The very first Volvo. History of the Volvo brand

13.08.2019

Do you know where Volvo is made? The country of origin of this car deserves all the praise. It is produced in Sweden. The machine releases 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. 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 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 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, 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 purchase papers. Volvo brand Cars from 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.

Volvo has built a new plant in Kaluga. 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 and FM models is planned here. This is the first full-scale production of commercial trucks of a 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 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, the plant assembles heavy trucks Premium and Kerax models. 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. It is planned to manufacture cabs for Volvo and Renault trucks at this enterprise.

The Swedish concern, which produces high-quality and majestic Volvo cars, has become one of the most influential premium cars in the European market. This happened in the last seven years, but after all, from 2000 to 2007, the concern did not develop, offering customers the same models with old engines. Swedish success secret car company is in alliance with the Chinese. The formal corporation Geely simply bought out the Swedish company, but the agreement is more like a merger.

The Chinese have given an obligation not to rename the brand, to keep the European Volvo brand, the country of manufacture must remain Sweden, and Geely has no right to use the technical developments of the concern in their cars. I wonder if the Chinese observe the signed treaty?

Are there other countries in the world where Volvo is assembled?

Many car enthusiasts confuse Sweden with other Scandinavian and European countries, believing that Volvo is assembled in Norway, Switzerland or even Germany. In fact, Volvo Corporation's only factory is located in Gothenburg, Sweden. This enterprise, even after the purchase of the concern by the Chinese, remains in this city and does not reduce its activities.

On the contrary, the Chinese investment gave the Swedish company a huge boost. There are a few important aspects, which changed in 2007:

there was money and technical possibilities for the development of a completely new model range;
the efforts of the designers of Geely, a powerful company at that time, and the Swedes joined;
the Volvo brand has received a huge Chinese market, where its cars are sold without unnecessary duties;
new technologies began to be introduced into cars, thanks to generous investments;
The plant has expanded its staff, improved production lines, and gained many other benefits.

If today we consider the manufacturability of car manufacturers, we can safely say that Volvo is one of the best factories in Europe. Here is the latest equipment, all assembly processes are fully automated. The cars are not just high quality, they finally meet their price tag. Until 2007, Volvo cars were bought only in Scandinavian countries. They were too expensive and outdated.

Chinese cars Geely after cooperation with the Swedes

Immediately after the merger of European and Chinese manufacturers under the roof of one concern, Geely had new models that were three heads taller than their predecessors. In fact, the entire model range has changed, new engines began to give more horses, requiring less fuel. Yes, and the appearance of the Emgrand series has gone far ahead.

We invite you to enjoy the video test drive of the new Emgrand EC7

Video:

IN model line Geely even got a crossover that hadn't been announced before. Such changes are associated with the following options for the development of the company:

despite the ban on the use Volvo technology, the Chinese pulled certain developments of the Swedes to their side;
as a result of bilateral cooperation with European engineers, new developments were obtained;
the company was replenished with a good profitable asset and was able to invest in its own production;
Sweden invited engineers from Sweden to work in China.

The last assumption is a verified and proven fact. But Geely denied the fact that this is due to the development of the successful Engrand series of cars. However, for the consumer, there is no difference. If a company issues good cars, let her take technology where it is more convenient for her. For the consumer, it is more important how high-quality a car he can buy in the salon. That is why the Swedes today are quite satisfied with the seven-year cooperation with the Chinese.

The plant in Gothenburg is growing and developing, the brand is acquiring new models, and Geely Corporation fulfills all its main promises.

Summing up

Over the past few years, Volvo has updated almost the entire model range. Not so long ago, the last old XC90 SUV was announced to be discontinued, and a few weeks after this news, the first spy photos of the new development appeared.

The company was able not only to update model proposal and make an amazing success in the world automotive market, but also surprised all potential buyers and experts with excellent technologies, the development of which costs a lot of money.

It is not so important in which countries Volvo is assembled, because the perception from the car, its reliability and comfort are much more important. If you have experience operation Volvo the last seven years of production, describe your emotions from this car in the comments.

In 1924, at the Stockholm restaurant Sturehof on July 25 - the day that is called Jacob's Day in the Swedish calendar - Assar Gabrielsson and Gustaf Larson decided to creation of Volvo.

Volvo's birthday is April 14, 1927, the day the first car, called the Jakob, 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. On 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 the right choice among suppliers. In addition, tests were carried out after assembly. To this day, Volvo follows this principle.

Let's find out the history of this brand in more detail ...

1927 Volvo OV4 "The Jacob«

Creators of Volvo

Assar Gabrielsson and Gustaf Larson are the creators of Volvo. Assar Gabrielsson - son of Gabriel Gabrielsson, office manager, and Anna Larson - 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 Economics 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 Erebro. In 1911 he graduated from the technical primary 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 firm's transmission department in Gothenburg and Katrinholm from 1917 to 1920. He worked as a plant manager and later as technical director and executive vice president of Nya AB Gaico with 1920 to 1926 Collaborated with Assar Gabrielsson to create Volvo. From 1926 to 1952 - technical director and executive vice president of Volvo.

The history of Volvo began with crayfish

According to the book Volvo Cars, the history of Volvo begins in June 1924, when Assar Gabrielson, the future managing director of the brand, accidentally met in a cafe with a former college classmate Gustav Larson, who would later become Volvo's technical director. That day in a cafe they talked for a short time, and Gabrielson proposed the idea of creating an enterprise for the production of cars. 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 much importance to it. Maybe this idea would not have developed if they had not met for the second time in August of that year.

This is how Gustav Larson describes this meeting, recalling Assar Gabrielson (the article was published in Volvo magazine after Gabrielsson's death in 1962): “I happened to be walking past the Sture-hof restaurant. I saw an advertisement for fresh crayfish and decided to go inside, where I saw Gabriel sitting alone in front of a mountain of red crayfish. I joined him and we set about the crayfish with great gusto." So they sat at the same table. Gabrielson had an excellent opportunity to re-discuss his idea. The verbal agreement that 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 create a car manufacturing company in Sweden, make an offer to G. Larson to cooperate with me as an engineer." "I, Larson, accept this offer." Gustav Larson had to develop a new car. The remuneration for this work would be from 5,000 to 20,000 SEK, provided that production reached an industrial level - at least 100 cars a year by January 1, 1928. If the target level of production was not reached, Larson agreed not to claim any what payment. Drawings of the chassis of the new car were ready already six months before the signing of this agreement.

On April 14, 1927, the first mass-produced Volvo car was born - it was the year of the birth of the automotive industry in Sweden. On that day, the gates of the factory on the island of Hisingen, Gothenburg, opened wide. The first Volvo car drove out of the gate. It was an open top chaise and four-cylinder engine. Sales manager Hilmer Johansson was driving.

When designing it, the designer Mass-Olle (Mass-Olle) was guided by American methods. The car was equipped with a 1.9-liter 4-cylinder engine with side valves. Under the designation "OV-4" it was offered with open body, the "PV-4" variant was a sedan.

The short drive to where the press was waiting for the car was uneventful. But the night before was not an easy one for those in charge of assembling the car. The last parts needed for assembly had arrived by train from Stockholm the previous evening. The haste that accompanied the assembly of the car made itself felt: when engineer Eric Carlberg decided to inspect and check the car in the morning, it turned out that he could only move backwards. The main component in the rear axle gearbox was installed incorrectly. Such a beginning was taken as a good omen: from now on, the movement should have been only in the forward direction.

The car was called simply and uncomplicated - ÖV4 and had an affectionate nickname Jacob (Jacob). The letters ÖV denoted that the model was an open top car, and the number 4 denoted the number of engine cylinders. The Volvo Jacob was American designed, with a powerful chassis and independent suspension with long leaf springs 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.

At first, Swedish buyers were not eager to snap up new cars.

The four-hole car body was painted in dark blue color, and black mudguards stood out against this background. Jacob's open 5-seater body had four doors and was constructed from sheet steel on an ash and copper beech frame. The upholstery was leather, the front panel was wood. Unlike the seats in many other cars, the seats of the first Volvo were sprung. The structure of the wheel of this car was a removable rim, which was mounted on varnished wooden spokes. Minor luxuries in the cabin included a small flower vase, an ashtray and (in the sedan version) curtains on all windows.

New car with a phaeton body it cost 4800 crowns, and a little later the PV4 sedan was introduced, and another 1000 crowns were added to its price. According to plans, the plant should produce 500 cars of each model, however, contrary to expectations, Swedish buyers did not seek to buy up new cars. In the first year, only 297 cars were sold. One of the reasons for such a small number was the requirement for very high level the quality of the supplied components and its strict control by the manufacturer.

The top speed of the PV4 was quite decent - 90 km / h

A year later, presented new model is a Volvo Special, an extended version of the PV4 sedan. The Volvo Special featured a longer hood, thin A-pillars and a rectangular rear window. This car was already equipped with bumpers. At this time, bumpers had not yet become standard equipment on the car.

It wasn't until two years later that the company was able to make its first modest profits. In 1929, Volvo sold 1,383 cars. However, in the late 1920s the car made a real breakthrough, both in the European market and in America.

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 would be able to compete with American cars became stronger and stronger. 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. cars.

The cars were assembled at Galco's Stockholm with the involvement of SKF, whose equity stake in Volvo was 200,000 SEK. SKF also made Volvo a controlled but capable of growth car company.

All work was moved to Gothenburg and neighboring Hisingen, and SKF equipment was eventually moved to Volvo's production site. Assar Gabrielsson singled out 4 basic criteria that contribute to the successful development of the Swedish automobile company: Sweden was a developed industrial country; low level 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 producing passenger cars in Sweden was clearly articulated and based on several business concepts:

Car production Volvo cars. Volvo will be responsible for both machine design and assembly, while materials and components will be sourced from other companies;
- Strategically secure key subcontractors. Volvo must find reliable support and, if necessary, partners in the rail sector;
- Focus on exports. Export sales began a year after the start of assembly line production;
- Attention to 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 postulates 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 business areas, economics and 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. Such was their general approach who laid the foundation for Volvo's first and most important value - quality.

Volvo name

SKF company 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 was the production of bearings, the name Volvo was proposed for cars, which means “I roll” in Latin. Thus, 1927 was the birth year of Volvo.

To characterize your child, a symbol was needed. They chose steel and Swedish heavy industry, since cars started being 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 trucks Volvo mobiles. "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 strip has become reliable and well famous symbol Volvo and its products, in fact one of the strongest brands in the automotive industry.

When the Volvo P1800 sports car turned 50 years old, the Swedish automaker decided to “modernize” the car. True, only on paper - run in mass production upgraded version a model drawn by Volvo's chief designer Christopher Benjamin has yet to be assembled.

At the same time, some experts note that such a car could well find its buyer. The key to commercial success would be the glory of the original P1800 sports car, which was considered the most attractive Volvo in the history of its existence. swedish brand. The appearance 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 launch the production of this model at the German company Karmann, which belonged to the Volkswagen concern, but the disagreements that arose during the negotiations led to the need to find another partner. As a result, serial production of the car was started only in 1961, while cars were assembled in the UK, at the Jensen factory.

The first Volvo P1800s were equipped with gasoline engine with a capacity of 100 horsepower, but in 1966 he was replaced by a 115-horsepower unit. In addition to the coupe, the car could be ordered in cabriolet and station wagon bodies. The total circulation of P1800 for 13 years amounted to 37.5 thousand copies.

In parallel, Volvo begins to produce its first trucks, which were based on the same Jacob.

So, since the 30s of the twentieth century, Volvo has been introducing new introductions to mechanical engineering. A new six-cylinder engine was invented, tested and put into production, brake pads were installed on all 4 wheels, interior soundproofing, a silencer was installed, a radiator grill appeared - and after all these innovations, the car's power does not drop in any way! No wonder the company weathers the global economic crisis. Before the Second World War, Volvo pleases 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 stays afloat, invents new innovations. After surviving the war and having completed the production of car modifications for military needs, Volvo returns to the production of civilian cars. Model PV444, after all the modifications, conquers the market. The company is increasing production and, consequently, the export of cars.

In the 50s, Volvo put a lot of emphasis on safety. Improved brakes, seat belts. A special committee is set up to study various accidents.

In the 60s - 70s. the company enters into agreements with DAF and Renault, which increases the performance and power of cars. New modifications and models are released - Amazone, models 240 and 345. In the 80s, car production per year reaches 400,000! We should not forget that the company continues to care about safety, as evidenced by the numerous awards for modifying the seat belt - the world's first three-point belt that improves safety by 50%.

The 90s again bring success to the company. Relations have been established 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 main fact this decade is the release of the 960, which was equipped with automatic transmission gears. The new car was modified with the help of Japanese colleagues from Mitsubishi - a nice design appeared.

At the moment, the Volvo brand is a safety brand. They go through the streets like this popular models like S40, S60, S80, V70, XC70, XC90. Cars are chosen for comfort, safety and reliability. Every year, the brand pleases with novelties and innovations, both in the field of safety and in the field of reliability of car robots. And besides this, Volvo produces reliable engines for boats and ships.

And now consider 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 into the world, 300 cars were assembled.

1937 - release of new similar models - PV51 and PV52, 1800 cars were produced.

1940s - modernization of cars for military needs, then a strike of workers, a lack of materials. Design and assembly of PV444, an average of 3000 cars are produced per year.

1953 - release of a new family-type car - Volvo Duett.

1954 - an unprecedented step of the company - a guarantee is issued for a car for as much as 5 years! The first Volvo sports car is produced, which never became fashionable.

1956 - Amazon brand launched.

1958 - Volvo exports reach 100,000.

1959 - an event occurred that later made Volvo considered the safest car - it was invented three-point harness security.

1960-1966 - new cars Volvo 1800 and Volvo P 144 are presented, which were rightfully considered the safest cars in the world.

1967 - modernized child seat, now it can be placed against the movement.

1974 - published Volvo model 240, which included all types of security 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 front-wheel drive car appears - the Volvo 480 ES sports car.

1990-1991 - Developed and installed Volvo car 850 side impact protection. The production of the Volvo 960 model was launched, which had a 6-cylinder engine and a power of 240 hp.

1995 - the release of the famous cars Volvo S40 and V40.

1996 - Now Volvo pleases its customers with the beautiful Volvo C70.

1998 - release of Volvo S80 not only comfortable car, but also one of the safest cars in the world, thanks to whiplash protection.

1999 - Volvo buys out Ford, which still owns it to this day.

2002 - A year of great changes in Volvo products. The first SUV XC90 was announced, the restyling of the s40, s80 models was carried out. Volvo has already taken a firm step into the super-powered car market with the S60R and V70R. The company's design studio has been developing its own SUV for some time now. All presenters European manufacturers, even Posrsche, have prepared or started producing their parquet "jeeps". And finally, in August 2002, mass production of the XC90 model was launched.

2003 - At the Geneva Motor Show, Volvo demonstrated its next concept car from the "Volvo Designers' Vision for Cars of the Future" series. Concept car VCC (Versability Concept Car - "Adaptive Concept Car").
The model range of the Swedish company Volvo has replenished with one more four-wheel drive vehicle- following the Volvo S60 and V70, the company's flagship received all-wheel drive, Volvo sedan S80. This car uses a system similar to that of the Volvo S60.

2004 - The appearance of the long-awaited new products of the Swedish company: Volvo S40 and Volvo V50 cars. New Volvo The S40 is 50 mm shorter than its predecessor, but despite this, Volvo offers the features and qualities of larger Volvo models.

2005 — Japanese company Yamaha has released the first engine for the new Volvo XC90 V8.

2007 - Volvo's anniversary year began with the Motor Show in Detroit, where it presents a new concept XC60. Looking back and looking at characteristic features cars that the company has produced over the past decades, in the new car you can hardly recognize Volvo. conceptual model The XC60 is a flashy crossover. The car's design features unusual solutions that make the XC60 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 all probably 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

And I also suggest that you remember the history of the creation of an automobile brand and the history of "life and death" Link to the article from which this copy was made -

Volvo means "I'm rolling" in Latin, and the circle of arrows is just a convenient symbol for steel, Sweden's biggest industry before iKEA. The circle and arrow symbolize the shield and spear of Mars, which are also alchemical symbols for iron. In 1924, in the Stockholm restaurant Sturehof on July 25 - the day that is called Jacob's Day in the Swedish calendar - Assar Gabrielsson and Gustaf Larson decided to create Volvo.

Volvo's birthday is April 14, 1927, the day the first car, called the 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 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. On the international market, manufacturers, in pursuit of increasing their volumes, were not always selective in their approach to 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 the right choice among suppliers. In addition, tests were carried out after assembly. To this day, Volvo follows this principle. Let's find out the history of this brand in more detail...

1927 Volvo OV4 "The Jakob"

Creators of Volvo

Gustaf Larson - the son of Lars Larson, a farmer, and Hilda Magnesson - was born on July 8, 1887 in Vintros, County of 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 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 firm's transmission department in Gothenburg and Katrinholm from 1917 to 1920. He worked as a plant manager and later as technical director and executive vice president of Nya AB Gaico with 1920 to 1926 Collaborated with Assar Gabrielsson to create Volvo. From 1926 to 1952 - technical director and executive vice president of Volvo.

The history of Volvo began with crayfish

As the book "Volvo Cars" tells, the history of Volvo begins in June 1924, when Assar Gabrielson, the future managing director of the brand, accidentally met in a cafe with a former college classmate Gustav Larson, who would later become Volvo's technical director. That day in a cafe they talked for a short time, and Gabrielson proposed the idea of creating an enterprise for the production of cars. 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 much importance to it. Maybe this idea would not have developed if they had not met for the second time in August of that 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 saw Gabriel sitting alone in front of a whole mountain of red crayfish. I joined him, and we set to work with great appetite." So they sat at the same table. Gabrielson had an excellent opportunity to re-discuss his idea. The verbal agreement that 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 create a car manufacturing company in Sweden, make an offer to G. Larson to cooperate with me as an engineer." "I, Larson, accept this offer." Gustav Larson had to develop a new car. The remuneration for this work would be from 5,000 to 20,000 SEK, provided that production reached an industrial level - at least 100 cars a year by January 1, 1928. If the target level of production was not reached, Larson agreed not to claim any what payment. Drawings of the chassis of the new car were ready already six months before the signing of this agreement.
On April 14, 1927, the first mass-produced Volvo car was born - it was the year of the birth of the automotive industry in Sweden. On that day, the gates of the factory on the island of Hisingen, Gothenburg, opened wide. The first Volvo car drove out of the gate. It was an open-top chaise with a four-cylinder engine. Sales manager Hilmer Johansson was driving.
When designing it, the designer Mass-Olle (Mass-Olle) was guided by American methods. 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 "PV-4" variant was a sedan.
The short drive to where the press was waiting for the car was uneventful. But the night before was not an easy one for those in charge of assembling the car. The last parts needed for assembly had arrived by train from Stockholm the previous evening. The haste that accompanied the assembly of the car made itself felt: when engineer Eric Carlberg decided to inspect and check the car in the morning, it turned out that he could only move backwards. The main component in the rear axle gearbox was installed incorrectly. Such a beginning was taken as a good omen: from now on, the movement should have been only in the forward direction.
The car was called simply and uncomplicated - OV4 and had an affectionate nickname Jacob (Jacob). The letters OV denoted that the model was an open-top car, and the number 4 denoted the number of engine cylinders. The Volvo Jacob was American designed, with a powerful chassis and independent suspension with long leaf springs 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.
At first, Swedish buyers were not eager to snap up new cars.
The four-hole car body was painted in dark blue, and black mudguards stood out against this background. Jacob's open 5-seater body had four doors and was constructed from sheet steel on an ash and copper beech frame. The upholstery was leather, the front panel was wood. Unlike the seats in many other cars, the seats of the first Volvo were sprung. The structure of the wheel of this car was a removable rim, which was mounted on varnished wooden spokes. Minor luxuries 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 4800 kroons, and a little later the PV4 sedan was introduced, and another 1000 kroons were added to its price. According to plans, the plant should produce 500 cars of each model, however, contrary to expectations, Swedish buyers did not seek to buy up new cars. In the first year, only 297 cars were sold. 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 top speed of the PV4 was quite decent - 90 km/h
A year later, a new model is introduced - this is the Volvo Special, an extended version of the PV4 sedan. The Volvo Special featured a longer hood, thin A-pillars and a rectangular rear window. This car was already equipped with bumpers. At this time, bumpers had not yet become standard equipment on the car.
It wasn't until two years later that the company was able to make its first modest profits. In 1929, Volvo sold 1,383 cars. However, in the late 1920s the car made a real breakthrough, both in the European market and in America.
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 would be able to compete with American cars became stronger and stronger. 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 chance meetings 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 the Galco's Stockholm plant with the involvement of the interests of SKF, whose equity stake in Volvo was 200,000 SEK. SKF also made Volvo a controlled, but capable of growing, car company.
All work was moved to Gothenburg and neighboring Hisingen, and SKF equipment was eventually moved to Volvo's production site. Assar Gabrielsson singled out 4 basic criteria that contribute to the successful development of the Swedish automobile 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 producing passenger cars in Sweden was clearly articulated and based on several business concepts:
- Manufacture of Volvo cars. Volvo will be responsible for both machine design and assembly, while materials and components will be sourced from other companies;
- Strategically secure key subcontractors. Volvo must find reliable support and, if necessary, partners in the rail sector;
- Focus on exports. Export sales began a year after the start of assembly line production;
- Attention to 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 postulates 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 business areas, economics and 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. It was their common approach that laid the foundation for Volvo's first and most important value - quality.

Volvo name
SKF was a serious guarantor of the production of the first thousand cars: 500 convertibles and 500 hardtops. Since one of the main activities of SKF was the production of bearings, the name Volvo was proposed for cars, which means “I roll” in Latin. Thus, 1927 was the birth year of Volvo.
To characterize your child, a symbol was needed. They chose steel and Swedish heavy industry, since cars started being 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. The "Sign of Mars" was tightly attached to the radiator by the simplest method: a steel rim was attached diagonally across the radiator 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.

When the Volvo P1800 sports car turned 50 years old, the Swedish automaker decided to “modernize” the car. True, only on paper - no one is going to launch into mass production an upgraded 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. The key to commercial success would be the glory of the original P1800 sports car, which was considered the most attractive Volvo in the history of the Swedish brand. The appearance 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 launch the production of this model at the German company Karmann, which belonged to the Volkswagen concern, but the disagreements that arose during the negotiations led to the need to find another partner. As a result, serial production of the car was started only in 1961, while cars were assembled in the UK, at the Jensen factory.

The first Volvo P1800s were equipped with 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 in cabriolet and station wagon bodies. The total circulation of P1800 for 13 years amounted to 37.5 thousand copies.

In parallel, Volvo begins to produce its first trucks, which were based on the same Jacob.
So, since the 30s of the twentieth century, Volvo has been introducing new introductions to mechanical engineering. A new six-cylinder engine was invented, tested and put into production, brake pads were installed on all 4 wheels, interior soundproofing, a silencer was installed, a radiator grill appeared - and after all these innovations, the car's power does not drop in any way! No wonder the company weathers the global economic crisis. Before the Second World War, Volvo pleases 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 stays afloat, invents new innovations. After surviving the war and having completed the production of car modifications for military needs, Volvo returns to the production of civilian cars. Model PV444, after all the modifications, conquers the market. The company is increasing production and, consequently, the export of cars.

In the 50s, Volvo put a lot of emphasis on safety. Improved brakes, seat belts. A special committee is set up to study various accidents.
In the 60s - 70s. the company enters into agreements with DAF and Renault, which increases the performance and power of cars. New modifications and models are released - Amazone, models 240 and 345. In the 80s, car production per year reaches 400,000! We should not forget that the company continues to care about safety, as evidenced by the numerous awards for modifying the seat belt - the world's first three-point belt that improves safety by 50%.
The 90s again bring success to the company. Relations have been established 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 was modified with the help of Japanese colleagues from Mitsubishi - a nice design appeared.
At the moment, the Volvo brand is a safety brand. Popular models such as S40, S60, S80, V70, XC70, XC90 drive through the streets. Cars are chosen for comfort, safety and reliability. Every year, the brand pleases with novelties and innovations, both in the field of safety and in the field of reliability of car robots. And besides this, Volvo produces reliable engines for boats and ships.
And now let's 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 into the world, 300 cars were assembled.
1937 - release of new similar models - PV51 and PV52, 1800 cars were produced.
1940s - modernization of cars for military needs, then a strike of workers, a lack of materials. Design and assembly of PV444, an average of 3000 cars are produced per year.
1953 - release of a new family-type car - Volvo Duett.
1954 - an unprecedented step of the company - a guarantee is issued for a car for as much as 5 years! The first Volvo sports car is produced, which never became fashionable.
1956 - Amazon brand launched.
1958 - Volvo exports reach 100,000.
1959 - an event occurred that later made Volvo considered the safest car - the three-point seat belt was invented.
1960-1966 - new cars Volvo 1800 and Volvo P 144 are presented, 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 model was released, 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 front-wheel drive car appears - the Volvo 480 ES sports car.
1990-1991 - developed and installed on the Volvo 850 side impact protection. The production of the Volvo 960 model was launched, which had a 6-cylinder engine and a power of 240 hp.
1995 - the release of the famous cars Volvo S40 and V40.
1996 - Now Volvo pleases its customers with the beautiful Volvo C70.
1998 - The release of the Volvo S80 is not only a comfortable car, but also one of the safest cars in the world, thanks to whiplash protection.
1999 - Volvo buys out Ford, which still owns it to this day.
2000 - such "giants" of the car market as the Volvo V70 and Volvo S60 are released. Volvo is recognized as the most safe car in the world.
2002 - A year of great changes in Volvo products. The first SUV XC90 was announced, the restyling of the s40, s80 models was carried out. Volvo has already taken a firm step into the super-powered car market with the S60R and V70R. 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 producing their parquet "jeeps". And finally, in August 2002, mass production of the XC90 model was launched.
2003 - At the Geneva Motor Show, Volvo showcased its next concept car from the "Volvo Designers' Vision for the Cars of the Future" series. Concept car VCC (Versability Concept Car - "Adaptive Concept Car"). The model range of the Swedish company Volvo has replenished with another all-wheel drive car - after the Volvo S60 and V70, the company's flagship, the Volvo S80 sedan, also received all-wheel drive. This car 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 larger Volvo models.

Volvo (Volvo Aktiebolaget), a Swedish company that produces cars and trucks, as well as engines for various purposes, a variety of agricultural, forestry and household appliances. The headquarters is located in Gothenburg.

At the Stockholm restaurant Sturehof on July 25, 1924 - the day that is called Jacob's Day in the Swedish calendar - the decision was made to create Volvo. The first model of the car, prepared by the founders of the company, Assar Gabrielsson (Assar Gabrielsson) and Gustaf Larson (Gustaf Larson) was called "Jakob" (Jakob), and the maximum number of Swedish-made components was used in its creation. The undertaking of enthusiasts turned out to be successful and since 1927, a company was founded to produce cars of the Volvo brand (from the Latin volvo - I roll). By 1935, 10,000 cars had been sold in Sweden.

The first trucks have been produced since 1928, and since 1931 the company has been the leader in Europe in the production of heavy trucks.

In the early 40s, the company developed the relatively inexpensive Volvo PV36 and Volvo PV51 models, which became popular in Sweden. The war prevented the sale of these models in Europe, but the first post-war years were powerful. advertising companies brought the company fame in Europe and America. The post-war model Volvo PV44 was the leader in Sweden in terms of sales until 1953 and became the basis of subsequent "hits" - PV 444 and PV 544. Presentation of the first mass car Volvo - PV 444 - held in 1944 on the famous Volvo exhibition at the Royal Tennis Hall in Stockholm. Also presented were the PV60, the first bus with diesel engine and many other new products.

In 1953, the presentation of the first real Volvo station wagon, the Duett, took place. While probably more suited to small businesses, the Duett marked the beginning of Volvo's focus on family cars.

In 1956, the Volvo P 120 was released (sold in the Scandinavian countries under the name Amazon). This car was distinguished by a pronounced feminine outline. Soon the novelty bypassed the popularity of PV.

1958 Gunnar Andersson wins the European Rally Championship in a PV 544. In 1965, Volvo won the World Rally Championship.

Volvo was the first company in the world to install a three-point seat belt in a mass-produced car in 1959. The creator of the new seat belt, Nils Bohlen, has received many awards, but more importantly, this belt has saved millions of lives.

The range of products expanded and in 1959 appeared sport car Coupe Volvo P 1800.

In 1966, the Volvo 144 was released - "the safest car in the world", which received the title "Car of the Year" in the Scandinavian countries.

In 1974, the presentation of the Volvo 240 took place - more modern and safer than the 140 series cars. It remained on sale until 1993 and was produced in the amount of 2.8 million copies.

In Holland, in 1976, the Volvo 343 was released, a new important model with a unique transmission called "Rem-Johan" (Belt-Johan). At first, the car had certain shortcomings, but over time, "childhood diseases" were cured, and the model gained popularity.

Volvo is the first car manufacturer in the world to introduce in 1976 catalytic converter and a lambda probe.

In 1982 I got worldwide success model Volvo 760. At this time, due to changing market trends, the company was experiencing difficulties. Following the Volvo 760, more massive, "democratic" 740 models appeared, which quickly conquered Sweden and other countries.

In 1985, the Volvo 480 ES was released in Holland - a spectacular sports coupe, which became the first front wheel drive car Volvo. It was followed in 1988 by the Volvo 440 and a little later by the Volvo 460 sedan.

The Volvo 960 and 940 were introduced in 1990. The Volvo 960 had an aluminum six-cylinder engine that was assembled at the new engine plant in Skovde and developed at least 240 hp. The car quickly entered the fray with rivals from the luxury class - primarily German. The Volvo 940, like the earlier 740 and 240 models, became the people's car.

In 1991, the Volvo 850 family car entered the market, which was a great success. With the help of SIPS and other innovations, Volvo has shown what it looks like reliable system side impact protection.

In 1994, Volvo released a completely a new version Volvo 960.

In 1995, the Volvo plant in Born produced new contenders for success - the Volvo S40 and V40.

In 1996, the Volvo C70 Coupe was introduced to the public. This coupe, followed by the Volvo C70 Cab, was assembled at the Uddevalla plant, which was jointly owned by Volvo and Tom Walkinshaw Racing.

In 1997, the V70 was released Cross Country. In 2000, the second generation Volvo V70 2000 was released, built on a large platform. At the same time, the Volvo Cross Country car appeared.

The Volvo S80, which was shown at 272 hp, had an IC inflatable curtain and a WHIPS whiplash protection system - the world's first safety features of this type and in 2000 this model was recognized as the most safe car peace.

In 1999, Volvo Cars' passenger car business was sold to Ford Motor Company.

In 2000, the third model was released, created on a large platform - the sporty Volvo S60.

In Detroit in 2002, the premiere of the SUV - Volvo XC90.

Volvo has gained a reputation as a manufacturer of expensive, prestigious, reliable and safe cars (the company's role in the development and implementation of modern systems security, for which the company has won international awards more than once).