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- phaeton with open top 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 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 passenger model became " 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 Volvo history 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.
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 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.
Today on Russian market presented 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. 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. car manufacturing plants in Russian Volvo not planning to open yet.
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 corporate headquarters is located in Swedish city 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. She had an engine with a capacity of 28 Horse power And top speed 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.
Country of origin "Volvo" has 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 author three-point belt security. The Volvo PV 444 and P120 Amazon brands were equipped with this element for the first time in the world.
Model P1800 is made in the form of a double 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 oxygen sensors Lambda Sond. In the same year, exhaust gas was generated.
The passenger department of Volvo Personvagnar in 1999 was sold Ford. 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 year Ford announces sale of Volvo Personvagnar AB to Chinese Zhejiang Geely Automobile. The branch is now worth $1.8 billion. On March 29, 2010, the Chinese enterprise officially signs the documents. These are purchase papers. Volvo brand Cars at the enterprise 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. Installation planned here Volvo models FM and This is the first full-scale commercial production 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 belonging to the concern Volvo. The country of origin, Sweden, is proud of its brainchild, its carmaker. Volvo Trucks Corporation is one of the world's top manufacturers of heavy trucks. This company was founded by Gustaf Larson and Assar Gabrielson in 1916. It is a subsidiary of the popular bearing manufacturer SKF.
Outside the gates of the factory first stock car left 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 Russian Empire the war ministry organized a run, 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 at the Volvo plant in Kaluga. 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 line 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.
The ceremony of transferring a full stake in Geely to the Chinese automotive holding in London completed the deal on the purchase of the Swedish car manufacturer Volvo by the Chinese car industry.
Deal between ex Volvo owner American Ford and Chinese auto holding Geely took place in March last year. According to preliminary information, it was estimated at $1.8 billion and approved by all interested parties in China, the United States and the European Union. From now on, Geely owns the entire stake in Volvo. With the sale of this package, Ford finally lost its presence in the luxury car segment in Europe.
According to the Chairman of the Board of Directors Geely Group & Volvo Li Shufu plans to double the production of cars of this brand, increasing it by 300 thousand units per year. This will be achieved through the construction of a new factory in China. The implementation of such a number of high-end cars is planned in China itself, and there are plans to strengthen its presence in the North American and European automotive markets.
Mr. Li Shufu praised the company's technology level, quality, research and innovation capacity, and the importance of the "safest car" brand.
Geely Group & Volvo intends to take a higher position in the global market for expensive prestigious cars. These positions were once lost by Volvo, now it's time to restore them.
Swedish car company Volvo is now owned by the Chinese automaker Geely. Acquisition agreement for a well-known car brand American giant Ford signed on Sunday. The deal amounted to almost two billion dollars.
1.8 billion dollars - this is the price of enterprises producing cars under one of the most famous European brands. For the Swedes, this is unlikely to be a blow to national pride, because Volvo is not sold for the first time. In 1999, the company became part of the Ford Corporation, and it cost the Americans 3.5 times more than the Chinese - $6.5 billion. The crisis forced to dump excess assets - one of them was the Swedish brand.
"The main goal of the transaction is to find a new owner who shares Ford's vision of the future Volvo. We needed to find a new owner who can grow the business and at the same time take special care of unique features Swedish brand. And who is also responsible for the company's employees and the society in which we operate. We have found, and I am pleased to announce, such an owner in the face of Geely," says Lewis Booth, vice president of Ford.
It didn't take long to find it. There were talks about plans to sell Volvo back in 2008, but there was no buyer. Negotiations lasted almost two years, as a result, the Chinese promised to preserve the Swedish image of the car company as much as possible.
"Volvo will be managed by Volvo management. The company will be given independence in a strategic perspective. It will operate according to its own business plan. We are determined to maintain the brand identity and see Volvo as a Swedish company with strong Scandinavian traditions," assures Li Shufu, Chairman of Geely.
Executives will not have to pack their bags - the headquarters remains in Gothenburg. At first glance, according to the results of the transaction, Volvo will not decrease, but will increase. Factories in Sweden and Belgium will continue to assemble cars, but they will be joined by production in China.
Geely's plans are not ambitious, they are simply grandiose. Now the Swedish manufacturer assembles about 300,000 cars a year - a new plant in China should do the same. And that's just Brand Volvo- the total production of the concern will be in the millions.
"We are aiming to reach the production of two million cars a year by 2015. That is strategic plan Geely company. Our positions are strongest in Russia and Ukraine. In Ukraine, in particular, we launched the assembly of one of the models of our company there," says Zhang Nenger, an employee of Geely.
Acquisition famous brand raises prestige Chinese car industry. Volvo will open a more expensive segment of the European market, its sales network, to manufacturers from the Middle Kingdom. The Chinese even managed to persuade the union, at first it was categorically against the deal. But after lengthy discussions, trade unionists changed their anger to mercy. As they themselves explain, after having familiarized themselves with financial plans Geely.
“I believe the company has the strength and room to grow, and I look to the future positively. Geely is able to make Volvo a profitable enterprise again,” says Søren Carlson, head of the Volvo Workers Union local branch.
In Sweden, 16,000 people work at Volvo factories, and another 6,000 work outside the kingdom. The head of the company, Li Shufu, personally persuaded the leaders of the trade union. But now, after the signing, component suppliers got nervous, their technologies will become available to the Chinese, which probably means no explanation. Auto experts can only argue which is better - the future under the Chinese flag or the curtailment of production, as happens with the no less legendary brand Hummer. After all, after the collapse of the deal with representatives of the Chinese auto industry, in General Motors decided to say goodbye to this brand altogether.
