The word "safe" springs into mind whenever Volvo is mentioned. Unlike other car companies who are concerned in unlocking the potential of increasing the speed of automobiles, Volvo has instead taken a keen interest in making people's automobile experience as safe as possible. For this reason, not only are their models one of the most coveted in the automobile market, but they are also the most ideal choice for people who simply want to drive while feeling secure with its safety features.
Prior to being known as a car manufacturer, Volvo, which means "I roll" in English, was registered in May 1911 with the idea of producing ball bearing products under SKF AB to be distributed in the American market. The company was eventually given duties to produce commercial automobiles under the guidance of Engineer Gustav Larson and SKF Sales Manager Assar Gabrielsson.
Volvo released its first car named the Volvo ÖV and its first truck named Series 1 before 1928 at the factory of Göteborg. Consumers were receptive with both transports, which signalled for good things to come in the company. In 1935, SKF presented Volvo AB to the stock market and decided to sell its shares in Volvo. Throughout the rigors of their success, Volvo was yet to experience another change in 1998, when Volvo Group sold Volvo Car Corporation to Ford Motor Company for the hefty sum of $6.45B. Because of this, the Volvo trademark will be equally owned by both Volvo Group and Volvo Cars. Volvo Group focuses their resources in developing commercial vehicles, while Volvo Cars manufactures automobiles owned by Ford Motors Company.
As mentioned above, Volvo is known for producing safe and durable cars. Due to the poor road conditions and harsh climate in Sweden during those times, founders Gabrielsson and Gustaf Larson had put tremendous value on safety and durability as part of their basic principle in all of their design works. On the downside, the emphasis put on safety makes Volvo cars one of the slowest in the line of premium commercial vehicles.
Volvo has continually raised the bar in terms of safety and protection of its passengers. 1944 saw the company saw the introduction of the laminated glass in their PV model. Along with Mercedes-Benz, Volvo is also known to have conceptualised the ‘crumple zone,' in which passengers are protected with a strong, encircling frame if the car takes a crash, while the shock will be absorbed by the destruction of the car's boot. Then, Volvo devised the first central high-mounted stoplight, which was enforced by the United States in 1986. The Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS) introduced in 1998 was to also prevent injuries to be incurred by the front seat passenger during collision.
Aside from cars, Volvo is also celebrated as one of the largest manufacturers of commercial transports like buses, trucks, marine engines and construction equipment. Aside from the Series 1, Volvo had released its first bus named B1 in 1934. Aircraft engines were also added among their expanding range of transport solutions.
The company has also taken great lengths in pushing both brands by means of promotional competitions. The company entered the British Touring Car Championship with Tom Walkinshaw Racing and produced victories consistently throughout the span of the 90s. Also, Volvo has sponsored particular events such as Volvo Ocean Race, Volvo Masters and Volvo China Open. Judging from these activities, Volvo is simply not content with merely producing vehicles.
At the end of the day, Volvo has become a household name for its cars and other products. Simply put, Volvo is a lifestyle.
Original Authors: Manny
Edit Update Authors: M.A.Harris
Updated On: 11/06/2008
