Auto news and reviews from Car Buyer's Notebook.com: Volvo Archives

August 13, 2008

Volvo for Life and the Weavers

The Weaver family should be on a survival TV show: their son went off the road and and down a steep slope - and survived. His wife's car flipped over - but she was unhurt. A tree fell on the front of his own car - but it was still drivable.

"We would like to thank Volvo for helping to protect our lives," says Richard Weaver of Kentucky.

Continue reading "Volvo for Life and the Weavers"

August 13, 2008

4 million Volvo cars built in Ghent plant

On August 8, the four millionth car was built at Volvo Cars Gent. It was a Volvo V50, a sporty R Design version, ordered by VDL, a customer from Breda in Netherlands.

Volvo Cars Gent has been building cars in Belgium since 1965. Initially the plant was set up to avoid the country's high import taxes on finished cars, but over the years Volvo Cars Gent has, together with Volvo Cars Torslanda, become one of the two main Volvo Cars factories.

Continue reading "4 million Volvo cars built in Ghent plant"

August 10, 2008

Volvo Ocean Race takes part in pioneering environmental project

Portsmouth (England) The Volvo Ocean Race is taking part in a pioneering project aimed at finding out how the oceans have been affected by ships' exchanging of billions of tonnes of ballast water.

Each boat in the race will be involved in the programme which was initiated by the Official Logistics Partner, Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics (WWL).

Continue reading "Volvo Ocean Race takes part in pioneering environmental project"

Volvo enthusiasts gather in Gothenburg

Coming up this weekend is this summer's VROM - the Volvo Rendezvous for Owners & Members, when Volvo enthusiasts from all over Europe flock to Gothenburg.

VROM is a three-day event for owners and fans of classic Volvos. It has been held in Gothenburg situated on the Swedish west coast every year since 1987.

Continue reading "Volvo enthusiasts gather in Gothenburg"

August 5, 2008

Nissan Murano, Volkswagen Tiguan Rated 'Very Good' in New Tests

YONKERS, N.Y. -- The new Volkswagen Tiguan and redesigned Nissan Murano achieved "Very Good" overall scores - and outpointed some of their competitors - in Consumer Reports' tests of compact and midsized, two-row sport-utility vehicles for the September issue.

The Tiguan and Murano were part of a group of six vehicles including the Infiniti EX, Land Rover LR2, Volkswagen Touareg 2, and Jeep Grand Cherokee that were tested. Prices-as-tested for the vehicles ranged from $35,479 for the Tiguan to $43,350 for the Touareg.

Continue reading "Nissan Murano, Volkswagen Tiguan Rated 'Very Good' in New Tests"

August 3, 2008

Volvo high-mileage ambassador names favorite small towns

IRVINE, Calif. -- Irv Gordon -- who as the first person to drive two million miles in the same car and has taken more road trips than anybody -- has some advice for families preparing a summer vacation on the road: ditch the fancy resorts and theme parks and take a drive to a small town.

Gordon, a retired science teacher from Long Island, New York, clocked his historic two millionth mile in his shiny red 1966 Volvo P1800 in 2002 while driving down Times Square in New York City.

Continue reading "Volvo high-mileage ambassador names favorite small towns"

Volvo's Ultimate Red Sox Fan Prize

IRVINE, Calif. -- Linda Brennan, Boston Red Sox Foundation and Volvo Cars of North America raffle winner, now owns the ultimate 2007 World Series Championship collectible: The Boston Red Sox Special Edition Volvo C30.

Volvo and the Red Sox Foundation hosted the raffle to raise money for children and families in need across New England. Brennan took home the C30 during Saturday's Red Sox versus Yankees game at Fenway Park.

Continue reading "Volvo's Ultimate Red Sox Fan Prize"

Volvo C30 impresses in a dramatic WTCC debut

Seventh fastest in testing and tenth in qualifying before being pushed off the track by Rickard Rydell.

Volvo's new Green C30 race car took its debut in the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) in the seventh race of the series at Brands Hatch this past weekend. Volvo's priority was to test the new ethanol driven race car against the best in the world. This was a debut which offered a taste for the future and also some drama.

Continue reading "Volvo C30 impresses in a dramatic WTCC debut"

August 1, 2008

Volvo July Sales Down 46.2%

IRVINE, Calif. -- Volvo Cars of North America, LLC, reports sales of 5,124 units in the United States for July, representing a 46.2 percent decrease compared to the same period last year.

Continue reading "Volvo July Sales Down 46.2%"

July 22, 2008

Volvo Rocks Out On The Road

IRVINE, Calif. -- Despite high gas prices, many families will still embark on the classic American road trip this summer. Nothing passes the time during a long car trip like cranking up the stereo with timeless tunes.

To help you and your family or friends endure hours in the car, Volvo has assembled a list of the all-time greatest summer road trip songs. These oldies are sure to satisfy the adult crowd and introduce younger passengers to a time when GPS, backseat DVD players and satellite radio didn't exist.

Continue reading "Volvo Rocks Out On The Road"

July 20, 2008

Volvo celebrates 50th anniversary of the 544

When the Volvo Amazon was presented in late summer 1956, most people were convinced that the PV with its already rather old-fashioned styling wasn't going to survive that much longer.

However, the PV with its loyal customer base and healthy sales figures both in Sweden and overseas experienced something of a second wind. On August 25, 1958, Volvo unveiled a thoroughly reworked PV model named the 544.

Continue reading "Volvo celebrates 50th anniversary of the 544"

Volvo enters the World Touring Car Championship race

Volvo Car Corporation has decided to enter its new ethanol powered Volvo C30 racer in the WTCC (World Touring Car Championship) at Brands Hatch on the 26 - 27:th of July.

The car, which is in its first year on track, races in the Swedish Touring Car Championship (STCC) as the only ethanol E85 powered car in that series. In STCC, the car has so far secured three out of seven pole positions and has lead close to half of all laps driven.

Continue reading "Volvo enters the World Touring Car Championship race"

July 19, 2008

Volvo aims for zero accidents

At the Volvo Car Corporation, the vision is to design cars that should not crash. In the shorter perspective the aim is that by 2020 no-one should be killed or injured in a Volvo.

"We don't accept that people lose their lives in airplane accidents, so why should we regard car accidents as inevitable?" says Jan Ivarsson, head of Safety Strategy at the Volvo Car Corporation.

Continue reading "Volvo aims for zero accidents"

Climate, Safety and Leadership in focus in Volvo Cars' Sustainability Report 2007

Volvo Cars has published its seventh Sustainability Report. The report describes activities and improvements within the sustainability area for year 2007.

This year's report is divided into three main areas: environment with focus on climate change, safety with focus on active safety and leadership as a means to improve performance.

Continue reading "Climate, Safety and Leadership in focus in Volvo Cars' Sustainability Report 2007"

July 18, 2008

Ford EcoDriving Tips Help Lower Fuel Costs

DEARBORN, Mich. -- With elevated gas prices and the summer travel season in full swing, Americans are looking for ways to save at the pump. Ford has some quick tips for all consumers, suggesting changes to their driving behavior.

Ford calls it EcoDriving - ECOnomical because it saves money and ECOlogical because it is better for the environment. Following are simple tips from Ford that any driver can use:

Continue reading "Ford EcoDriving Tips Help Lower Fuel Costs"

July 13, 2008

Volvo celebrates eighty years in Finland

Volvo Cars' Finnish subsidiary is celebrating its eightieth birthday. The company named OY Volvo Auto AB was first registered on 10 July 1928.

And now, in this anniversary year, the Volvo brand has moved up into third place in the new-car registration rankings with a market share of seven per cent in Finland.

Continue reading "Volvo celebrates eighty years in Finland"

July 9, 2008

Volvo marks 50 years in Germany

50 years of Volvo in Germany - a success story from the "economic miracle" until the 21st century. This year sees Germany holding the position of third largest market in the world for Volvo Car Corporation, following the USA and Sweden, Volvo Cars' home market.

The fate of the Swedish, premium-brand automotive manufacturer, which celebrated its 80th birthday last year (2007), is controlled in Germany by Volvo Car Germany GmbH based in Rodenkirchen in Cologne.

Continue reading "Volvo marks 50 years in Germany"

July 8, 2008

Ford Won't Comment on Chery Buying Volvo

DEARBORN -- Ford Motor Co. isn't commenting on a Chinese business journal report that China's Chery Automobile Corp. is interested in buying Ford's Volvo unit. Caijing Magazine quotes unidentified sources as saying Chery is looking for bank and equity investor help for a possible bid for Volvo, Ford's Swedish nameplate.

Ford spokesman Mark Truby said Monday the automaker won't comment on the report. He says Ford decided last year to concentrate on improving Volvo's business performance, rather than selling it.

July 7, 2008

Volvo's 164 turns 40

After more than ten years without a six-cylinder model to offer customers, it was time in August 1968 for Volvo to unveil its 1969 model range which included a new large car for the more prestige- and luxury-oriented segments.

The model was called the 164, with the figure "6" in the middle denoting that unlike the cars in the 140 Series, this model featured a six-cylinder engine.

Continue reading "Volvo's 164 turns 40"

July 3, 2008

Volvo C70, S40, and C30 are top rated Ideal Vehicles

The automotive research and consulting firm AutoPacific has announced its annual Ideal Vehicle Awards (IVA), of which three category winners were Volvos.

An "ideal" is defined as an excellent or perfect example. So, in search of the ideal vehicle, AutoPacific asked owners to rate their model year 2008 cars and trucks using a measurement of 15 key vehicle attributes.

Continue reading "Volvo C70, S40, and C30 are top rated Ideal Vehicles"

Volvo's Costco program fighting the recession

SAN DIEGO -- With the recent downturn in the American economy, Volvo Cars of North America is combating the resulting sales struggle with a tried-and-true method-a promotional partnership with the Costco Auto Program.

Hoping to repeat their successful December holiday promotion targeted to Costco members, which generated more than $40 million in sales of Volvo's XC90 SUV, Volvo has partnered with the Costco Auto Program for a summer promotion offering great value on Volvo's C70 hardtop convertible and popular S80 sedan.

Continue reading "Volvo's Costco program fighting the recession"

July 1, 2008

Volvo June Sales Down 27%

IRVINE, Calif. -- Volvo Cars of North America, LLC, reports sales of 7,001 units in the United States for June, representing a 27 percent decrease compared to the same period last year.*

VCNA had projected a 10-15 percent lower sales volume for 2008 and, for the year, U.S. sales are down 14.4 percent.*

Continue reading "Volvo June Sales Down 27%"

June 26, 2008

Ford credit offers relief to Midwest flood victims

DEARBORN, Mich. - Ford Motor Credit Company is offering customers affected by the devastating floods in the Midwest the option to delay some car payments. Ford Motor Credit's Disaster Relief Program allows qualified customers to delay one or two monthly payments, resuming their regular payment schedules when their situations improve.

"We understand that some of our customers have been affected by the terrible flooding in the Midwest. We hope our Disaster Relief Program will give them one less thing to worry about as they recover and rebuild," said Mike Bannister, CEO and chairman.

Continue reading "Ford credit offers relief to Midwest flood victims"

Volvo reduces workforce by 2,000 people worldwide

As part of an extensive cost reduction programme, Volvo is planning to reduce its workforce by 1,400 white collar (consultants included) and 600 blue collar members of its workforce.

The company is today handing in a notice of these actions to the Swedish authorities (the Swedish Public Employment Service).

Continue reading "Volvo reduces workforce by 2,000 people worldwide"

June 25, 2008

Volvo sponsors virtual lemonade stand for charity

IRVINE, Calif. --Is there any better cup of lemonade to buy than one that works to find a cure for pediatric cancer? The world's first virtual lemonade stand goes live tomorrow, selling very special cups of lemonade on behalf of Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF).

For only $1 each, anyone can purchase virtual cups of lemonade at the online lemonade stand, http://www.lemonadestandforlife.com/. To help spread the word about the important work that ALSF is doing, purchasers can share cups of lemonade from the stand - via email - with family and friends.

Continue reading "Volvo sponsors virtual lemonade stand for charity"

June 23, 2008

Volvo City Sailing - a "mini" Volvo Ocean Race

This summer, Volvo Cars is highlighting an entirely new sailing concept in Scandinavia called Volvo City Sailing.

The event is aimed at both beginners and experienced sailing enthusiasts. On 21st June the competition can be watched in Copenhagen, in August Gothenburg and Oslo. In September Helsinki will host the race.

Continue reading "Volvo City Sailing - a "mini" Volvo Ocean Race"

June 20, 2008

Volvo Awards Environment Prize to Crawford "Buzz" Holling

The Volvo Environment Prize, administered by an independent foundation, this year goes to Buzz Holling, Canadian ecologist and scientist, whose theories on how ecosystems deal with sudden changes have had great global influence.

Today, with many worrying about global climate change and unexpected natural disasters, Buzz Holling stresses the importance of increasing our society's ability to be flexible and cope with change. This is necessary for the continued use of natural resources, because crisis, Holling says, is an inevitable part of nature's way of functioning.

Continue reading "Volvo Awards Environment Prize to Crawford "Buzz" Holling"

Volvo C30 Wins Interior Design Award

Ward's AutoWorld magazine once again acknowledged Volvo for superior car interior design. The Volvo C30 earned Ward's Interior Design Award for Best Brand Reflection. Last year, Ward's named the Volvo S80 winner of the Best Interior Design of the Year Award.

According to Eric Mayne, Ward's Editor of News Operations, "Marked by simplicity, grace and functionality, the C30's interior exemplifies this heritage. They not only defy the industry convention that mass ensures comfort, they contribute to a futuristic ambience usually reserved for concept cars."

Continue reading "Volvo C30 Wins Interior Design Award"

Volvo Eco-kids praised for saving park

Following their triumph in the 2008 Volvo Adventure World Final in Gothenburg last month, the kids of the 'Green Sail' project in their home city of Nizhniy Novgorod have been praised for their work and congratulated on the world title by the city Mayor Mr. Vadim Bulavin.

Offering the congratulations of his city to the Green sail campaigners, Mr. Bulavin said, "I'm truly glad our youth team could win Volvo Adventure 2008. It's very important victory and it may be their first serious achievement in their lives."

Continue reading "Volvo Eco-kids praised for saving park"

Volvo Ocean Race to dock in Marstrand

Marstrand, the famous sailing and recreational island close to Göteborg on Sweden's west coast, will be the Pit Stop for the 2008-09 Volvo Ocean Race en route to Stockholm, race organisers have announced.

After two visits to Goteborg during previous races, the event is now returning to the area. An agreement was signed this week with the organisers hosting the fleet, for a four-day pit-stop 10 -14 June next year.

Continue reading "Volvo Ocean Race to dock in Marstrand"

Volvo Cars' website gets top global ranking

There has been positive development on Volvo Cars' website, directed towards customers. The independent web research company Bytelevel has placed Volvo Car Corporation's website in an honourable fourth place. This is a higher ranking than companies such as Microsoft, Nokia, HP and others. In the most recent survey, Bytelevel has tested 225 global corporate websites.

At mid-year, Volvo Cars will launch an additional seven local websites in South and Central America.

Continue reading "Volvo Cars' website gets top global ranking"

June 15, 2008

The Volvo XC90 - SUV of the Year in Russia for the third time

Volvo Cars received several prestigious awards in Russia in 2007 and to date in 2008. The most recent is for the Volvo XC90, which was crowned best crossover - "2008 SUV of the Year".

"There was immensely tough competition and we are very proud over this prestigious award," says Volvo Car Russia's PR director, Alexei Kozhukhov, who received the award at a ceremony in Moscow.

Continue reading "The Volvo XC90 - SUV of the Year in Russia for the third time"

Costco's Selling Volvos

SAN DIEGO - With warm weather on the horizon and an already-successful event under their belt, the Costco Auto Program today announced that they will reteam with Volvo Cars of North America to present a sizzling summer sales event: The Volvo Summer Savings Promotion.

During this event, Costco members will be offered exclusive savings on two of Volvo's top-selling vehicles: the 2008 S80 luxury sedan and the 2008 C70 hardtop convertible.

Continue reading "Costco's Selling Volvos"

June 6, 2008

Ford brand quality improves faster than industry average

DEARBORN, Mi. – Ford brand vehicles improved in quality at a rate faster than the industry average, according to a customer-based initial quality study released today by J.D. Power and Associates. Ford brand also is the only full-line brand to show continuous improvement since 2004.

The research firm's 2008 Initial Quality Study (IQS) showed Ford brand improving by eight points over last year's study, besting the industry average seven-point rate of improvement and continuing its five-year upward trend.

Continue reading "Ford brand quality improves faster than industry average"

June 5, 2008

Volvo marketing receives Swiss awards

Volvo Cars' Swiss sales company, Volvo Automobile (Schweiz) AG received gold, silver and bronze medals for its direct advertising. The awards were handed over at the DM Preis exhibition in Switzerland.

The gold medal and public vote went to Volvo Automobile Switzerland for the V70/XC70 campaign entitled "Knut's day mailing".

Continue reading "Volvo marketing receives Swiss awards"

May 31, 2008

Ford Motor Credit Offers Financial Relief to Tornado Victims

DEARBORN, Mich. -- Ford Motor Credit Company is offering customers affected by the recent devastating tornados in Iowa the option to delay some car payments.

Ford Motor Credit's Disaster Relief Program allows qualified customers to delay one or two monthly payments, resuming their regular payment schedules when their situations improve.

Continue reading "Ford Motor Credit Offers Financial Relief to Tornado Victims"

May 29, 2008

Boston Confirmed as U.S. Stopover for Volvo Ocean Race

The Volvo Ocean Race has confirmed Fan Pier in Boston as the sole North American stopover when the race visits the US East Coast port city in April-May 2009.

Spanning some 37,000 nautical miles, stopping in 11 ports around the world and taking nine months to complete, the Volvo Ocean Race is the world's premier global race for professional racing crews.

Continue reading "Boston Confirmed as U.S. Stopover for Volvo Ocean Race"

May 28, 2008

Volvo offers eight tips for keeping summer road trips safe

IRVINE, Calif. -- ‘Tis the season for families to pack up their cars and hit the road on trips both short and long. Volvo Cars of North America, a leader in safety innovation, is offering parents tips to pass along to their most precious cargo: their kids.

While often overlooked in the safe driving world, kids can present parents with dangerous distractions while driving. Simple, preventative measures can keep both young passengers and adult drivers out of harm's way.

Continue reading "Volvo offers eight tips for keeping summer road trips safe"

May 24, 2008

Per Ericsson named head of Volvo Golf Management Golf

Per Ericsson has been named new manager of Volvo Event Management Golf, succeeding Mel Pyatt, who has retired. He will assume his position on June 1.

Per Ericsson, 45, is a graduate economist and has more than 20 years experience in leading positions within events and media, including from the Swedish Exhibition Center in Göteborg and the Carat media agency.

Continue reading "Per Ericsson named head of Volvo Golf Management Golf"

May 22, 2008

Volvo invented the seat belt so you'd wear it

Irvine, CA -- "There's a little bit of 'Volvo' in every vehicle on the American road," says Doug Speck, president and CEO, Volvo Cars of North America. Such a bold assertion is based on Nils Bohlin's development of the three-point safety belt.

No single safety devise has saved more lives than the 3-point safety belt. So, as the heavy-driving Memorial Day holiday weekend approaches and the national "Click it or Ticket" campaign to increase seat belt awareness continues it's appropriate to take a look at the origins of this life-saving device.

Continue reading "Volvo invented the seat belt so you'd wear it"

May 21, 2008

Volvo provides superior service to French customers

Volvo Cars' French sales company came out on top for customer satisfaction with the car purchasing process earlier this month.

The French motoring magazine L'Auto Journal presented its Grand Prix des Marques Automobiles (car brand awards) in association with TNS-Sofres. The judges were 4,000 private motorists who have bought a new car some time in the last five years.

Continue reading "Volvo provides superior service to French customers"

Volvo Announces Executive Appointments

Irvine, Calif. -- Volvo Cars of North America, LLC, (VCNA) today announced several executive appointments which will become effective June 1.

Bill Gaudreau, has been named Vice President of Network Operations, Scott Doering, has been appointed Vice President of Retail Operations and Rick Bryant will assume the position of Regional Vice President of the Northeast Region.

Continue reading "Volvo Announces Executive Appointments"

May 20, 2008

Report: Volvo on the chopping block

Ford is cutting production at one of Volvo's two plants in Sweden, offering buyouts to about 700 workers, according to the Wall St. Journal.

The move is intended to cut costs, and possibly position Volvo for an eventual sale within the next 18 months, as Ford continues to trim its model line and expenses in pursuit of a turnaround.

Volvo Summer Safety Reminder

Safety is one of Volvo's core values. And we know it's very important to our owners as well. So we thought it would be a good idea to remind you that the start of the summer season means "Click It or Ticket."

This is a natural subject for us to address as Volvo invented the 3-point seat belt and then shared it with the world.

Continue reading "Volvo Summer Safety Reminder"

May 16, 2008

Volvo P1800 Owners Converge on Sweden

47 Volvo P1800 cars from German and Swiss Volvo Owner clubs visit Sweden and Volvo Car Corporation in connection with the clubs' 30 year anniversary. An impressive sight.

The German Volvo P1800 IG and the Swiss Volvo-Sport Club P1800 are both celebrating their anniversary with a week's visit to Sweden. The group consists of 38 cars from Germany and 9 from Switzerland.

Continue reading "Volvo P1800 Owners Converge on Sweden"

May 14, 2008

Stephen Wallman awarded gold mdeal for Volvo emissions work

The world’s perhaps most important invention for controlling exhaust emissions on cars was developed at Volvo Car Corporation in the early 1970s.

Under the leadership of the legendary environmental expert Stephen Wallman, the three-way catalytic converter controlled by an oxygen sensor was introduced. Mr. Wallman has now been awarded the Royal Swedish Automobile club’s gold medal.

Continue reading "Stephen Wallman awarded gold mdeal for Volvo emissions work"

Volvo's City Safety technology wins UK Award

Volvo Cars' new City Safety system which helps avoid or reduce the severity of low-speed collisions has won the Technology category at the Fleet World Honours1 Awards 2008 in London on 13 May, its first UK award. City Safety is a world-first standard feature in the new Volvo XC60.

At speeds of under 19mph (30 km/h), City Safety uses laser sensor technology to detect vehicles up to 10 metres in front of the car's front bumper and reacts to vehicles in front that are either at a standstill or are moving slowly in the same direction as the car itself.

Continue reading "Volvo's City Safety technology wins UK Award"

Powershift transmission cuts fuel consumption by 8% for Volvos

The two-litre turbodiesel version of the Volvo C30, S40 and V50 is now also available with a fully-automatic transmission.

This new Powershift transmission is a six-speed unit and it significantly cuts fuel consumption compared with a conventional automatic transmission.

Continue reading "Powershift transmission cuts fuel consumption by 8% for Volvos"

Volvo adds flexfuel option to high end vehicles

The Volvo V70 and S80 are now also available with a five-cylinder, 2.5-litre turbocharged Flexifuel engine with a power output of 200 hp (147 kW) and 300 Nm of torque.

"The 2.5-litre version adds spice to our environmental offer. It emphasises our aim to offer our buyers the possibility of combining performance with environmental responsibility. With 200 hp on tap, the driver gets a dynamic drive without compromising fuel economy," says Fredrik Arp, President and CEO of Volvo Car Corporation.

Continue reading "Volvo adds flexfuel option to high end vehicles"

Russian Kids Save Park, Win Volvo Adventure Victory

A campaigning project to rescue and revive an endangered and environmentally-sensitive urban park in the Russian city of Nizhny Novgorod has won the 2008 Volvo Adventure and the US$10,000 first prize, the five students of the ‘Green Sail' team, beating off stiff competition at the World Final in Gothenburg today (Tuesday).

Continue reading "Russian Kids Save Park, Win Volvo Adventure Victory"

May 12, 2008

2008 Fuel Economy Guide Available for Download

The EPA has issued a comprehensive PDF guide to fuel economy of all 2008 vehicles, which you can download by right-clicking here.

In today's gas market, buyers are more sensitive than ever about buying cars that get good mileage, and more important, they want the government ratings to be as accurate as possible -- nobody wants to buy a vehicle that gets 10% worse mileage in the real world than the sticker rating.

To address this situation, the EPA has started using an updated test to assign more accurate MPG ratings to new vehicles, and you can learn about that by watching the video in this post.

May 10, 2008

Volvo Sponsors Ecological Adventure for Students

15 national teams of young environmentalists from all over the world will congregate in Gothenburg, Sweden next week for the seventh Volvo Adventure World Final with US$20,000 of prize money on the line for environmental excellence.

From hundreds of projects in more than 50 countries around the world submitted on-line by the 31st January 2008 deadline the Volvo Adventure judges have selected a shortlist of 15 finalists, each of whom will be chasing the US$10,000 first prize to invest in their project.

Continue reading "Volvo Sponsors Ecological Adventure for Students"

May 9, 2008

Volvo's milestone customers pack for a dream trip

Here are the happy owners of Volvo number 15,000,000. Aimee and Paul Kay bought a piece of Volvo history when their C70 was delivered in San Diego - and to top it all off the couple get to travel to Göteborg in Sweden and visit Volvo's Torslanda factory.

The 15th million Volvo was transported more than 8000 kilometres from the Volvo factory in Uddevalla to San Diego on the US west coast.

Continue reading "Volvo's milestone customers pack for a dream trip"

May 8, 2008

The new Volvo V70 R-DESIGN

The best-selling Volvo V70 becomes the fifth Volvo model to be offered with the sporty factory-fitted R-Design option pack. This further cements Volvo Cars' aim to offer unique products to particularly discerning customers.

The Volvo V70 estate car is for many people the very essence of Volvo: practical, safe and exuding Scandinavian elegance. The R-Design pack spotlights a new dimension: impassioned, extrovert and challenging.

Continue reading "The new Volvo V70 R-DESIGN"

May 2, 2008

Volvo's 15 Millionth Car Comes With a Trip to Sweden

SAN DIEGO -- Paul and Aimee Kay bought a piece of Volvo history when they took delivery of their 2008 Volvo C70. This special vehicle had traveled more than 5,000 miles from its factory birthplace in Uddevalla, Sweden to reach its new home. For the brand, reaching this milestone has been the establishment of a heritage renown around the globe: safety leadership.

The first Volvo car left a Swedish factory in April, 1927. This new Swedish car was called the OV4 ("OV" -- Swedish for "Open Car" and "4" denoting the number of cylinders).

Continue reading "Volvo's 15 Millionth Car Comes With a Trip to Sweden"

Volvo's load-achoring system wins award

Volvo Cars came out top in Britain's Power of Aluminium Awards for the company's new load-anchoring system installed in the new XC70 and V70. "The system with its embedded eyelets is unique. It means a lot to Volvo Cars that we have won this award," says Karin Lejonbäck, group manager at the Interior & Climate department.

Set into the floor of the luggage compartment of the new XC70 and V70 are load rails made of aluminium. Running in the rails are four sliding hooks or eyelets that are used to secure cargo.

Continue reading "Volvo's load-achoring system wins award"

Volvo Honors Marilyn Adams with a New Car Every Three Years for Life

IRVINE, Calif. -- A local hero from the Des Moines area today is receiving a "thank you" to last a lifetime: a complimentary new Volvo car every three years for the rest of her life.

Earlier this year, celebrity judges named Marilyn Adams, "America's Greatest Hometown Hero" in the 6th Annual Volvo for life Awards, the nation's largest search for and celebration of everyday heroes.

Continue reading "Volvo Honors Marilyn Adams with a New Car Every Three Years for Life"

April 22, 2008

Volvo's fashionable in Moscow

The world's toughest round-the-world sailing competition and the spring fashion show in Moscow go hand in hand. The XC90 Volvo Ocean Race Edition was an integral part of Russian fashion designer Valentine Yudashkin's show.

Moscow's spring fashion show was held at the end of March. Volvo has been an established partner for a number of years now.

Continue reading "Volvo's fashionable in Moscow"

April 17, 2008

Volvo joins the singles scene in Australia

Single, looking for a date - and ready to meet your soul-mate in a Volvo?

Go to Sydney. That's where the world's first "speed dating" in Volvo models has just taken place.

Volvo Car Australia is employing an unusual tactic together with dating specialist Fast Impressions - speed dating in Volvos! In March, twenty of Sydney's sexy singletons were offered the unique opportunity to participate in Australia's first 'test drive dating' event.

Continue reading "Volvo joins the singles scene in Australia"

April 16, 2008

Volvo XC70 is tops in Russia, one more time

The Volvo XC70 has been voted Car of the Year in Russia - again. For the second time in three years, Volvo Car's image-booster has taken first prize in the "Estate Car with Off-Road Capability" category.

The Car of the Year award in the world's largest country is a true people's competition. A total of 104,722 people voted in 19 different categories this year, the eighth time the competition has been held.

Continue reading "Volvo XC70 is tops in Russia, one more time"

April 14, 2008

Volvo Launches World's First Hybrid Garbage Truck

GOTHENBURG, Sweden -- Steeply rising oil prices and a strong focus on the climate have made fuel-saving hybrid technology particularly interesting.

Volvo Trucks is now taking an important step towards commercialisation of this technology for heavy vehicles by launching two hybrid refuse trucks that will be tested in regular daily operations in Sweden by refuse collection firms Renova and Ragn-Sells.

Continue reading "Volvo Launches World's First Hybrid Garbage Truck"

Volvo Thailand Wins Two Car of the Year Awards

At the Car of the Year ceremony held in conjunction with the Bangkok International Motor Show, Volvo Cars received two awards - in the "Best Advanced Technology" category for exceptional innovations in the field of safety (Volvo S80 3.2) and for "Best Luxury SUV" (Volvo XC90 D5).

Both the award-winning cars could be seen on the Volvo stand at the Bangkok Motor Show together with the Volvo C30 1.8 F E85 and Volvo ReCharge Concept. The stand was visited by Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industry, Mr Suwit Kunkitti.

Continue reading "Volvo Thailand Wins Two Car of the Year Awards"

April 11, 2008

Volvo Appoints Anastasios Panas Executive VP, Sales and Marketing

Irvine, Calif -- Volvo Cars of North America, LLC, has promoted Anastasios (Tassos) Panas to Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing, reporting to Doug Speck, who recently became President and CEO.

Panas' promotion was effective April 1, 2008. In this position he will be responsible for overseeing Volvo's regions, retail operations, variable marketing and marketing communications.

Continue reading "Volvo Appoints Anastasios Panas Executive VP, Sales and Marketing"

April 10, 2008

Volvo S80 and XC90 Executive editions elevates brand

Volvo's most exclusive cars guarantee discreet Scandinavian luxury designed to appeal to all one's senses. For model year 2009 the aura is reinforced still further through a unique combination of massage and ventilation functions in the front seats along with a range of enhanced materials and trim details.

The Volvo S80 and XC90 Executive have been created for customers who want uncompromising ability to relax after a demanding day at work - or who want to get to work totally alert to tackle the coming working day.

Continue reading "Volvo S80 and XC90 Executive editions elevates brand"

April 9, 2008

Volvo Sez: "We're Big in Poland!"

Volvo Car Corporation has been recognised as the most popular and best-perceived car brand on the Polish market. What is more, Volvo Car's Polish workshops are recognised as offering the best service with the highest quality. All according to a reader survey in the "Auto Świat" motoring weekly.

The National Auto Test competition is held annually by the motoring magazine "Auto Świat", which is the Polish edition of "Auto Bild". The readers answer a highly detailed questionnaire on the Internet and share their opinions on their cars as well as car ownership experiences.

Continue reading "Volvo Sez: "We're Big in Poland!""

April 8, 2008

Volkswagen Eos Tops Convertibles List

YONKERS, N.Y. -- The Volkswagen Eos achieved the best overall score in Consumer Reports' tests of seven convertibles for the May issue, narrowly outpointing the BMW 328i. Both vehicles earned "Very Good" overall scores.

Two vehicles in the group, the Saab 9-3 and Volvo C70, earned somewhat lower overall road-test scores, but were still within the "Very Good" range.

Continue reading "Volkswagen Eos Tops Convertibles List"

April 6, 2008

Volvo Lease Deals For April

Volvo is offering the following lease deals for April:

2008 S80 3.2 Lease -- $379/month for 24 months, $2,973 due at signing.

2008 XC90 3.2 FWD 5 PASSENGER Lease -- $429/month for 36 months, $3,023 due at signing.

Continue reading "Volvo Lease Deals For April"

April 4, 2008

Only In Sweden: Volvo Offers Bodywrap for C30

Chequered roof or butterflies on the bonnet? A striped car, or why not one covered in polka-dots? 20 more or less daring designs can be chosen by buyers of a new Volvo C30.

As of April 7, Volvo Cars in Sweden is the first car brand to make it possible for new-car buyers in this Scandinavian country to specify applique film on the bodywork panels of their cars. And the design team really has let its hair down. Zebra patterns and urban panoramas compete with rainbows and wood panelling, flames and clouds.

Continue reading "Only In Sweden: Volvo Offers Bodywrap for C30"

March 28, 2008

Volvo S80: Drive in Style

The Volvo S80 captures Volvo attitude through and through. It’s got the luxury, style, comfort and safety features you’ll want to share with family and friends wherever you’re headed. At an attractive base price of $38,705, the S80 comes well equipped.

It includes leather seats, a sunroof, airbags (optional when it comes to some of the competition), Dual Stage front driver and passenger airbags, Dual Chamber side airbags and even Inflatable Side Curtains.

Continue reading "Volvo S80: Drive in Style"

Volvo C30 R-Design Hits all the Right Notes

The C30 from Volvo has given true meaning to the words “sophisticated sportiness.” Response was overwhelming when the Volvo R-Design was first unveiled, so it made perfect sense to do something special.

Up until now, the car came in two configurations. Version 1.0 provides the same turbocharged 227 horses, but with slightly less extroverted styling. Version 2.0 added more with ground effects, 18" diamond cut alloy wheels and other great features.

Continue reading "Volvo C30 R-Design Hits all the Right Notes"

Volvo invented the three point seat belt -- and didn't stop there

The Volvo name is synonymous with “safety.” But there’s a long history that has led up to this coveted reputation.

Starting back in 1957, the anchorages for seat belts were already standard in the front seats, to be joined by the anchorages in the back seat the following year.

Rather than resting on our laurels, Volvo was the first car maker to make the three-point seat belts standard in select Volvos in 1958.

Continue reading "Volvo invented the three point seat belt -- and didn't stop there"

Volvo Cabin Filters Make Life a Clean Breeze

Drive about 10,000 miles a year and that can equal an average of more than 24 hours a month in the car. That number probably doubles if you live in a major city with busy traffic.

At the same time, research indicates that 45% of the population of the western world is affected by some kind of hypersensitivity and one in ten women suffers from nickel allergy, while allergic asthma is also increasing rapidly. That’s why Volvo feels a healthy environment inside the car goes hand in hand with Volvo's safety philosophy.

Continue reading "Volvo Cabin Filters Make Life a Clean Breeze"

Volvo Extends Overseas Delivery Program

For most owners, driving a Volvo is its own reward. But nothing quite compares to experiencing the beauty and excitement of Sweden in addition to taking delivery of your own vehicle. The Volvo Overseas Delivery Program allows you that exceptional opportunity — which is why we’re pleased to announce an extension of our Package Offer Incentive.

Since the summer months are the peak time to visit Sweden, we’ve decided to extend our extremely popular package offer. Meaning you can order a Volvo now and take delivery of it anytime in the next six months. The offer has been extended for all new orders received between Thursday, February 21 and Monday, March 31, 2008.

Continue reading "Volvo Extends Overseas Delivery Program"

Volvo's Extended Warranty Offers Increased Protection

Quality and safety have been hallmarks of Volvo since the very beginning. Now, Volvo Increased Protection takes those standards to an entirely new level.

With it, you can drive your Volvo for years and years without ever worrying about repair bills. Leave it to Volvo to come up with great coverage that’s a real value.

Continue reading "Volvo's Extended Warranty Offers Increased Protection"

Volvo wins international prize for City Safety

New York, NY. -- Volvo Cars' in-house developed technology for avoiding low-speed collisions - is receiving the American "Traffic Safety Achievement Award" at this year's World Traffic Safety Symposium in New York.

"City Safety is yet another example of Volvo's aim to utilise real world traffic situations to develop solutions to prevent accidents. It is extremely gratifying that we are now being acknowledged with this prestigious award," says Jonas Ekmark, head of preventive safety at the Volvo Cars Safety Centre.

Continue reading "Volvo wins international prize for City Safety"

March 21, 2008

Volvo Announces Pricing for the C30 R-Design for 2008

New York, NY -- Following hot on the heels of the news of the Limited Edition C30 R-Design, Volvo Cars of North America, LLC (VCNA) today announced pricing for the 400 C30s that will go on sale in April.

With a base MSRP of just $25,700* the Limited Edition C30 R-Design brings new levels of style and unique appointments to the smallest and most expressive car in Volvo's lineup.

Continue reading "Volvo Announces Pricing for the C30 R-Design for 2008"

March 20, 2008

Volvo Names Marilyn Adams America's Greatest Hometown Hero

IRVINE, Calif. -- Volvo announced last evening at the sixth annual Volvo for Life Awards ceremony that Marilyn Adams, a pioneer in promoting farm safety, has been named "America's Greatest Hometown Hero" -- the top award given through the largest-ever national search for and celebration of everyday heroes.

More than 20 years ago, Adams, 57, faced every mother's greatest fear. Her 11-year-old son, Keith, suffocated in a gravity flow wagon while helping with the first full day of harvest on the family's farm in Iowa.

Continue reading "Volvo Names Marilyn Adams America's Greatest Hometown Hero"

2009 Volvo XC70 T6 Announced in New York

Irvine, Calif. -- Hot on the heels of introducing the all-new third-generation XC70 for 2008, Volvo accelerates the appeal of its segment-defining crossover by revealing the turbocharged XC70 T6 for 2009.

The XC70 T6 will become the performance flagship of the model range when it goes on sale in the fall of 2008.

Continue reading "2009 Volvo XC70 T6 Announced in New York"

Frank Lopez to Oversee Volvo Rents' Hispanic Outreach

ASHEVILLE, N.C. -- Volvo Rents, a division of Volvo Construction Equipment, is pleased to announce that Frank Lopez, former president and CEO of the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Foundation (USHCC), has been retained by Volvo Rents to oversee the company's Hispanic franchise business development strategy in the U.S.

Lopez's association with Volvo Rents marks the company's first formal initiative to promote franchise opportunities to Hispanic entrepreneurs.

Continue reading "Frank Lopez to Oversee Volvo Rents' Hispanic Outreach"

March 17, 2008

Volvo Offering Free Garmin Nav System with New Lease

Through March 31, 2008, Volvo is giving away a free Garmin nuvi 760 GPS portable nav system to customers who lease either an S80 sedan or the XC90 SUV.

The S80 lease offer is for $379 a month for 24 months, with $2,973 due at signing; the XC90 offer is for $399 a month for 24 months, with $2,993 due at signing.

We've had the opportunity to test the Garmin 760 and appreciate the easy to read 3.8" screen, which features bright, crisp graphics as well as an easy to understand female voice. We also liked the ability to pop the unit in and out of the specially designed holder that's seated on the Volvo's dash.

The nuvi 760 also acts as an MP3 player, and comes packaged with a coupon for 3 audiobooks from Audible.com.

Our favorite option, though, is the unit's ability to recalculate the current route -- which we were, ah, compelled to discover when we recently got lost leaving JFK Airport in Queens. In general, nav systems take the stress out of driving to and from unfamiliar destinations, and the nuvi 760 fits the bill, nicely.

March 14, 2008

Volvo, Saab cooperate on plug-in car development

Together with electricity provider Vattenfall, Saab Automobile, ETC and the Swedish state, Volvo Car Corporation is launching a joint broad-based research venture to develop spearhead technology in the area of plug-in hybrid cars. Sweden will be the arena for the field tests.

"I see this project as a positive further development of sustainable personal transport. We have a unique opportunity to take the lead when it comes to innovations for advanced green-car technology", says Fredrik Arp, President and CEO of Volvo Car Corporation.

Continue reading "Volvo, Saab cooperate on plug-in car development"

March 8, 2008

Volvo XC60 combines sporty driving with all-road ability

With the new XC60, Volvo takes yet another step in offering cars that are fun to drive yet comfortable to ride in. The compact format and the precise road attributes mean the new Volvo XC60 provides a superb ride on both city streets and country lanes.

"The new Volvo XC60 is designed for customers who impose high demands on the driving experience - whether the car is used in the city, on the motorway or to negotiate tight curves in country lanes," says Lars Blenwall, project director for the XC60.

Continue reading "Volvo XC60 combines sporty driving with all-road ability"

Volvo Moving Headquarters to Rockleigh, N.J.; Doug Speck Appointed President & CEO

IRVINE, Calif. -- Volvo Cars of North America, LLC, (VCNA) today announced it will relocate its North American headquarters by the end of 2008 to Rockleigh, N.J., where it currently has its customer care, parts and service operations.

"We have evaluated the situation in the U.S. market and decided to consolidate our headquarters operations in one location," said Gerry Keaney, senior vice president of Marketing, Sales & Service for Volvo Car Corporation. "It is a natural choice to go back to Volvo Cars' original location in New Jersey as we already have major operations and facilities there."

Continue reading "Volvo Moving Headquarters to Rockleigh, N.J.; Doug Speck Appointed President & CEO"

March 7, 2008

Volvo Launches Boston Red Sox Special Edition C30

Limited Run Of 107 Cars Lets Fans Drive Home The Magic

IRVINE, Calif. -- The Boston Red Sox remarkable 2007 season that culminated in a championship title continues to make headlines.

Volvo is offering lucky fans the opportunity to drive home in what may be the ultimate collectible: The Boston Red Sox Special Edition Volvo C30.

Continue reading "Volvo Launches Boston Red Sox Special Edition C30"

March 6, 2008

City Safety system standard in the new Volvo XC60

The new Volvo XC60 is being launched with City Safety - Volvo's in-house developed unique technology for avoiding low-speed collisions in city traffic.

Surveys indicate that 75 percent of all reported collisions take place at speeds of up to 19 mph. In half of these cases the driver has not braked at all before the collision, mainly due to distraction.

Continue reading "City Safety system standard in the new Volvo XC60"

Volvo introduces special editions to celebrate Volvo Ocean Race

Volvo Cars is starting the countdown to the Volvo Ocean Race by launching a series of specially designed cars. The new Volvo Ocean Race Edition encompasses three models: the Volvo V70, Volvo XC70 and Volvo XC90. New is that customers can choose between two exterior colours: Ocean Blue and Electric Silver.

"The Volvo Ocean Race reflects the values that our customers look for when they choose a car. It's all about an active lifestyle, adventure and passion. The cars in the Volvo Ocean Race Edition radiate all this. We are convinced that the marine design connection will make them very attractive," says Lennart Stegland, President of the Special Vehicles division at Volvo Cars.

Continue reading "Volvo introduces special editions to celebrate Volvo Ocean Race"

March 4, 2008

Volvo Unveils the New XC60 in Geneva

GENEVA -- Volvo Car Corporation today unveiled the exciting new XC60 premium crossover at the 2008 Geneva auto show. With its stunning good looks and standard City Safety low-speed collision avoidance system, the new XC60 marks a new chapter in Volvo's design and legendary safety heritage.

The XC60 will come to the U.S. in early 2009 with a powerful 281 horsepower T6 turbocharged six-cylinder engine and standard electronically controlled all-wheel drive. The new Volvo XC60 is stepping boldly into what is currently the automotive world's fastest-growing segment -- dressed in a thrilling blend of muscular XC capability and the sporty charisma of a coupe.

Continue reading "Volvo Unveils the New XC60 in Geneva"

March 1, 2008

Volvo's new auto-brake function garners praise

In mid-February, the English organisation Thatcham arranged a demonstration for the media, insurance companies and government agencies of three new technical innovations that can mitigate or prevent low-speed accidents.

The one that made the greatest impression on the organisers as well as on observers from the press, insurance companies and government agencies was Volvo City Safety, which will be a standard feature on the new Volvo XC60.

Continue reading "Volvo's new auto-brake function garners praise"

Volvo announces executive change in Canada, Mexico

TORONTO - Jeffrey Pugliese has been appointed President and CEO of Volvo Cars of Canada Corp. and Volvo Auto de Mexico, effective April 8, 2008.

Pugliese will take over responsibility for franchise development, sales, marketing and distribution activities in Canada and Mexico and report to Anne Bélec, President and CEO of Volvo Cars of North America, LLC.

Continue reading "Volvo announces executive change in Canada, Mexico"

February 26, 2008

Volvo Sponsors National Youth Film Festival

SEATTLE -- Volvo Cars of North America announces sponsorship of the National Film Festival for Talented Youth (NFFTY). The festival, in its second year, will screen over 70 films produced by young people from across the country.

NFFTY will also feature filmmaking panels, workshops, music and other events all dedicated to the advancement of young artists and their work.

Continue reading "Volvo Sponsors National Youth Film Festival"

Vintage Volvo Gets a Hot Rod Makeover

Hot Rod Jakob is a unique combination of classical car-building craftsmanship allied to modern technology and design.

In February 2008 the car will be unveiled at the Volvo Museum in Göteborg before setting off on a tour of the Nordic region and the USA.

From 1925-1926, the prototypes of what would eventually become the first Volvo slowly take shape in a simple workshop on the island of Hisingen in Göteborg on Sweden's west coast. Volvo's enthusiastic founders Assar Gabrielsson and Gustav Larson and their skilled craftsmen proceed with immense skill and precision.

Continue reading "Vintage Volvo Gets a Hot Rod Makeover"

Volvo's Magnus Hellsten receives 2007 Production Manager of the Year

Magnus Hellsten, Senior Vice President Manufacturing, became Production Manager of the Year in Sweden at the 600Minutes Production conference.

Mr Hellsten received the award for his work in transforming Volvo Cars' manufacturing system - Best in Class - into Europe's most efficient in its class.

Best in Class (BiC) aims to make the Volvo Car Corporation one of Europe's three best and most cost-efficient manufacturers and suppliers in the premium segment.

Continue reading "Volvo's Magnus Hellsten receives 2007 Production Manager of the Year"

February 21, 2008

Volvo reaches 15 million car milestone

The very first Volvo car left the factory on April 14, 1927. It was called the ÖV4 because the letters ÖV are Swedish for "Open Car" and 4 denoted the number of cylinders powering the new Swedish car.

On February 20, 2008, it was once again an open car that is under the spotlights. That's when car number 15,000,000, an attractive convertible Volvo C70, left the factory in Uddevalla.

Continue reading "Volvo reaches 15 million car milestone"

Volvo set global sales record in 2007

With worldwide sales totalling 458,323 cars, Volvo Cars increased its total global sales by 7.4 percent compared with 2006 - a record-breaking result.

The old record was set in 2004 when Volvo Cars sold 456,244 units. The biggest volume increase was achieved in Northern Europe, Russia and China.

Continue reading "Volvo set global sales record in 2007"

February 20, 2008

2009 XC60 -- The Most Sensual Volvo Ever

IRVINE, Calif. -- Volvo has released the first photos of one of this year's most anticipated new car launches -- the all-new 2009 Volvo XC60.

"This is not only the safest Volvo ever -- it's also the most stunning," says Volvo Cars President and CEO Fredrik Arp. The new XC60 makes its world premier at the Geneva Motor Show on March 4. The first cars will reach dealers in Europe in fall 2008 with the U.S. launch following shortly thereafter; the first quarter of 2009.

Continue reading "2009 XC60 -- The Most Sensual Volvo Ever"

February 19, 2008

Volvo Unveils Sixth Annual Hometown Hero Award Winners

IRVINE, Calif. -- Volvo today announced the top three winning heroes in the 6th Annual Volvo for life Awards: Marilyn Adams from Iowa for Safety, Oregon's Lorraine Kerwood for environmental care and Minnesota's Matthew Sanford for the Quality of Life category.

Each of these heroic individuals displayed courage, innovation and unyielding commitment to their causes and they have touched the lives of thousands of people throughout the United States.

Continue reading "Volvo Unveils Sixth Annual Hometown Hero Award Winners"

Minnesota's Matt Sanford Named Winner of National Hometown Hero Award

IRVINE, Calif. -- In 1978, Matt Sanford survived a horrific car crash that left him paralyzed from the chest down. Nearly 30 years later, Sanford is revolutionizing the injury rehabilitation process through his nonprofit organization Mind Body Solutions and his groundbreaking yoga teachings.

Volvo today announced that Sanford, from Orono, Minn., has been named one of the top three winning heroes in the 6th Annual Volvo for life Awards. Sanford is being recognized in the program's Quality of Life category and will receive a $100,000 contribution to the charity of his choice.

Continue reading "Minnesota's Matt Sanford Named Winner of National Hometown Hero Award"

Iowa's Marilyn Adams Named Winner of National Hometown Hero Award

IRVINE, Calif. -- More than 20 years ago, Marilyn Adams tragically lost her son in a farm equipment accident. The death inspired her to become a safety hero to thousands of children and found Farm Safety 4 Just Kids to educate kids nationwide about farm safety and health.

Volvo today announced that Adams, of Earlham, Iowa, has been named one of the top three winning heroes in the 6th Annual Volvo for life Awards. Adams is being recognized in the program's Safety category and will receive a $100,000 contribution to the charity of her choice.

Continue reading "Iowa's Marilyn Adams Named Winner of National Hometown Hero Award"

Oregon's Lorraine Kerwood Named Winner of National Hometown Hero Award

IRVINE, Calif. -- Eight years ago, Lorraine Kerwood turned a passion for tinkering with and repairing electronics into a flourishing passion for helping others. She established an electronics recycling and distribution center, NextStep, which brings refurbished computers and electronics to disadvantaged communities.

Volvo today announced that Kerwood, of Eugene, Ore., has been named one of the top three winning heroes in the 6th Annual Volvo for life Awards. Kerwood is being recognized in the program's Environment category and will receive a $100,000 contribution to the charity of her choice.

Continue reading "Oregon's Lorraine Kerwood Named Winner of National Hometown Hero Award"

Ten-Year-Old Zach Bonner Named Winner of Volvo's National Hometown Youth Hero Award

IRVINE, Calif. -- He's just 10-years old but Zach Bonner has achieved a lifetime's worth of accomplishments on behalf of children who are homeless. He's raised awareness, dollars and the spirits of thousands of kids, and now he is being recognized nationally for his efforts.

Volvo today announced that Bonner, from Valrico, Fla., has been named the winner of the Alexandra Scott Butterfly Award and will receive a $25,000 contribution to the charity of his choice.

Continue reading "Ten-Year-Old Zach Bonner Named Winner of Volvo's National Hometown Youth Hero Award"

Knut Frostad is appointed CEO of Volvo Ocean Race

Portsmouth (England) -- Norway's Knut Frostad (40) has been appointed as Chief Executive of the Volvo Ocean Race. Frostad, who has taken part in the Whitbread/Volvo Ocean Race four times, twice as skipper and manager of his own projects, will take up his position at race head quarters in Whiteley, UK, on 3 March.

With background in business management and administration, Frostad has also been a board member and industrial advisor to leading companies as well as a sought after business speaker in Europe.

Continue reading "Knut Frostad is appointed CEO of Volvo Ocean Race"

February 14, 2008

Using Volvo's Alcoguard

Volvo has developed a factory-installed breathalyzer for their vehicles, known as Alcoguard, which we recently tested on a Volvo S80 sedan. Generically known as an 'ignition interlock' device, the Alcoguard requires a five second breath test from the driver, to ensure you are not about to get behind the wheel and drive drunk.

Many states in the U.S. currently require aftermarket interlock devices be installed for those convicted of drunk driving. What we admire about the Volvo initiative is that, ideally, it will be used as a true prevention measure -- after all, a good many people find out they are too drunk to drive the hard way -- after they've had a crash or gotten pulled over and arrested.

The value of Alcoguard for social drinkers is that if you register a little too tipsy for the car to start, you will either wait until the alcohol has been metabolized out of your system, get a cab or another ride home. Of course, we here are among those fuddy-duddies that believe impairment begins with the first drink and you should never drink and drive, but that is probably another article.

Continue reading "Using Volvo's Alcoguard"

Video: Volvo's Alcoguard Prevents Drunk Driving

This video demonstrates how Volvo's Alcoguard breathalyzer device prevents drunk driving -- by requiring a breath test before the vehicle can be started.

For more on Volvo's Alcoguard, click here. To read our review of the Alcoguard, click here.

February 11, 2008

Volvo celebrates 80 years of serving society

Volvo Cars will give attention to a lesser known fact at the world's largest show for classic cars and everything else to do with the classic-car hobby. The exhibition theme for this year's Volvo stand that will reflect the Volvo heritage is "Volvo cars - 80 years of serving society".

At this year's show - held March 26-30 - it is the Volvo car as reliable and durable workhorse in the service of the society that will have the attention. Not the private passenger Volvo, but those cars that have been in governmental or municipal use. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the first deal between AB Volvo and a State-owned company was closed, and it has continued ever since.

Continue reading "Volvo celebrates 80 years of serving society"

February 6, 2008

Bernt Ejbyfeldt Named Senior Vice President of Purchasing at Volvo

Bernt Ejbyfeldt has been appointed new Senior Vice President Purchasing at Volvo Cars. He will take up his new position on 1 March 2008.

Bernt Ejbyfeldt, 50, has been the CEO of Konstruktions-Bakelit AB for the past five years, a privately owned industrial company and supplier for the car industry, based in southern Sweden, with some 350 employees.

He has previously worked all in all 25 years at Volvo Cars.
"It will be really nice and interesting to come back and bring with me the experience from the supplier perspective," says Mr Ejbyfeldt.

Continue reading "Bernt Ejbyfeldt Named Senior Vice President of Purchasing at Volvo"

February 2, 2008

Current Auto Rebates Has All the Updated Rebates!

With auto sales down 4.3% in January 2008, many automakers are increasing the rebate and incentive offers they have on the hoods of their vehicles.

Yet keeping track of all the rebate programs can be difficult work, which is why we began publishing Current Auto Rebates, the Internet's first document that lists every rebate program for every vehicle for same in the United States.

This 13-page PDF makes it easy for you to look up rebates on any model you're interested in, and even allows you to contact your local dealer who will give you a free price quote on the ride of your choice.

Since rebate programs can change several times per month, you may want to sign up for free updates to the publication -- when we update the document you'll get an email from us letting you know a refreshed version is available for you to download.

And if someone you know is currently shopping for a new vehicle, you may want to download a copy and email it to them -- they'll thank you for doing so!

February 1, 2008

Ford Sales Down 4.1% in January

DEARBORN, Mich. -- Demand for Ford's crossovers remained strong in January. Sales for the Ford Edge were 95 percent higher than a year ago and the Lincoln MKX was up 78 percent.

Retail demand for Ford, Lincoln and Mercury cars also was strong in January, especially for the new Focus. Sales for the Focus were up 44 percent compared with a year ago, with retail sales up 33 percent. Combined retail sales for the Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, and Lincoln MKZ also were higher than a year ago.

Continue reading "Ford Sales Down 4.1% in January"

Volvo Reports January Sales Increase of 2.8%

IRVINE, Calif. -- Volvo Cars of North America, LLC. (VCNA) reports U. S. sales increased 2.8 percent* compared to January of last year. For the period, 8,036 units were sold.

The Volvo XC70 has resonated well with the media as well as consumers. The sales for Volvo's crossover continue to be strong.

Continue reading "Volvo Reports January Sales Increase of 2.8%"

January 30, 2008

With Home Prices Dropping, Car Prices Are Sure to Follow

It's accepted wisdom now that overall auto sales will drop in 2008. This is seen as a function of the housing bust, during which as much as 20% of new car purchases were funded by residential real estate profit, home equity cashouts and the general euphoria in real estate related industries.

Now that home prices are dropping -- and will continue to do so until they fall in line with median income -- we believe the average new vehicle transaction price will drop as well. If houses can fall 10%-30% in value, why not cars?

In November we ran a story from Comerica Bank stating the average transaction price of a new vehicle was $29,024. Our projection is this number will fall below $25,000, perhaps in 2009 if not this year, for several reasons:

1. Less money to spend. The option of taking cash out of a home to finance a new purchase is gone. The psychology of spending "free money" to buy a luxe ride will give way to folks actually having to make the payment out of their own pocket. And with many people paying even more for housing due to adjustable rates, they will choose cheaper rides.

2. Gas prices. While $3 a gallon gas isn't as draconian as five bucks, it will have an effect over time. People are already choosing more efficient crossovers and smaller SUVs over the big buses, and V8s are going out of favor. Look for more people to choose V6s in cars and for four-cylinders to pick up in popularity.

3. Negative equity. A greater percentage of folks are upside down in their cars, and have been rolling their balances into new loan agreements. To catch up, their new purchases will have to be cheaper and it's going to take years to eat away at the balance.

4. New frugality. In a tough economy, the value of money becomes more dear. People will start thinking twice about how much money they spend. They will choose cheaper cars, perhaps with more options, but the luxe-marques are in for a rough ride.

5. New wage structures. The Detroit car companies have made big headlines with their new labor deals, that allow them to replace higher paid union workers with new hires at a lower wage scale. The higher wages translated into higher sticker prices; the lower wages will allow for slimmer price hikes and even reductions.

6. Battle for fewer consumers. Don't let the tough talk fool you. As fewer cars are sold throughout 2008, the rebate war will kick into full swing -- and spiffs will help bring down the average transaction price.

This last reason is why we launched Current Auto Rebates, a site that publishes all the rebates for every model in a single PDF file, to make bargain hunting that much easier.

January 28, 2008

Volvo XC70 -- Delivering You to Sport

The words "sports car" can be interpreted in two different ways. You can consider the car itself as a piece of sports equipment - a sexy beast with more power and torque than most would dare to unleash.

Or you can view the car as the thing that enables you and your gear to get halfway up a frozen mountain in search of an extreme challenge.

As Johan Bexell, Sport Sponsoring Director at Volvo Cars says, "Volvo cars become an integrated part of your favourite adventures. That's what makes them the finest sports cars in the world."

Continue reading "Volvo XC70 -- Delivering You to Sport"

Volvo uses hydropower in Sweden and Belgium plants

A systematic drive for green electricity is the latest measure adopted by Volvo Cars on its path to reach a climate-neutral production in Europe. The company now relies solely on hydropower from the electricity suppliers for its facilities in Sweden and Belgium.

"We aim to use renewable energy to the greatest possible extent and hydropower is the best alternative that our suppliers can offer at present," says Magnus Hellsten, Senior Vice President, Manufacturing at Volvo Cars.

Continue reading "Volvo uses hydropower in Sweden and Belgium plants"

Stockholm final stopover in Volvo Ocean Race 2008-09

Portsmouth (England) -- The Swedish capital, Stockholm, was today announced as the final stopover for the Volvo Ocean Race 2008-09 before its finish in the Russian Baltic port of St Petersburg in July 2009.

During the stopover, between 16 - 25 June 2009, Stockholm will also host an in-port race as well as a pro-am race in its famous archipelago.

At a city hall press conference in central Stockholm, its Mayor, Kristina Axén Olin, was joined by Ulla Hamilton, Vice-Mayor and Chairman of Ports of Stockholm, together with Glenn Bourke, CEO of the Volvo Ocean Race, to make the formal announcement.

Continue reading "Stockholm final stopover in Volvo Ocean Race 2008-09"