Volvo Personvagnar AB is a Swedish automotive company specializing in the production of cars and crossovers. Since 2010 is subsidiary Chinese company Geely Automobile(Zhejiang Geely Holding). The headquarters is located in Gothenburg (Sweden). Interestingly, the very word Volvo in Latin means "I roll."
At the origin of the founding of a Swedish manufacturer cars Assar Gabrielson and Gustav Larson stood. chance meeting college classmates in 1924 led to the creation car company under the wing of bearing manufacturer SKF.
The first Volvo ÖV4 (Jacob) drove out of the factory gate on Hisingen Island in Gothenburg in April 1927. The car was from open top type phaeton, equipped with gasoline four-cylinder engine(28 hp) and could accelerate to 90 km / h. This was followed by the new Volvo PV4 sedan, and a year later Volvo Special - an extended version of the sedan. In the first year, only 297 cars were sold, but in 1929 already 1383 Volvo cars found their buyers.
Even the first cars of the Swedish company were progressive technical filling and rich interior equipment. Leather sprung seats, wooden front panel, ashtray, window blinds, and all this in the late 20s of the last century.
The company develops and produces reliable cars, and its main hobby is safe cars. We note the most striking and significant models for the Swedish manufacturer:
PV650 was assembled in 1929-1937.
Volvo TR670 from 1930 to 1937.
PV 36 Carioca - 1935-1938.
The Volvo PV800 series was nicknamed "pig" and was very popular with Swedish taxi drivers, produced from 1938 to 1958.
PV60 - 1946-1950.
Volvo PV444/544 is the first car from Sweden with load-bearing body, rolled off the assembly line between 1943 and 1966.
The Duett station wagon was produced from 1953 to 1969.
A unique and rare P1900 roadster, only 58 cars were produced in 1956-1957 (according to some sources, 68).
Volvo Amazon was produced in three body styles: coupe, sedan and station wagon from 1956 to 1970. The car was the first in the world to be equipped with front three-point seat belts.
P1800 - one of the most beautiful sports coupes from Volvo, was produced from 1961 to 1973.
Volvo 66- compact hatchback, produced in 1975-1980.
open modern history Swedish company Volvo cars 140 Series, produced from 1966 to 1974.
four door Volvo sedan 164 represented Sweden in the luxury executive car segment from 1968 to 1975.
Volvo's next innovations in the form of 200 series cars won the love of motorists on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean due to their reliability and safety, cars were produced from 1974 to 1993 and were sold in excess of 2.8 million copies. in Europe and North America you can still find these models in enough good condition.
300 series- compact sedans and hatchbacks, produced from 1976 to 1991. They were replaced in 1987 by the Volvo 440 (hatchback) and 460 (sedan), production ceased in 1997.
One of the most striking and memorable cars in the history of Volvo was three-door hatchback Volvo 480, produced from 1986 to 1995. The car was the first Volvo with front-wheel drive and the only one in production line with retractable headlights.
The 700 series mid-size sedans and station wagons were produced from 1982 to 1992. Cars have sold around the world with a circulation of 1430 thousand units.
The 700 series was replaced by the 900 series sedans in 1990. Cars were produced until 1998 and were able to repeat the result of the previous series in 1,430,000 cars sold.
Volvo 850 sedans and station wagons appeared in the company's lineup in 1992. Over 1,360,000 vehicles have been sold in just over five years, and production of the model was discontinued in 1997.
In the 21st century, the Scandinavian company offers a wide range of model line. For every type Volvo bodies offers its letter designation: S - sedan, V - station wagon, C - coupe or convertible, XC - crossover.
The Swedish company Volvo is a leader in the global automotive industry in terms of the introduction of security systems used in passenger cars. Cars from Sweden are rightfully considered one of the safest in the world. automotive market.
Volvo's car assembly plants are scattered all over the world, from the main production plants at the Torslanda and Uddevalla plants (Sweden) to the auxiliary plants in Ghent (Belgium), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) and Chongqing (China).
The model range in Russia is represented by Volvo C70, Volvo XC70, Volvo S80, Volvo XC90.
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 - it was decided to creation of Volvo. The first sample of the car, prepared by the founders of the company, Assar Gabrielsson (Assar Gabrielsson) and Gustaf Larson (Gustaf Larson) was called "Jakob" (Jakob), and was used in its creation maximum number components made in Sweden. 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 were produced since 1928, and since 1931 the company has been the leader in Europe in the production of heavy trucks.
In the early 1940s, the company developed a relatively inexpensive models Volvo PV36 and Volvo PV51, which have become 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. Postwar Volvo model 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 wagon Volvo- Duett. 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 in 1959 three-point harness safety in a mass-produced vehicle. 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 appearance of the Volvo 960 and 940 occurred in 1990. The Volvo 960 had an aluminum six-cylinder engine, which was assembled at a new engine plant in Skovda and developed at least 240 hp. The car quickly entered the fray with rivals from the luxury class - primarily German. Volvo 940 like more early models 740 and 240 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, the passenger car department Volvo cars Cars has been sold Ford motor company.
In 2000, the third model was released, created on a large platform - sport Volvo S60.
In Detroit in 2002, the premiere of the SUV - Volvo XC90.
Volvo has gained a reputation for producing expensive, prestigious, reliable and safe cars(the role of the company in the development and implementation of modern systems security, for which the company has won international awards more than once).
The Volvo concern, which has proved itself as a manufacturer of high-quality and reliable technology, 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 committed itself not to change the name Volvo brand, leave Sweden as the country of manufacture, and also do not 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 capacity brands are concentrated in Swedish city Torsland, as well as 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 brand's birthday, the Swedes released special edition under the name First Edition with a circulation 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. experienced similar success previous version car in 2003. In addition, the crossover showed top scores in its class according to Euro Ncap.
One of the main world leaders in the production of heavy trucks company Volvo Trucks Corporation began its activity in the late 1920s as an automotive subsidiary of the famous bearing company SKF. Passenger cars were the first to be launched in the series since April 1927, and in February 1928 the first 1.5-ton Volvo truck rolled off the assembly line of the plant. Trucks of this brand immediately became very famous. high quality assembly and excellent reliability, which favorably distinguished them from competitors' models. It is not surprising that with such an attitude, the Volvo brand has taken its place in the sun.
To a large extent, this was facilitated by the constant attention of the company, starting from the 60s, to such areas as safety and comfort for the driver. In addition to transport and economic efficiency, the design of modern trucks is also determined by safety, ergonomics, comfort and environmental friendliness. After the sale in 2000 of the passenger car division Volvo concern and then followed by an unsuccessful attempt to take over the competing company Scania AB, a merger with the French company RVI took place.
The first version "NH12" is equipped with a 12-liter "D12C" engine with a capacity of 340-420 hp, gearboxes with a number of gears of 9, 12 or 14, an increased volume "Gloubtrotter" cab. Max speed is 112 km/h. In the autumn of 2000, a presentation of a new bonnet construction series “VHD” (6 × 4 / 10 × 4) with engines of 345-465 hp took place. and a fundamentally new design, developed jointly by various Volvo divisions. In the face of intensified competition, the management of Volvo decided to expand the scope of activities and gain a foothold in the sector of middle-class cars, signing a cooperation agreement in 1997 with Japanese company(Mitsubishi).
In 1998, Volvo factories, which employ 23 thousand people, produced 85 thousand trucks gross weight more than 6 tons and buses, ranking sixth in the world. In the summer of next year, the company strengthened its already stable position by purchasing more than 70% of the shares of the Swedish company (Scania). This created the prerequisites for the formation of the world's third concern "Volvo-Scania", but in the spring of 2000 the EU Commission vetoed this agreement. A few more months passed and the Volvo group bought out 100% of the shares of the truck department (Renault), creating another large transnational concern for the production of trucks.
©. Photos taken from publicly available sources.
Volvo Personvagnar AB (Volvo Cars ) sold in 2010 — concern Ford transferred 100% of the shares of his former division to the holding Zhejiang Geely Holding Group from China, which already has one global automaker - Geely Auto.
Main production Volvo power Cars on this moment located on the territory of the European Union - factories in Torsland, Uddevalle and Ghent. The company plans to open several factories in China to meet the needs of a dynamically developing domestic market.
Cars in the Netherlands Volvo brands do not collect. By the end of 2012 the company Mitsubishi Motors- the owner of the plant since 2001, was going to close the plant or sell it for a nominal fee under certain conditions. Once the following models rolled off the assembly line of the plant: 440, 460, S40 b V40.
Volvo cars - S40 and S80L were produced at the Changan Ford plant in Chongqing, China.
| Production of Volvo cars | ||||
| Factory | Location | A country | Model | VIN sign of the plant |
| Torslan-daverken | Torslanda | Switzerland | V70 XC70 S80 XC90 V60 |
1 |
| Pinifarina Sverige AB | Uddevalla | C70 | J | |
| Volvo Cars Ghent | Ghent | Belgium | C30 V40 S40 V50 S60 XC60 |
2 |
Volvo Cars sold about 422,000 vehicles in 2012. The largest sales market for Volvo cars is the North American market. So, in the US market in 2012, 68,079 cars were sold. Contrary to company expectations Chinese market did not grow, under the onslaught of competitors deployed their production in China, there was a decline in sales. The opening of a plant in China, the reduction in the cost of cars due to the absence of customs duties, will significantly increase sales. Today, the duty is up to 25% of the value of the car.
Which factory assembles the most Volvo cars?
The company's plant in the Belgian city of Ghent assembled about 265 thousand cars in 2011, and about 258 thousand cars in 2012. Significant for the plant is the production small cars, it is with them that the increase in production is associated.
Volvo production in Russia.
Back in 2002, the first production of trucks of this brand was launched in Zelenograd. In connection with the plans of the company to open modern plant high power on the territory of Russia, production in Moscow was closed in 2008. January 2009 in Kaluga opened Volvo factory Group with a design capacity of 15,000 vehicles per year. Main products trucks model range Volvo: FH, FM and FMX.
