid Special attention development of security technologies.
This Swedish manufacturer was the first to equip its cars with three-point seat belts, triplex laminated windshields and lambda probes - sensors that help reduce exhaust toxicity.
In the 1970s, Volvo developed the world's first child protection system - an extra pillow and a special child seat, which was installed against the movement of the car.
Much earlier than other companies, Volvo began to use its own innovative solutions to ensure safety - for example, or the City Safety system, which prevents collisions at low speed.
Volvoin motorsport
Since 2007, the team has been taking part in the World Championship in road racing among touring cars. Best Achievement- 11th overall in 2011.
From time to time, Volvo exhibits its cars at the famous Dakar Rally. In 1983, the team won the small truck class.
Besides concern Volvo participates in the European Truck Racing Championship. Renault-branded cars, which are produced at Volvo factories, won in 2010 and 2011.
Interesting Facts
Volvo is the first company in the world to set up its own dedicated accident investigation team. Based on the data from this unit, new security systems for Swedish cars are being developed.
Volvo P1800, assembled in 1966, got into the Guinness Book of Records as the car with the most high mileage. It amounted to 4,200,000 km.
King Carl Gustaf of Sweden travels on the roads in a small hatchback.
Volvoin Russia
The history of Volvo in Russia began in 1973, when state company Sovtransavto purchased Swedish trucks For international transport. The representative office of the brand was opened in Russia in 1994. Especially popular in the 90s were the models and V40 KOMBI. In the 2000s, S-series sedans were running models in Russia. Swedish cars have become popular among Russian car enthusiasts due to their classic design, high quality and reliability. These factors even influenced the formation of such a concept among motorists as Volvo - the driver. That was the name of the one who was not in a hurry, observing the rules traffic, appreciating the comfort and safety of the motorist.
The machines were well suited for operation in difficult weather conditions countries. In addition, their low cost in comparison with cars of competing brands ensured their success.
Present on the Russian market today big choice Volvo cars: C70 hardtop coupe, sedans and wagons, V60 and V80, as well as all-wheel drive crossovers XC60, XC70 and . Over the past six years, Russians have been buying about 20,000 Swedish cars a year. The most popular model is the XC90. Sales of this crossover account for about 30% of all models presented today.
The company has a small truck assembly plant in Zelenograd. In addition, in 2009 a plant was opened in the Kaluga region Volvo Trucks, which produces up to fifteen thousand trucks a year. Manufacturing plants passenger cars mobiles in Russian Volvo not planning to open yet.
Today, a brand such as Volvo (Volvo) is world famous. But how did it all start?
Vovlo: brand history
The history of Volvo (Volvo) began in 1924 with a meeting of college classmates Assar Gabrielson and Gustav Larson. Together they founded car company. In this they were helped by the company SKF, which specialized in the production of bearings.
In 1927 their first offspring Volvo OV4/Jacob was created. It was a convertible equipped with a 4-cylinder engine running on gasoline fuel. A little later, they released a sedan and its extended version. As a result, about one and a half thousand cars were sold in two years.
When Gunnar Ingelau takes over as president of the group, the dawn of the company's operations begins. Things were going uphill. Swedish cars were exported to the United States of America.
The production also increased. Innovative technologies have been introduced, such as three-point harnesses security, authored by Niels Ivar Bolin. Has also been improved brake system and deformation zones.
Volvo: country of origin
The history of the Volvo brand began in Sweden. When polling passers-by to the question: “Volvo - whose car? Country of manufacture of this brand? the results were as follows:
70% - Germany;
20% - Sweden;
15% - USA;
5% do not know the answer to this question.
Volvo concern today
In 1999, the concern sells factories to Ford to produce cars. And even later, in 2010, Ford motor sells the brand Chinese company Geely. History of Volvo survived more than one crisis. But, having survived them, the brand expanded production. In the automotive industry, it was re-profiled and left the production of passenger cars. Today on the market you can see a wide range of products and services under the Volvo brand:
vehicles (trucks, buses, etc.);
engines;
automotive equipment;
construction equipment;
space components.
The Volvo car brand is now associated by many with good safety and build quality. Combines excellent style, power and reliability. "I'm rolling!" - this is how the brand name is translated, which fully justifies it. Anyone who already is or was the owner of a car of this brand recommends it to others.
Volvo swedish brand cars, under which sedans, station wagons, sports cars, coupe, and trucks. Volvo Car Corporation is headquartered in Gothenburg. It is part of the Geely Automobile holding.
When creating cars, brand engineers are especially careful about the issue of safety. They developed the largest number innovative technologies in the area of passive and active safety compared to 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 company's slogan. 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 will be the main principle in the creation of Volvo cars.
The first Volvo car left the assembly line on April 14, 1927. It was a model ÖV 4, nicknamed "Jacob". The main chassis components were developed by Ian G. Smith, who worked for many years in the American automotive industry and borrowed many technical solutions from American cars.
Gustav Larson worked on the creation of a four-cylinder in-line 2-liter engine with side valves. The power unit developed 28 hp. at 2000 rpm Max Speed model was 90 km / h. open body with five passenger seats was made of sheet steel and placed on a frame of ash and birch. In the harsh climate of Sweden, the open version of the model was not successful. But the PV4 sedan was much more convenient and popular. Its body was a wooden frame, sheathed not with sheet steel, but faux leather. By unfolding the seats, it was possible to get two comfortable beds.
Volvo ÖV 4 (1927-1929)
In 1928, an elongated version of the PV4, the Special, was introduced, which featured a longer bonnet, a smoother dashboard line, and narrower pillars. windshield, rectangular rear glass. In the same year, the first Volvo truck, the Type 1, was released.
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 introduced. Under its hood was a 3-liter power unit 55 hp The PV651 and its successor PV652 were wider and longer than the previous cars.
Models with a six-cylinder engine helped the company enter the taxi market, where it aspired to get into. Only in the first year of sales, 1,383 copies were sold, and 27 of them were exported.
Taxi companies really liked reliable and safe cars. Demand spurred Volvo engineers to develop the seven-seat TR671 and TR672 models, which received an extended chassis. In 1935, they were replaced by the TR701-704 with a 3670 cc engine. cm and a power of 80-84 hp.
In 1933, the new PV653 (Standard) and PV654 (De Luxe) entered the market. They received an all-metal body, 17-inch wheels instead of 19-inch, an updated dashboard with glove box. The cars differed from their predecessors in improved sound insulation: the engine was separated from the chassis by rubber cushions, and the wall between the passenger compartment and engine compartment was covered with sound-absorbing material.
Volvo PV653 (1933-1937)
Then came the 654 De luxe with a plush interior, two spare wheels and a taillight. reversing. In 1935, the PV658 and PV659 models came out, which had a significant impact on the appearance of all cars produced after them. Their radiator had a slightly tilted back position, and the wheel hub caps acquired an unusual shape. All wheels were hydraulically operated brakes.
In 1935 appears new model with a streamlined design similar to American cars. It was a Volvo PV36 Carioca, a comfortable, quiet sedan with independent front suspension with wishbones and springs, durable steel body and high rates security. Six people could fit in the cabin: three in front and three in the back. The seats were spacious and comfortable. In total, 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 86 hp 3.6-liter engine as the PV36 Carioca, but was simpler, more affordable and more 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 than ever useful, since there was a shortage of gasoline in Europe. After the outbreak of hostilities, production civilian vehicles froze. The company switched to the manufacture of special military vehicles and gas-powered devices.
The first post-war car was the PV60. She was remembered by fans of the brand also as last car from a generation of huge passenger Volvos with a six-cylinder engine. Her appearance was already old-fashioned, but the PV60 still sold well. Whatever you say, it was last representative"old school", very reliable and comfortable.
In 1944, the PV444 was introduced - a car that became a milestone for the brand. It was the first Volvo model, which was distinguished compact dimensions And new design, repeating modern tendencies exhibited by American automakers. The car received a one-piece steel load-bearing body unframed and new four-cylinder engine with a short flywheel and an overhead camshaft. He developed a power of 40 hp. First installed on a car Windshield from triplex. Another significant advantage new model - low price, which amounted to 4,800 SEK. For this amount, the company's first car was sold in 1927.
PV444 debuted on Volvo exhibition in Stockholm, where 2,300 purchase contracts were signed in 10 days. This is despite the fact that the company's plans 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 produced automotive world real sensation. It was the open, sporty two-seater Sport P 1900. Nobody expected this from a conservative and safety-obsessed automaker. The model was developed with an eye on export markets, as the company already had a negative experience selling convertibles to the Swedish public. However, this time the car sold successfully. Still would! In addition to the dashing appearance and thoughtful security system, she boasted a five-year warranty, providing for the obligations of the car company to pay for repairs more than 200 crowns. The insured event included an accident or an accident on the road. Under the hood of the Sport P 1900 was a 1414 cc inline-four engine. cm power 70 hp
In August 1966, Volvo introduced the 144, which until 1974 was the most massive in the history of the company. This car was distinguished by a large glass area and a successful exterior design. In addition, he received a lot of innovation from Volvo in the field of safety. This list included energy-absorbing zones at the front and rear of the body, a unique braking system, disc brakes on all wheels, smoothed, without protruding parts of the 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, an upgraded chassis with MacPherson front wheel suspension, 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 back of a two-door sedan or three-door station wagon. It was equipped with stepless automatic transmission gears and rear wheel drive system.
In 1986, the Volvo 480ES rolls off the assembly line, the first production front wheel drive model stamps. She received a design with retractable headlights that was not similar to the previous work of the company.
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 division responsible for the production of passenger cars bought for $6.45 billion Ford company motor. Next year Volvo Trucks and Renault entered into an agreement to create a single enterprise for the manufacture of cars, becoming the largest European manufacturer trucks. In 2010, Ford sold Volvo Cars to an Indian Geely Automobile.
Acquaintance Russian buyers with Volvo took place back in the USSR, when since 1973 for the needs of Sovtransavto they were purchased truck tractors stamps. In 1989 began official sales cars and trucks in Soviet Union. The brand is currently featured on Russian market three companies: VFS Vostok LLC, Volvo Vostok CJSC, responsible for the sale of trucks, and Volvo Cars LLC, which is engaged in the promotion car models. Since 2009, Volvo FH, FM, FMX trucks have been assembled in Kaluga. Investments in the construction of a new plant cost 100 million euros. In 2014, the Volvo Group set up full-cycle cab production at the plant, investing another 90 million euros.
Despite divisions and different owners, the Volvo brand continues its glorious development as a manufacturer of quality and safe cars with a balanced character. The companies plan to expand production and further improve cars.
Volvo Personvagnar AB (Volvo Cars) was sold in 2010 - the Ford concern transferred 100% of the shares of its former division to the holding Zhejiang Geely Holding Group from China, which already has one global automaker - Geely Auto.
Main production Volvo power Cars on this moment located on the territory of the European Union - factories in Torsland, Uddevalle and Ghent. The company plans to open several factories in China to meet the needs of a dynamically developing domestic market.
Cars in the Netherlands Volvo brands do not collect. By the end of 2012 the company Mitsubishi Motors- the owner of the plant since 2001, was going to close the plant or sell it for a nominal fee under certain conditions. Once the following models rolled off the assembly line of the plant: 440, 460, S40 b V40.
Volvo cars - S40 and S80L were produced at the Changan Ford plant in Chongqing, China.
| Production of Volvo cars | ||||
| Factory | Location | A country | Model | VIN sign of the plant |
| Torslan-daverken | Torslanda | Switzerland | V70 XC70 S80 XC90 V60 |
1 |
| Pinifarina Sverige AB | Uddevalla | C70 | J | |
| Volvo Cars Ghent | Ghent | Belgium | C30 V40 S40 V50 S60 XC60 |
2 |
Volvo Cars sold about 422,000 vehicles in 2012. The largest sales market for Volvo cars is the North American market. So, in the US market in 2012, 68,079 cars were sold. Contrary to company expectations Chinese market did not grow, under the onslaught of competitors deployed their production in China, there was a decline in sales. The opening of a plant in China, the reduction in the cost of cars due to the absence of customs duties, will significantly increase sales. Today, the duty is up to 25% of the value of the car.
Which factory assembles the most Volvo cars?
The company's plant in the Belgian city of Ghent assembled about 265 thousand cars in 2011, and about 258 thousand cars in 2012. Significant for the plant is the production small cars, it is with them that the increase in production is associated.
Volvo production in Russia.
Back in 2002, the first production of trucks of this brand was launched in Zelenograd. In connection with the plans of the company to open modern factory high power on the territory of Russia, production in Moscow was closed in 2008. January 2009 in Kaluga opened Volvo plant Group with a design capacity of 15,000 vehicles per year. The main products are trucks of the Volvo range: FH, FM and FMX.
