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 - an open-top phaeton and 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 a six-cylinder engine with a capacity of 55 hp. With. This model was used as a taxi in Sweden. In the same year, the first Volvo truck– Type 1.
At the Stockholm Motor Show in 1944, Volvo introduced the PV444. This passenger model became " people's car» in Sweden, which was due to high quality at low cost. Initially, it was planned to assemble 8,000 cars, however, due to high demand, Volvo produced 200,000 cars. At the same exhibition, the first bus of the company was presented - PV60, with a diesel engine.
In 1951, Volvo moves to assembly line production. In the same year saw the release of the first family car Volvo Duete.
In the 1980s, the company began production of a new generation of cars. They featured modern design and more powerful engines, which were 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 to the development of safety technology.
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 rear-facing child seat.
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. The best achievement is 11th place in the overall standings in 2011.
From time to time, Volvo exhibits its cars at the famous Dakar Rally. In 1983, the team won the small truck class.
In addition, the Volvo concern 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 the state-owned company Sovtransavto purchased Swedish trucks for international shipments. 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 motorists 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 of the country. In addition, their low cost in comparison with cars of competing brands ensured their success.
Today on Russian market presented big choice Volvo cars: C70 hardtop coupe, sedans and, V60 and V80 station wagons, 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. 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 Volvo Trucks plant was opened in the Kaluga region, which produces up to fifteen thousand trucks a year. Manufacturing plants cars V Russian Volvo not planning to open yet.
Apparently, it was destined by fate that the union of a brilliant financier, a talented businessman with a mechanical engineering genius was doomed to success. The determination and discipline that go into Volvo's production have resulted in the perfect quality for a Swedish car.
Today, the model range of this brand includes a huge number of cars and trucks, and all the main production units of Volvo Cars are still located in Europe (Ghent, Thorsland, Uddevalle).
Volvo in Sweden
In 1964, Volvo Cars in Torsland opened a brand new car factory, investing in it the largest investment in the industrial history of Sweden. For fifty years, thousands of people have been busy implementing bold projects. best designers. From the very first Volvo Amazon model, management has taken the right direction for the brand. Half a century later, the Torslanda plant was subjected to fundamental change and modernization and its opening in a new form is scheduled for April 24, 2014. The first model released after the facelift will be the XC90.
Volvo in Belgium
The largest production of the concern is today in Belgium. Here in the northeast of the country in the city of Ghent is located the most large plant Volvo in Europe. Since its opening in 1965, more than five million cars have rolled off its assembly line, and about 5 thousand people are employed in production. After the release of subcompact Volvo models from the Dutch plant Ned Car was transferred to Ghent, the volume of car production here increased to 270 thousand units. in year.
Volvo in China
The company's headquarters are still located in Swedish city Gothenburg. But in 2010, 100% of the shares were sold Chinese company Zhejiang Geely Holding Group.
In order to expand production in this region, Volvo Cars opened its first plant in the Middle Kingdom, near the city of Chengdu, at the end of 2013. The production facilities are located in the Chengdu Technological and Economic Development Zone, covering an area of more than 500,000 square meters. The Swedes are categorically determined to win the lion's share of the local automotive market and call China "the second home". In the near future, the number of cars assembled at this plant should reach 125 thousand units. in year.
Volvo Group, which has proven itself as a manufacturer of high-quality and reliable vehicles, is one of the most influential representatives in Europe, in particular in the premium car segment. It has several factories specializing in the production of different cars. Model XC90 for Russia is assembled in Sweden and Belgium. Chinese-assembled cars are sold in the Asian market.
Between 2000 and 2007 swedish brand practically did not develop, offering customers old models with a limited list of engines. The following year was a defining year for the company and served as the starting point for its further successful development. This is due to the alliance with Chinese Geely. In fact, the Chinese bought the Swedish company, but the agreement still looks like a merger.
The Chinese manufacturer has committed itself not to change the name of the Volvo brand, to leave Sweden as the country of manufacture, and also not to use the developments of the Swedes for Gelly models.
In which countries are Volvo cars assembled?
There is a misconception that Volvo cars are assembled in Norway, Switzerland and even Germany. In fact, the main European production facilities of the brand are concentrated in the Swedish city of Torslanda, as well as the Belgian Ghent.
Until 2013, an enterprise in Uddevalla operated in Sweden, where the C70 model was produced. There are no other Volvo assembly plants in Europe. In China, the assembly of Swedish cars is organized at a factory in Chengdu.
After the merger with the Chinese Geely, production in Gothenburg did not decrease, but even increased. This was facilitated by significant Chinese investment.
Merging benefits:
- Serious investments made it possible to develop new cars, technologies and expand the brand's lineup.
- Allowed to exchange experience with designers from Geely.
- The Chinese market opened up for Volvo, where its products were exempted from duties.
- The staff of the enterprise has expanded, production lines have been updated and automated.
Second generation Volvo XC90
Initially, the company planned to release the new XC90 in 2009-2010, but due to the merger with Geely, the deadline was postponed.
The world debut of the model took place in 2014, and the serial production at the plant in Gothenburg. The first cars arrived to their customers in the spring of 2015. For the birthday of the brand, the Swedes released a special version called First Edition with a run of 1927 units.
The cars sold out in 47 hours.
In 2016, the model was awarded the North American SUV award. The winner is determined by a commission of independent journalists. A similar success experienced the previous version of the car in 2003. In addition, the crossover showed top scores in its class according to Euro Ncap.
THE BIRTH OF VOLVO
VOLVO's birthday is April 14, 1927 - the day when the first car called "Jacob" left the factory in Gothenburg. However real story 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 really became interested in cars in 1923 after an exhibition in Gothenburg. In the early 1920s, 12,000 cars were imported into the country. In 1925, their number reached 14.5 thousand. 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 the creators of VOLVO, the issue of quality was fundamental. Therefore, their main task was to make right choice among suppliers. In addition, tests were carried out after assembly. To this day, VOLVO follows this principle.
CREATORS OF VOLVO
Assar Gabrielsson and Gustaf Larson are the founders of VOLVO. Assar Gabrielsson The son of Gabriel Gabrielsson, office manager, and Anna Larsson, was born on August 13, 1891 in Kosberg, Skaraborg county. He graduated from the Higher Latin School Norra in Stockholm in 1909. He received a bachelor's degree in economics and business from the School of Economists in Stockholm in 1911. After working as an official and stenographer in the Lower House of the Swedish Parliament, Gabrielsson got a job as a sales 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 of Jerebro. 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 for White and Popper Ltd. After graduating from the Royal Institute of Technology, Gustaf Larson worked for SKF as manager and chief engineer of the company's Transmission Department in Gothenburg and Katrinholm from 1917 to 1920. He worked as a factory manager and later as Technical Director and Executive Vice President of Nya AB Gaico" from 1920 to 1926. Collaborated with Assar Gabrielsson to create "VOLVO". From 1926 to 1952 - Technical Director and Executive Vice President of the company "VOLVO".
TWO PEOPLE UNITED BY ONE IDEA
During several years at SKF, Assar Gabrielsson noted that Swedish ball bearings were inexpensive compared to international standard prices, and the idea of creating a production of Swedish cars that could compete with American cars. Assar Gabrielsson worked with Gustaf Larson for several years at SKF and the two men, having also worked 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 automotive industry. Their similar views and tasks led to cooperation after the first few random encounters in 1924 As a result, they decided to found a Swedish car company. While Gustaf Larson was hiring young mechanics to assemble cars, Assar Gabrielsson was exploring the economics of their vision. In the summer of 1925, Assar Gabrielsson was forced to use his own savings to fund a trial run of 10 passenger cars.
The cars were assembled at Galco's Stockholm plant, attracting the interests of SKF, which had an equity stake of SEK 200,000 in VOLVO. Also, SKF made VOLVO a controlled but growthable car company.
All work was moved to Gothenburg and neighboring Hisingen, and SKF equipment was eventually moved to the VOLVO production site. Assar Gabrielsson identified 4 basic criteria that contribute to the successful development of the Swedish car company: Sweden was a developed industrial country; low wages in Sweden; Swedish steel had a strong reputation all over 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: VOLVO cars. VOLVO will be responsible for both machine design and assembly work, and materials and components will be purchased from other companies; - strategically secure key subcontractors. "VOLVO" must find reliable support and, if necessary, partners in the field railway transport. - focus on exports. Export sales began a year after launch conveyor production. - focus on quality. Neither effort nor expense can be spared in the process of building a car. It's cheaper to get things going in the right direction at the beginning of the journey than it is to make mistakes and fix them at the end. This is one of the main benchmarks of Assar Gabrielsson. If Assar Gabrielsson was shrewd in business, then the brilliant financier and merchant Gustaf Larson was a mechanical genius. Together, Gabrielsson and Larson controlled VOLVO's two main areas of activity - economics and mechanical engineering. The efforts of two people were based on determination and discipline - two qualities that were often the key to business success in industry during the 1st half of the 20th century. This was their common approach, which laid the foundation for the first and most important value of VOLVO - quality
NAME VOLVO
The company "SKF" acted as a serious guarantor of the production of the first thousand cars: 500 - from convertible and 500 - with hard. Since one of the main activities of "SKF" is the production of bearings, the name "VOLVO" was proposed for cars, which means "I roll" in Latin. Thus, 1927 was the year of the birth of VOLVO.
To characterize your child, a symbol was needed. It was steel and Swedish heavy industry, since cars began to be made from Swedish steel. The "Symbol of Iron" or "Symbol of Mars" as it was called after the Roman god of war was placed in the center of the grille on the first VOLVO passenger car and later on all VOLVO trucks. "Sign of Mars" tightly attached to the radiator the simplest method: The steel rim was attached diagonally across the grille. As a result, the diagonal stripe has become a trusted and well-known symbol of VOLVO and its products, in fact one of the strongest brands in the automotive industry.
1926
On August 10, 1926, Assar Gabrielsson's forecasts convinced the SKF management to put into circulation her inactive cash, by investing in VOLVO, in addition to the previously placed SEK 200,000. In addition, SKF provided an additional loan of SEK 1,000,000 to VOLVO, thus covering the previous losses of VOLVO, which accompanied it in the early years of its existence before turning a profit in 1929. By 1935, VOLVO was receiving profit over the next 5 years. SKF, having received several issued shares, increased its share of capital to SEK 13,000,000. The management realized that the time had come to list VOLVO shares on the Stockholm Stock Exchange, which was approved by the shareholders. The acquisition by SKF of a significant part of the shares provided them with an immediate increase in price and obtaining the title of "people's" that still exists.
1927
The first production car, the OV4 "Jacob", left the Hisingen plant in Gothenburg on 14 April. This event. marked the birth of a new era of Swedish industry. "Jacob" was made on the basis of the American model, where the chassis front and rear had leaf springs. The four-cylinder engine developed power up to 28 hp. at 2,000 rpm. Max Speed the movement of this car was 90 km / h, however, the cruising speed was declared at 60 km / h. The car was mounted on so-called "artillery wheels", which had natural wood spokes and a removable rim. The body was five-seater and had a convertible top and four doors inside, it was trimmed with leather and mounted on a frame made of ash and beech. The selling price of this convertible was 4,800 kroons and the hardtop 5,800 kroons. In the first year, the pace of production was very low due to very strict quality commitments by VOLVO.
1928
Much more success than anticipated was the hard top modification, so the plan to produce 500 convertibles and 500 hard tops was very quickly adjusted. was started VOLVO production"Special", which received the model name PV4. The hood has become longer, the shape of the front part is more aerodynamic, the windshield is somewhat shorter. The model was completed with a rear rectangular lamp and a bumper. Front wheel brakes were advertised as an option and cost 200 crowns to install. Ernst Grauer is the man behind the beginning of VOLVO's success. He was a kind of first dealer of the company through which the entire OV4 series passed.
At the same time, VOLVO launched the Type 1 truck. Subcompact trucks were already produced on the "Jacob" chassis in 1927, the project itself already existed in 1926. Truck production was a success. In 1928, in Finland, in Helsinki, the first representative office of "Oy VOLVO Auto BA" was opened.
1929
After the start of production of "Jacob", "VOLVO" began to develop a six-cylinder engine.
The first car with a six-cylinder engine PV651 was presented in April. The Swedish letters PV stand for "crew" and the numbers 651 stand for six cylinders, five seats and the first series.
PV651 - it was a car longer and wider and with a much stiffer frame than the "Jacob". More powerful motor was appreciated, especially in a taxi.
In 1929, 1383 cars were sold. 27 were sold for export. The first magazine for VOLVO owners appeared this year. It was called "Ratten" ("Steering wheel"). Ralf Hansson, export manager, became the magazine's first editor. The cover of the first edition featured a portrait of Hjalmar Wallin, one of VOLVO's retailers in Gothenburg.
The publications were distributed among VOLVO employees and various interested partners. As a result, "Ratten" became a magazine for buyers. Today "Ratten" is one of the major publications in Sweden and the longest running consumer magazine in the country.
After World War II, a special edition of the Ratten magazine was published. Apart from a single text written in Swedish, which appeared on the cover of a magazine called Explanations and Apologies to the Readers of Sweden, the entire magazine was published in English. The reason for this, VOLVO explained, was that its export sales did not bring a word of information abroad about the company's progress and development through the long years of the war that had just ended.
1930
After the successful debut of the PV651 in a taxi, VOLVO decided to take the production of vehicles for this purpose more seriously.
In March 1930 "VOLVO" releases two new models TR671 and TR672 with seven passenger seats. The car was designed specifically for transporting people. The chassis of this model completely coincided with the PV650/651.
In August 1930, a presentation new version PV651-PV652. This car had modified seats and a torpedo. The rear fenders are longer and the windshield is more rounded. The cost of this car was 6,900 crowns.
VOLVO WEARS THE BRAKES
As part of the philosophy of safety and quality that has always been an integral part of the VOLVO trademark, hydraulic 4-wheel brakes were introduced in 1930. The brakes were so effective that warning triangles were often attached to rear bumpers and trunks of VOLVO cars and trucks to warn others Vehicle from the braking effect and to maintain distance.
This year, VOLVO bought a plant that supplied Pentaverken engines. In addition, the premises of the Hisingen plant, which previously belonged to SKF, also became the property of VOLVO. Thus, the working staff of VOLVO began to number in the hundreds of people.
1931
The international economic crisis has led to a decline in car sales in Sweden. In addition, strong competition was created by the company " General Motors", which had its own Chevrolet plant in Stockholm. 90% of the produced VOLVO cars were sold in Sweden, and only relying on Swedish patriotism, managed to survive during this period. This year, a new taxi model TR673, TR674 was released. In the same year, for the first time in the history of VOLVO, dividends were paid to the co-founders.
1932
In January, the model receives a number of major design changes. The displacement of the engine increased to 3.366 cm3, which gave an increase in power to 65 hp. at a speed of 3200 rpm. The gearbox became four-speed instead of three, synchronizers were installed in second and third gears. As a result of all these changes cruising speed increased by 20%. Since the beginning of 1927, the number of cars sold has exceeded 10,000: 3,800 cars, 1,000 with a four-cylinder engine, 2,800 with a six-cylinder, and 6,200 trucks.
1933
In August 1933, the presentation of the new models PV653 (standard) and PV654 (luxury) took place. The chassis of these models were similar to the PV651/652, however, there was one difference, which was to strengthen the suspension with central crossheads. The bodies were already completely metal. The wheels remained fundamentally the same, that is, spoked, but their design has become more stylish. All instruments and various control keys were collected from the entire torpedo into one dashboard, and the "glove box" became closed. During these years, interior sound insulation becomes a significant characteristic. "VOLVO" has done a great job in this regard. The carburetor received a filter, and a silencer appeared, and the installation of both was calculated and executed so that the engine did not lose any power. The luxury model was different from the standard rear lights and two horns mounted under the headlights.k8]
In 1933, Gustaf D-M Erikssoy introduced one hand-built car, which was made in a single copy and was called "Venus Bito". At that time it was revolutionary car in terms of aerodynamics, but the market was not ready to appreciate its advantages, so "Venus Bito" did not receive serial replication. However, in the future, the principles of aerodynamics of the body of this car, of course, received their full embodiment. For "VOLVO" it became a kind of lesson, showing that being ahead of time is as pointless as falling behind.
1934
In the spring of this year, a new model of a seven-seater taxi was released. The new model was named TR675/679 and replaced PV653/654. Fundamental differences she didn't have.
In 1934, 2984 cars were sold, of which 775 were for export.
1935
It has been a happy year for VOLVO. The release of the new PV36 model was another continuation of the American concept in the automotive industry. The engine remained from the previous model. The windshield was divided into two parts. The rear wheels were half covered with rear fenders. An additional luggage compartment was installed at the back, and the cabin accommodated six people: three in front and three in the back.
The PV36 was advertised as a luxury model and cost 8500 crowns. Initially produced 500 cars. This model also received its own name "Carioca". This was the name of the popular American dance at that time. PV658/659 replaced PV653/654. The new model had a modified hood and a radiator grill appeared, which performed a protective function.
In the same year, a new taxi model TR701-704 was released, which differed from its predecessor only more powerful engine- 80 hp
TRADE IS AN ART
A brown leather cover adorns a special 1936 sales manual document.
The book was written by Assar Gabrielsson and contained a separate technical chapter Gustav Larson.
The 1st chapter deals exclusively with the meaning of trade for VOLVO: "Trade is an art. People without artistic ability in a certain field can never become brilliant artists, no matter how much they train and what education they receive. A person who is not born to trade and who chooses to trade will not be able to become a successful trader through training programs." Guidance is always based on the following:
Gabrielsson's attention to the customer, even as far back as 1936, illustrates the following: for the purpose of sales, nothing can ensure the effectiveness of personal service as individual salesmen can. The one-to-one relationship between Car Dealers and their customers is more important than anything else in meeting a customer's needs. Gustav Larson's separate chapter on technology and mechanical engineering begins as follows:
"Cars are built for people and driven by them. The basic principle is that all design efforts are and should be safety ...".
This was the first time that VOLVO had uttered the word "safety" as the second fundamental value after "consistent" quality.
1936
A more successful model than the PV36 was the PV51. It is believed that with this model, the brand "VOLVO" has become synonymous with the concept of quality. Specifications PV51 were the same as PV36. The body has become a little wider and the windshield is one-piece. The engine remained the same power of 86 hp, but the car itself became lighter than the PV36 and, as a result, more dynamic. The cost of this model was 8500 crowns.1937
At the beginning of 1937, the PV52 model was introduced, which had a more complete set compared to the PV51. The PV52 was equipped with two sun visors, two windshield wipers, electric clock, heated glass, powerful sound signal, reclining seats. Armrests were installed on all doors. 1937 was a record year: 1804 cars were produced.
UNION OF EMPLOYEES "VOLVO"
By the end of the 1930s, the number of trade unions began to grow rapidly in Sweden. The Swedish Industrial Employees Association (SIF) made its way to VOLVO, but the move was not warmly received by Assar Gabrielsson. Instead, he asked Bertil Heleby to appoint a VOLVO employee representative to work with management on salary and other issues.
On top of that, the food in the company canteen was virtually inedible. On these and other issues, on October 4, 1939, employees gathered at general meeting in the lecture hall opposite the dining room.
At the meeting, by a majority of votes, it was decided to establish the Union of employees "VOLVO". Thus, the Union began its activities, which included all 250 employees of the company, as well as Assar Gabrielsson and Gustaf Larson.
SIF, which at first kept aloof, as a result, consolidated its position on "VOLVO" and conducted its activities in parallel with the Union.
"VOLVO" was growing up, and the "VOLVO" Employees' Union was also growing up. Every summer, its members held a party with boiled crayfish, which was first held by Gabrielsson and Larson at the Stereholf restaurant in Stockholm in 1934. The Union also published a newspaper for its members, the original name of which was later changed to "Silencer" by "Air Purifier" ". The publication was later absorbed by the company and transformed into "VOLVO Contact", which from the 80s to the present day is called "VOLVO Now".
As before, parties are organized within the Union, photo and art clubs operate, as well as the new section of the elders that has formed.
1938
Along with the PV51/52 models, body colors such as blue, burgundy, green and black appeared. New models PV53, PV54 standard equipment and PV55, PV56 deluxe. In these models, the design of the hood and grille has changed. The headlights and the emblem on the grille have become larger. The speedometer began to be located horizontally.
In 1938, the VOLVO PV801 (with a glass partition inside) and PV802 (without a partition) for taxis were also produced. The base of these models has become somewhat wider, and the radii of the hood and front fenders have changed. These models had eight seats along with the driver's seat.
1939
Second World War led to a serious energy crisis. By virtue of the fact that "VOLVO" already dealt with gas generators, it managed to be ahead of other manufacturers by six weeks and start the production of cars with charcoal gas generators. A new model was supposed to come out this year to replace the PV53 and 56, but the outbreak of the Second World War in September disrupted all plans.
FIRST OWN MODEL
The Second World War led to a decrease in car sales from 7306 to 5900 units. In addition to the decline in the purchasing power of cars, problems began to arise with components for their assembly. At that time, Assar Gabrielsson wrote: "From the very beginning of the war, the situation has changed radically: customers who bought our cars" at a snap" began to withdraw their orders." It was necessary to survive despite falling sales, so VOLVO gave priority to the production of gas generators and cars for the army, among which were cars like Jeep.
In the first year of the war, 7,000 gas generators were sold for the needs of national defense. Despite the acute shortage of components, the production of PV53-56 did not stop completely. Some models were equipped with 50 hp ECG (gas generator) motors.
1941
The release of a new model to replace the PV53-56, scheduled for May 1940, had to be postponed. VOLVO continued to produce prototypes of the PV53-56. On September 6, 1941, the 50,000th VOLVO rolled off the assembly line.
In the same year, VOLVO bought a controlling stake in Svenska Flygmotor AB.
1942
VOLVO produces four PV60 prototypes, rear doors which were attached to the central pillar. The presentation of these models was planned to be held after the war. The concept behind these prototypes was to downsize compared to the PV60. During these years, the leadership of "VOLVO" is seriously engaged in the development of the concept of a post-war car. In the same year, VOLVO buys a controlling stake in Kopings Mekaniska Verkstad AB, which has supplied clutches and gearboxes since 1927. Capital joint-stock company"VOLVO" began to amount to 37.5 million kroons.
1943
post-war development project car is coming full swing. New car reduced size is called PV444. Its mass production was to begin in the autumn of 1944. It was an American concept with a European twist, with a four-cylinder engine and power steering. rear wheels. This car was a great success.
The main activity of "VOLVO" was the production of cars, so in addition to serial cars, there were also experimental models. At the beginning of the 40s, the PV40 car was manufactured with a fundamentally new eight-cylinder engine with 70 hp. However, the project did not go into series due to the high cost of the machine and, as a result, its uncompetitive selling price.
1944
In the spring of 1944, production of the PV444 prototype began. Four-cylinder small-capacity B4B engine with a power of 40 hp. had a very small consumption fuel. It was the smallest engine in the history of VOLVO cars, and it was in this engine that the valves were first located in the head of the block. The gearbox was a three-speed with synchronizers for second and third gears. Lively interest was shown in this car at the VOLVO car show in Stockholm. The selling price of this model was about 4800 kroons, which indicates the great success of the production, which, after 17 years, was able to return to the same selling price. The first "Jacob" also cost 4800 crowns. During the exhibition it was
Helmer Petterson was instrumental in the production of the PV444.
Initially, he was engaged in "VOLVO" gas generators. He owns many projects for the production of small cars. It was under his patronage that the PV444 was born. Accepted 2300 orders for this model. The PV444 was such a success that customers were willing to pay double the price to get it out of line. At the same exhibition, the PV60 model was presented, which became a follower of the pre-war model. This car was High Quality, its sales level slightly exceeded the planned volumes and amounted to 3000 PV60 and 500 PV61.
1945
After the dizzying success of the PV444, sales began to decline. A protracted strike among workers and employees of the engineering industry was the reason for the postponement of plans for the production of new models. On one of the prototypes of the proposed new models, a run was made through the whole of Sweden from Skani to Kiruna. The total mileage was 3000 km. The media called this car "the beauty of the automotive world."
1946
The strike in the engineering industry slowed down manufacturing process VOLVO. The main problem was that there was no place to get components for the conveyor. Various attempts have been made to find suppliers in the United States, but they have not been successful. All these problems greatly reduced production volumes and, thus, complicated the situation with the fulfillment of orders for the production of cars.
1947
At the beginning of this year, ten modifications based on the PV444 were developed. Mass production was launched in February 1947. It was planned to produce 12 thousand cars of this series, and 10,181 cars have already been sold. However, it was not easy to immediately start production after such serious economic problems, so the first PV444 appeared on the roads much later. The first 2000 cars were sold at a loss, since the price of 4800 kroons announced at the time in Stockholm was already unrealistic in 1947, and the PV444 car began to cost 8000 kroons.
1948
The consequences of the Second World War for Sweden were almost not felt, and this year "VOLVO" breaks all records in the production of cars. About 3 thousand were produced, among which the majority of the PV444 series. The production of PV60 has increased significantly. At the same time, the 800th series for a taxi was produced.
1949
Starting this year, "VOLVO" began to produce more passenger cars than trucks and buses. Release has been started special version PV444 - PV444S. The body color has become gray contrary to the traditional black, the interior upholstery has become red and gray colors. Structurally, the model has not received any changes. Sold only on order, and its cost was higher than PV444. In 1949, the number of cars produced exceeded 100 thousand cars, where 20 thousand were sold for export. The company "VOLVO" at that time had 6 thousand employees in the state, of which at the plant in Gothenburg - 900 workers and 500 employees.
Do you know where Volvo is made? The country of origin of this car deserves all the praise. It is produced in Sweden. The car is produced by the Swedish concern Aktiebolaget Volvo. The concern is engaged in commercial and engines and various equipment. Previously, it was possible to purchase from the Volvo concern and passenger cars. Unfortunately, the car branch was sold to the Ford concern, called Volvo Personvagnar. In turn, Ford assigned it to Geely.
The headquarters of the concern is located in the Swedish city of Gothenburg. From Latin "volvo" is translated as "I roll" or "I rotate".
history of the company
The company was founded by Assar Gabrielson and Gustaf Larson in 1915. In fact, it was a subsidiary of the popular bearing manufacturer SKF. First production car Jakob OV 4 left the factory gates on April 14, 1927. It had an engine with a capacity of 28 horsepower and a top speed of 90 km/h.
The country of origin of the Volvo car is beautiful! Who becomes the president of the concern in 1956? Of course, Gunnar Ingellau! He is a doctor of mechanical engineering and economic sciences. During his tenure, the company flourished. Export to the USA starts in 1956. In the United States in 1957, 5,000 Volvo cars were sold. The volume of car production is increasing. In 1956, 31,000 copies were made, and in 1971, 205,000 units were produced.
The country of origin of Volvo has a temperate climate, mainly due to the Gulf Stream. It is very pleasant to work here. It should be added that Nils Ivar Bolin also worked tirelessly at Volvo. He is the inventor of the three-point seat belt. This element was equipped for the first time in the world Volvo brands PV 444 and P120 Amazon.
Model P1800 is made in the form of a two-seater sports coupe. It was released in 1960. And the production of the Volvo-144 began in 1966. It was this model that was equipped with a dual-circuit brake working system. And it was here that the deformable zones of the body were installed. This is an amazing Volvo! What country-manufacturer is able to invent such a candy? Of course, only Sweden.
In 1976, the creators of Volvo developed the Lambda Sond oxygen sensors. In the same year, exhaust gas was generated.
The passenger department of Volvo Personvagnar was sold to Ford in 1999. The concern was able to sell the division for $6.45 billion. Volvo Personvagnar AB is known in the US as Volvo Cars. And since 1999, this branch has been transformed into a division concern Ford. But in December 2009, Ford announces the sale of Volvo Personvagnar AB to the Chinese enterprise Zhejiang Geely Automobile. The branch is now worth $1.8 billion. On March 29, 2010, the Chinese enterprise officially signs the documents. These are papers for the acquisition of the Volvo Cars brand from the company Ford motor. The transaction was completed on August 2, 2010.
Management and owners
Why does everyone choose Volvo? The country of origin knows the answer to this question. To do this, you need to find out who is the largest shareholder of the AB Volvo concern? Of course, the Chinese concern Geely. Until 2010, Renault S.A. owned about 20% of the company's shares. She was then the largest owner. In 2012, these shares were acquired by the Chinese concern Geely.
Louis Schweitzer is Chairman of the Board of Directors of this excellent organization. And Leif Johansson holds the positions of executive head and president at the same time.
Organization's activities
On this moment the Volvo concern supplies trucks to the Swedes. In addition to trucks, the company supplies construction equipment, buses, systems marine engines, financial services and space components.
In general, the Volvo brand is owned by the Geely holding. The Volvo Group also manages the following brands:
- Renault Trucks.
- Nissan Diesel.
- Mac.
- Prevost.
- Nova bus.
The holding consists of nine production companies and eleven business divisions.
Volvo in Russia
The official sale of Volvo cars in the USSR started in 1989. It should be noted that the much-needed Sovtransavto have been purchased since 1973.
Trademark "Volvo" ... The country of origin is located in Northern Europe, in the center of civilization. Currently, the Volvo concern in Russia is represented by CJSC Volvo Vostok and OOO VFS Vostok.
The Volvo company built in Kaluga new plant. The launch of this production took place on January 19, 2009. The production capacity of this plant is very high. It is 15,000 trucks in year. The installation of Volvo FM models is planned here. This is the first full-scale production of a commercial trucks foreign brand in the Russian state. A little later, Volvo Truck Center-Kaluga was built on the Volvo factory territory. This center opened in the summer of 2009. Volvo Holding has adopted a comprehensive transport solution. Now production, sales and service are all done in one place.
Corporation
Consider one of the industrial companies owned by the Volvo concern. The country of origin, Sweden, is proud of its brainchild, its carmaker. Volvo Trucks Corporation is one of the world's top heavy truck manufacturers. This company was founded by Gustaf Larson and Assar Gabrielson in 1916. It is a subsidiary of the popular bearing manufacturer SKF.
The first mass-produced car left the gates of the plant in 1927. The company gained complete independence from SKF in 1935.
In early 1928, the first truck appeared. It was called "LV series 1" and was an incredible success. It was equipped with a two-liter four-cylinder engine. Engine power was 28 horsepower.
Can anyone forget the Volvo? The country of origin will, on occasion, remind you of this concern. Indeed, in terms of volume in the world market, it is in second place. In 2006 Volvo Trucks sold 105,519 trucks.
Volvo trucks are considered comfortable and safe. The global international corporation Volvo Trucks Corporation includes industrial and design centers located in the USA, Brazil, Sweden and Belgium. It includes an incredible number of assembly firms around the world. Some enterprises represent the corporation as a co-founder along with local production groups. Of course, there are organizations directly owned by the Volvo Group.
Renault Trucks in Russia
The first Renault trucks appeared in Russia in 1912. In the Russian Empire, a run was organized by the Ministry of War, and Renault took part in it.
In 2012, Renault Trucks celebrated its 100th anniversary on the Russian market. The company owns its own production workshop in Kaluga Volvo plant. In 2009, the production of the Premium Route tractor began. Today, heavy trucks of the Premium and Kerax models are assembled at the plant. At the end of 2014, it is planned to start production of the latest model range of Renault Trucks trucks.
And in June 2013, an unforgettable ceremony was held in the Kaluga region. The foundation stone of the future plant was laid. This enterprise plans to manufacture cabins for cargo Volvo cars and Renault.
