History

The creation process of volvo automobile company is very legendary. However, volvo, the most famous company in Sweden and even the world, was born in a very traditional Swedish lobster. Born at a dinner party. ?

Volvo

That was still on July 25, 1924. The Nordic summer evening is still charming. In Stockholm, Sweden, known as the "Beauty on the Water?", Gustav Larsson and Arthur Gbrisson walked into a restaurant called Sturehof. In the restaurant, these two Swedes who love cars ordered a plate of lobster. Within a few hours of dining, they talked about their love and persistence for cars, and finally formulated a plan to create the world-famous Volvo car company. . The development history of Volvo Car Company over the years is also full of legends and changes. However, it has always maintained the distinctive characteristics of a Nordic enterprise, and it has been because of these characteristics that it has become unique over the years. ?The first car - "jacob"? In the Swedish calendar, July 25th happens to be the anniversary of Saint Jacob. Therefore, to commemorate the birth of Volvo, the first model car produced by the company was named "Jacob OV4". This car, equipped with a 28-horsepower twin-cylinder engine, drove out of the factory on April 14, 1927, under the eyes of people. When sales manager Johnson drove the car into an open field, a group of spectators applauded. At that time, the speed of cars was relatively slower than today's cars, and it was said that the top speed could reach 90 kilometers per hour. But this is nothing more than an ideal speed. The Nordic car company launched a convertible car on the market, which was considered a bold move at the time. As a result, demand for Jacob's cars was not great, and only 300 were sold within a few years.

Safety car image The founder of volvo has been emphasizing the safety of cars since the company was founded. The first crash test of the Volvo sedan was carried out before the first car was sold. ?That was still in 1926, on the beautiful Stockholm-Gothenburg road, one of the nine ov4 prototypes conducted a frontal impact test with an American car. As a result, imported American cars have become almost a pile of scrap metal. The Volvo car only had a few impact scars, and the car was generally unharmed. Since then, Volvo cars have established an image of safe cars. ?Every year, Volvo invests a lot of money in safety product research and development, and constantly evaluates its achievements. This spirit of introspection has kept Volvo at the forefront of the world in the development of automotive safety products, contributing many innovative inventions to the automotive industry, such as the safety compartment in the 1940s, the three-point seat belt in the 1960s, and the three-point safety belt in the 1990s. side impact protection system. ?Because of its unremitting pursuit in the field of safety, Volvo has won many awards in recent years, such as the Prince Mike Road Safety Award, the European Collision Four Star Award, and the British Touring Car Championship. ?Export road? The initial export volume of Volvo cars was very limited, with only 24 and 27 cars exported in 1928 and 1929 respectively. ?The first export country was Finland, and later it entered Denmark, Cuba, the Netherlands, Pakistan, Syria, Egypt, Morocco and Argentina. ?In 1955, Volvo cars began to be exported to the United States to compete with the powerful American car brands. It was considered a very bold and risky behavior at the time. It is no wonder that some Swedes at the time lamented: "This is tantamount to selling refrigerators in the Arctic." . That being said, the PV444 sedan caused a sensation in the United States, and the United States soon developed into the largest market for Volvo sedans.

Early development In the late 1920s, Volvo almost became an American company after experiencing difficult entrepreneurial years. Only a few people knew about it. ?At that time, the legendary American car manufacturer Charles Nass came to Sweden by ship and wanted to sign an agreement to acquire Volvo cars.

It was only thanks to the joint efforts of Arthur Gribrisson himself and the SKF Bearing Company that the Swedish nationality of the company was finally managed to be preserved in the hours before the unwelcome American guests arrived at the port of Gothenburg. In September of the same year, Volvo Car Company began to make profits for the first time, and the company has since gradually developed and grown.

Design style In the 1930s, the design inspiration of volvo cars mainly came from the United States. Swedish engineering and technical personnel who had worked with American automobile companies in Detroit and were well-trained returned to their native Sweden and eventually joined Volvo. They injected the technical knowledge and design concepts of American cars into Volvo. The PV36 sedan was launched in 1935. This attractive "carioca" sedan has innovative technologies such as a novel and bold rounded shape and independent wheel suspension. It is one of the classic models in the history of Volvo. ?In the 1940s, PV800 cars were mostly used as taxis on the streets. The car is large and comfortable and is often used to transport pregnant women to the hospital. To this day, we can see some people in Sweden who were born in Volvo cars.

Family cars and racing cars - pv444 The design of volvo cars truly formed a tradition, which started with the design of pv444 cars. This car reflects Volvo's confidence. It was smaller than an American sedan but larger than the European small cars that were popular at the time. And it is more dynamic. This car has made great contributions to Volvo's entry into the US market. The PV444 sedan has a spacious interior and strong power, and has gained the reputation of "family sports car". Shortly thereafter, the car also became popular with racing drivers, and for many years to come. As long as Volvo cars are participating, other competitors sometimes refuse to participate because it is a waste of time and gas for them. The brilliant achievements of the PV444 car in track racing and rallying were later repeated many times by other Volvo cars. The volvo 240 turbocharged car performed well in the European racing arena in the 1980s, and the volvo? S40 racing car performed well in the British racing arena in the 1990s. ?Volvo station wagon? On July 4, 1953, the first PV445 car manufactured entirely by Volvo was ready for delivery, and the first buyer was none other than Asal Gebrison himself. This car, named Type 445dh, is a station wagon with a spacious and bright interior. On November 20 of the same year, the company's first van was also announced, model pv445?ds. The third car was launched on July 19, 1955. It was a more comfortable station wagon with the model name Volvo?pv?445?ph. The last two letters in Swedish represent a station wagon mainly used to carry people. . After the launch of these three cars, the development work of the station wagon named "Duo" series came to an end. Although Volvo's "Duo" is not a large car, it has an amazing luggage capacity. The sides of the luggage compartment are vertical and the top is quite high. The floor is covered with painted wooden boards. Large items can be easily pushed into the luggage compartment. . Total sales of the Volvo "Duo" p210 station wagon reached 97,298 units. The last dark blue P210 station wagon left the production line on February 19, 1969 and went directly into Volvo Cars' historical exhibition hall. To this day, this station wagon with an odometer of just over 100 kilometers is still proudly displayed there. It occupies its own place in the exhibition hall. The Volvo Amazon III made its debut at the Stockholm Motor Show in the spring of 1962. The car has a pure American style. The rear door consists of two parts, the upper part is a glass window and the lower part is a metal plate. Production of the Volvo "Amazon" series ended in 1969. The range includes two car models, the p121 and p122, and a station wagon model, the p220. The total number of p220 station wagons produced by the company is 73,000 units. By the mid-1960s, Volvo had established its position in the station wagon segment.

In the summer of 1966, the company launched a replacement product for the "Amazon" car, and at the same time named a new model car with a number for the first time. This was the 145 station wagon, which relied on the experience and technology accumulated during the development of the "Amazon" car. The new car launched has made important improvements to the rear suspension. To this day, there are still thousands of 145 station wagons running around the world. The Volvo 745 station wagon was launched into the U.S. market after its debut at the 1985 Chicago Auto Show. The United States is Volvo's largest market for station wagons. In the first year of production of the Volvo 745 station wagon, the product was only sold in the United States, and then successfully entered the European market. During this period, car buyers continued to put forward new requirements and expectations for the car, hoping to improve configuration and power. So the Volvo 740 turbocharged 5-door station wagon appeared. It was one of the fastest station wagons at the time, with an acceleration time of 0-100 km/h in only 8.5 seconds and a power output of up to 200 horsepower. ?Before the 1990s, all Volvo station wagons were rear-wheel drive. This changed only when the 850 series station wagon appeared in 1991. The car adopts a series of new designs, including front-wheel drive, transverse engine configuration, etc. Power comes from a 5-cylinder engine, each cylinder uses dual overhead cams and 4 valves. The power output is as high as 240 horsepower, and the top speed reaches 250 km/h for the first time. At the beginning of the new year in 1996, Volvo launched a brand new car in Sweden, the S40 4-door car, which was the result of cooperation between Volvo and Japan's Mitsubishi Motors Corporation. A few months later, the v40 station wagon was launched. These two small and charming cars are equipped with 1.8-liter or 2.0-liter engines, and in accordance with Volvo's traditional approach, their safety performance has once again been improved to a new level. They are all equipped with side airbags, which is the first of its kind in this type of car. Later, whips cervical spine protection system and sips wing protection system were added. In November 1996, Volvo improved the 850 station wagon to make the front end of the car more aerodynamic, thus launching the v70 station wagon. The appearance of the new car is more rounded, and the internal configuration has been completely updated, involving approximately 1,800 parts and components. It can be described as an all-round "facelift". In January 2000, Volvo launched the new generation v70 model. The front end of the car outlines a simple shape with strong lines, and the hip line is very prominent, creating a relief-like style, making the appearance of the whole car both elegant and eye-catching. ?A comprehensive integration of Asian design? Italy led the world's car design trend in the 1950s. Volvo cars appointed a chief designer for the first time, and this is Wheelsgaard. The p120 sedan he designed in 1956 combined Italian aura and Swedish pragmatism. Since then, the typical design features of the p120 car (also known as Amazon) have been reflected in many of Volvo's sedan models, including the V-shaped hood, distinctive shoulder lines and vertical radiator grille, which have become the symbol and pride of Volvo .

Safety was still synonymous with safety in the 1940s. Volvo equipped the pv444 with innovative configurations such as laminated windshields and safety compartment frame mechanisms. By the 1950s, volvo had become a veritable brand. synonymous with safety. In 1959, Volvo launched the three-point seat belt initiated by Bokhalin, which has since changed the entire automotive world. The three-point seat belt is one of the inventions that has made the greatest contribution to saving lives in human history. Volvo won its first safety award in 1962, and similar awards followed one after another. The "saint" who drives a Volvo car? Because he always follows the principle of caring for life. It’s no surprise that one of Volvo’s later sedans was adopted by a “saint.” The p1800 sports car launched in 1958 was full of dynamics and elegance, so the famous film actor Roger Moore chose this car when he starred in the British TV series "The Saint".

?As a practical Swedish company, Volvo will never let these features stop at this sedan. After that, it launched this sedan, and then launched this model's sports station wagon- p1800?es. The rear end design on the p1800?es has reappeared in several subsequent cars, including the volvo?v40 sedan and most recently the volvo safety concept car.

The cleanest car, the volvo? 140 car launched in 1966, is compatible with the dual characteristics of a car and a station wagon. Volvo's design philosophy embodied in the 140 and later the 240 has attracted customers around the world for thirty years. This is because its simple yet clear lines take functional character to new heights. Of course, the most distinctive feature is the volvo 245 car. It is the ancestor of all Volvo station wagons. Both cars also feature significant improvements in active and passive safety features and environmental protection. The volvo 240 car, which represented a major technological breakthrough with its catalytic converter and oxygen sensor, was introduced to the United States in 1976 and became the cleanest car sold in the United States. In fact, the exhaust emissions of the first batch of Volvo cars equipped with these facilities were so low that it would be difficult to detect them by accidental testing. At that time, the American testing team once thought that their testing equipment was malfunctioning, which shows that Volvo's Its reputation as the cleanest car is by no means unearned. Today, every modern car widely uses catalytic converter devices.

Volvo Trucks Many people know Volvo, Regal, and Volvo. In fact, in European languages, the Volvo brand is generally written as "OLVO". OLVO represents the most advanced and safest generation of trucks - Volvo heavy-duty trucks. ?

Volvo heavy-duty trucks

OLVO Truck Group is an important member of the world's truck production field. It owns three well-known brands of heavy-duty trucks: VOLVO, Renault and Mark. Among them, VOLVO ?Series trucks are the ones we are most familiar with. In addition to its buses and various trucks, OLVO Automobile Company has an absolute dominance in Northern Europe. Its sedans are also quite famous in the world. Volvo sedans are famous for their simple styling, luxurious and comfortable interiors, and they are also renowned in the international car industry for their good safety features that extend, protect and enjoy life. ?Volvo Car Company has commercial vehicle department, truck department, bus department, parts department, automobile sales department and passenger car subsidiary, etc. Volvo's products are all-encompassing, but its main product is still cars.

Style design In the 1980s, when the early round streamlined exterior design of automobiles was popular in the global automobile industry, Volvo Car Company insisted on its own design path. ?volvo believes that the bold design of its volvo?750 and volvo?740 station wagons will naturally be favored. And it is sure that its new 700 series will be a sensation all over the world. Sure enough, sales of Volvo sedans soon reached their highest peak ever. While other manufacturers have rounded the corners of their sedans, Volvo still uses a box-shaped design. The large-capacity luggage compartment of this station wagon is due to this design, thus creating a spacious luggage space. space. ?Opening a new era? The launch of the volvo 850 sedan has opened a new volvo era. This dynamic sedan combines all the advantages of the world-famous Volvo sedan: safety, reliability, functionality and environmental concern. It caused Volvo's image to gradually change after entering the 1990s. ?Volvo? The 850 sedan has won more awards in the areas of technology, safety and design than any other of the company's models worldwide. In Italy, where design is life, the volvo 855 station wagon of the volvo 850 series was rated as "the most beautiful station wagon in the world".

Since then, the bright rear design of the volvo 855 station wagon has been imitated many times. However, the charm of the original design can never be imitated. A brand new model? A new era? History has developed to this day, and the new volvo s60 sedan As well as other models produced on the same platform: volvo?s80?, olvo?v70?, xc, and even the recently launched xc90 car are the result of the close cooperation between designers and engineers within volvo car company in the new era. The basic structure of these models was established by the volvo 850 model, which was characterized by a spacious and practical interior and a transverse linear arrangement of the engine. At the same time, each new model has its own commendable and excellent features. For example: increased legroom on the rear seats in the S80 sedan. The luggage compartment is added in the v70 car, the dynamic roofline is highlighted in the s60 car, and the xc90 car has three rows of forward-facing seats.

Future Development On April 1, 1999, Ford Motor Company officially acquired Volvo Cars. ?Now that Volvo Cars has adopted comprehensive digital design, designers and engineers can complete development work faster and smarter than most competitors. Today, not only can computers be used to design a car, Volvo's experts can complete test drives and crash tests before building a prototype. ?In the years to come, cars will change, as will the entire society and the people who drive cars. We have reason to believe that there will undoubtedly still be cars in the future society, and among them there will definitely be the proud pride of Volvo cars. figure.

Join China March 28, 2010, Dearborn, Michigan—Ford Motor Company announced today that it has reached an agreement with Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co., Ltd. on the sale of Volvo Car Group and related assets. Definite agreement. Hangzhou, China/Gothenburg, Sweden, March 28, 2010 – Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co., Ltd. (Geely Group), one of China’s fastest growing automakers, today announced that it has signed a final equity acquisition agreement with Ford Motor to acquire Volvo Cars (Abbreviation: Volvo Cars) 100 equity and related assets (including intellectual property rights). Geely Group Chairman Li Shufu and Ford Motor Company Chief Financial Officer Lewis Booth signed the agreement in Gothenburg. Li Yizhong, Minister of Industry and Information Technology of the People's Republic of China, and Maud Olofsson, Swedish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Corporate Energy, attended the signing. ceremony. Li Shufu, Chairman of Geely Group, said: "China, the world's largest automobile market, will become Volvo Cars' second home market. As an internationally renowned top luxury car brand, Volvo Cars will unleash huge market potential in China, which is developing rapidly. ." Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally said: "Volvo is an excellent brand with first-class products. This agreement lays a solid foundation for the future sustainable development of Volvo Cars." Geely Group will invest 1.8 billion. US dollars to acquire Volvo cars. All acquisition funds have been secured, and Geely Group has also prepared working capital loans needed for Volvo Cars' future business development. In addition to the equity acquisition, this agreement also involves important terms reached between Volvo Cars, Geely Group and Ford Motor in terms of intellectual property rights, parts supply and research and development. These agreements fully guarantee Volvo Cars' independent operations, continued implementation of existing business plans and future sustainable development. Geely Group will retain Volvo Car's existing factories in Sweden and Belgium, and will also build new factories in China in due course to bring production closer to the Chinese market. Chairman Li Shufu also said: "We are pleased to have reached a final agreement with Ford. As a new shareholder, Geely will continue to consolidate and strengthen Volvo's global leadership in safety and environmental protection. Users of Volvo cars can rest assured that this famous Swedish luxury brand The car brand will continue to maintain its core values ??of safety, high quality, environmental protection and modern Nordic design.

"As part of this transaction, Geely Group will continue to maintain the good relationships that Volvo has established with its employees, labor unions, suppliers, dealers, and especially users. After the transaction is completed, Volvo Cars will still be headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden. Under the guidance of the board of directors, Volvo Cars' management team will be fully responsible for the daily operations of Volvo Cars, continue to maintain Volvo Cars' leading position in safety and environmental protection technology, expand Volvo Cars' business as a top luxury brand in more than 100 markets around the world, and promote The development of Volvo cars in the fast-growing Chinese market is subject to regulatory approval. Geely and Ford expect to make regular adjustments to the purchase price based on pension gaps, liabilities, cash and working capital accounting. The delivery was completed in the third quarter of this year. On August 2, 2010, Geely Holding Group completed the acquisition of all shares of Volvo Cars and appointed Stephen Jacobs as CEO of Volvo Cars. Recently, Volvo Cars Global has also unveiled its new board of directors! The headquarters announced a new senior management organizational structure. Volvo Cars China headquarters will be fully upgraded with an enhanced senior management team. Mr. Shen Hui was appointed as Volvo Cars Global Senior Vice President and Chairman of Volvo Cars China, and will be responsible for China. Production and commercial operations, etc.; Dr. Alexander Klose is the CEO of Volvo Cars China Sales Company. Volvo Cars China Sales Company will receive support from the headquarters in terms of market expansion, product development, production and manufacturing. More support. Gerry Keaney, global senior vice president, marketing, sales and after-sales service, will still be responsible for supervising Volvo Cars’ marketing, sales and after-sales service in the Chinese market. The enhanced senior management organizational structure reflects Volvo Car Company attaches great importance to the Chinese market, ensuring Volvo Car Company's continued profitability and rapid development in the Chinese market. In the future, under the new senior management organizational structure, Volvo Car Company will continue to implement its established strategy and maintain its environmental protection and safety standards. As a global leader in the field, Volvo Cars China is committed to becoming one of the most successful and respected luxury brands. From January to September 2010, Volvo Cars China achieved sales growth of 52%, continuing this year's outstanding performance. At the same time, Volvo Cars' global sales have grown by 12.5% ??year-on-year. In the past five years, Volvo Cars' growth in China has been unstoppable, and its outstanding performance in 2010 indicates that Volvo Cars will achieve good and sustainable development in China. Auto China has been able to reap such fruitful results thanks to its successful brand positioning, increasingly rich product lines, growing dealer sales and service network and active market strategies, as well as its emphasis on and continuous investment in the Chinese market.