Volvo Personvagnar AB (Volvo Cars ) sold in 2010 - Ford transferred 100% of the shares of its former division to the holding Zhejiang Geely Holding Group from China, which already has one global automaker - Geely Auto.
Volvo Cars main production facilities at this moment located on the territory of the European Union - factories in Torsland, Uddevalla and Ghent. The company plans to open several factories in China to meet the needs of the dynamically developing domestic market.
Cars in the Netherlands Volvo brand not collected. By the end of 2012 the company Mitsubishi Motors- owner of the plant since 2001, was going to close the plant or sell it for a nominal fee if certain conditions were met. Once upon a time, the following models rolled off the factory assembly line: 440, 460, S40 and V40.
Volvo cars - S40 and S80L were produced at the Changan Ford plant in Chongqing, China.
| Production of Volvo cars | ||||
| Factory | Location | A country | Model | VIN sign of the factory |
| Torslan-daverken | Torslanda | Switzerland | V70 XC70 S80 XC90 V60 |
1 |
| Pinifarina Sverige AB | Uddevalla | C70 | J | |
| Volvo Cars Ghent | Ghent | Belgium | C30 V40 S40 V50 S60 XC60 |
2 |
Volvo Cars sold about 422 thousand cars in 2012. The largest sales market for Volvo cars is the North American market. Thus, in the US market in 2012, 68,079 cars were sold. Contrary to company expectations Chinese market did not grow, under the pressure of competitors who launched their production in China, there was a decline in sales. Opening a plant in China, making cars cheaper due to the absence of customs duties, will significantly increase sales. Today the duty is up to 25% of the cost of the car.
Which plant assembles the most Volvo cars?
The company's plant in the Belgian city of Ghent assembled about 265 thousand cars in 2011, and about 258 thousand cars in 2012. Production is significant for the plant small cars, it is with them that production growth is associated.
Volvo production in Russia.
Back in 2002, the first production began in Zelenograd trucks mobiles of this brand. In connection with the company's plans to open modern plant high power in Russia, production in Moscow was closed in 2008. In January 2009, a Volvo Group plant was opened in Kaluga with a design capacity of 15 thousand cars per year. Main products model trucks Volvo series: FH, FM and FMX.
Volvo is a Swedish car brand that produces sedans, station wagons, sports cars, coupe, as well as trucks. The headquarters of Volvo Car Corporation is located in Gothenburg. It is part of the Geely Automobile holding.
When creating cars, the brand's engineers take a particularly careful approach to the issue of safety. They have developed the largest number of innovative technologies in the field of passive and active safety compared to other brands.
When the company was created, it was part of the world's largest manufacturer of bearings, lubrication systems, seals and mechatronics, SKF. The word "Volvo" was the company's slogan. Translated from Latin, it means “torsion.”
Volvo was founded in 1927 in Gothenburg as a subsidiary of SKF. Assar Gabrielsson became its managing director, and Gustav Larson became its chief engineer. They immediately announced that the main principle when creating Volvo cars would be safety for all road users.
First Volvo car left assembly line April 14, 1927. This was the ÖV 4 model, nicknamed "Jacob". The main chassis components were developed by Ian G. Smith, who worked for many years in the American automotive industry and borrowed many technical solutions from American cars.
Gustav Larson worked on the creation of a four-cylinder in-line 2-liter engine with side valves. The power unit developed 28 hp. at 2000 rpm. Maximum speed model was 90 km/h. Open body with five passenger seats was made of sheet steel and placed on a frame made of ash and birch. In the harsh climate of Sweden open version The model was not successful. But the PV4 sedan was much more convenient and popular. Its body was a wooden frame, covered not with sheet steel, but with artificial leather. By folding the seats, it was possible to get two comfortable berths.
Volvo ÖV 4 (1927-1929)
In 1928, an extended version of the PV4, Special, was introduced, which was distinguished by a longer hood, a smoothed dashboard line, narrower windshield pillars, a rectangular rear window. The first one comes out in the same year Volvo truck- Type 1.
Since its inception, the company had plans to create a six-cylinder engine. In April 1929, the first model with a new engine, the PV651, was introduced. Under its hood there was a 3-liter power unit 55 hp The PV651 and PV652, which became its successor, were wider and longer than previously produced cars.
Models with six-cylinder engine helped the company enter the taxi market it wanted to enter. In the first year of sales alone, 1,383 copies were sold, and 27 of them were exported.
Reliable and safe cars really appealed to taxi companies. Demand prompted Volvo engineers to develop seven-seat models TR671 and TR672, which received an extended chassis. In 1935, they were replaced by the TR701-704 with a 3670 cc engine. cm and power 80-84 hp.
In 1933, the new PV653 (Standard) and PV654 (De Luxe) entered the market. They got it completely metal body, 17-inch wheels instead of 19-inch, updated dashboard With glove box. The cars differed from their predecessors in improved sound insulation: the engine was separated from the chassis by rubber cushions, and the wall between the passenger compartment and engine compartment was covered with sound-absorbing material.
Volvo PV653 (1933-1937)
Then came the 654 De luxe model with a plush interior, two spare wheels and a canopy reverse. In 1935, the PV658 and PV659 models were released, which had a significant impact on the appearance of all cars produced after them. Their radiator had a slightly tilted position back, and the wheel hub covers took on an unusual shape. There were hydraulic brakes on all wheels.
In 1935 appears new model with a streamlined design similar to American cars. It was a Volvo PV36 Carioca, a comfortable, quiet sedan with independent front suspension with wishbones and springs, a strong steel body and high performance security. The cabin could accommodate six people: three in front and three in the back. The seats were spacious and comfortable. A total of 500 copies of the model were produced, plus one chassis, which Nordbergs Karosseri turned into a luxury convertible.
Volvo PV36 (1935-1938)
In 1936, the first generation of small Volvo models- car PV51. It was equipped with the same 3.6-liter engine producing 86 hp as the PV36 Carioca, but it was simpler, more affordable and popular. The model was distinguished by a narrow body with an undivided windshield, the presence of only one windshield wiper and modest interior trim.
In the spring of 1939, the company began developing mechanisms to switch to gas produced from coal. These developments were more useful than ever, since there was a shortage of gasoline in Europe. After the outbreak of hostilities, the production of civilian cars froze. The company switched to the production of special military vehicles and gas-powered devices.
The first post-war car was the PV60 model. Fans of the brand also remember it as last car from the generation of huge Volvo passenger cars with a six-cylinder engine. Its appearance was already old-fashioned, but the PV60 still sold well. Whatever you say, it was last representative"old school", very reliable and comfortable.
In 1944, the PV444 was introduced, a car that became a landmark for the brand. It was the first Volvo model to feature compact dimensions And new design, repeating modern tendencies, demonstrated by American automakers. The car received a one-piece steel monocoque body without a frame and a new four-cylinder engine with a short flywheel and overhead camshaft. It developed a power of 40 hp. First installed on a car Windshield from triplex. Another significant advantage of the new model is low price, which amounted to SEK 4,800. The company's first car was sold for this amount in 1927.
The PV444 debuted at the Volvo show in Stockholm, where 2,300 purchase contracts were signed in 10 days. This is despite the fact that the company’s plans included producing only 8,000 copies of the model. In total, about 200,000 units were sold during the production of the car.
Volvo PV444 (1946-1958)
In 1954, Volvo produced automotive world a real sensation. It was the open sports two-seater Sport P 1900. No one expected this from a conservative and safety-focused automaker. The model was developed with an eye to export markets, since the company already had negative experience selling convertibles to the Swedish public. However, this time the car sold successfully. Still would! In addition to its dashing appearance and sophisticated security system, it boasted a five-year warranty, which included the car company's obligation to pay for repairs costing more than 200 crowns. The insured event included an accident or accident on the road. Under the hood of the Sport P 1900 was a 1,414 cc inline-four engine. cm power 70 hp
In August 1966, Volvo introduced the 144 model, which until 1974 was the most popular in the company's history. This car was distinguished by a large glass area and a successful exterior design. It also benefits from many of Volvo's innovative safety features. This list included energy-absorbing areas at the front and rear of the body, a unique brake system, disc brakes on all wheels, smooth interior, without protruding parts and seat belts for the driver and front passenger.
In 1974, the manufacturer introduced a new generation of cars - the 240 and 260 series, created on the basis of the 140 series. They were distinguished from their predecessors by a different front end, a modernized chassis with MacPherson front wheel suspension, larger engines and new four-cylinder engines.
Volvo 240 (1974-1984)
In the mid-70s, Volvo bought the Dutch DAF Car BV, which allowed it to get accustomed to the small car segment. The first new product in this series was the Volvo 66, which was produced as a two-door sedan or three-door station wagon. It was equipped with a continuously variable automatic transmission gears and rear-wheel drive system.
In 1986, the Volvo 480ES rolled off the production line, the first production front wheel drive model brands. It received a design that was different from the company’s previous work, with retractable headlights.
In 1991, the company introduced a protection system against side impact SIPS, and in 1994 - creates the world's first airbags that protect against side impacts.
In 1999, the division responsible for the production passenger cars mobile phones, was bought by Ford Motor Company for $6.45 billion. IN next year Volvo's truck division and Renault company entered into an agreement to create a single enterprise for the production of cars, becoming the largest European manufacturer trucks. Ford sold Volvo Cars in 2010 Indian company Geely Automobile.
Acquaintance Russian buyers with Volvo took place back in the USSR, when since 1973, for the needs of Sovtransavto, they purchased tractor units brands. In 1989 they began official sales cars and trucks in the Soviet Union. Now the brand is represented on the Russian market by three companies: VFS Vostok LLC, Volvo Vostok CJSC, which are responsible for the sale of trucks, and Volvo Cars LLC, which promotes passenger models. Since 2009, Volvo FH, FM, FMX trucks have been assembled in Kaluga. Investments in the construction of the new plant cost 100 million euros. In 2014, the Volvo Group launched production of cabins at the plant full cycle, investing another 90 million euros.
Despite the division and different owners, the Volvo brand continues its glorious development as a manufacturer of quality and safe cars with a balanced character. The companies plan to expand production and further improve cars.
The Volvo company originated in 1915 in the Swiss city of Gothenburg, as a subsidiary of SKF, which produced bearings. It was founded by former college classmates Assar Gabrielson, an SKF employee and Gustav Larson. Idea to do automobile business I came to the young engineers in a restaurant for beer and crayfish. After some time, SKF management approved their idea and allocated funds for the development and production of the first cars.
The name Volvo is derived from the Latin verb volvete, which means “I roll.” The Volvo emblem is a symbol of iron and the god of war, Mars, who fought exclusively with iron weapons. The associations that this emblem is supposed to give rise to are reliability and durability.
In 1927, the first Volvo car appeared - a phaeton with open top And four-cylinder engine. It was called OV4, and also had an unofficial name - Jacob. It was not just the first Volvo car - but the first car made in Sweden. The Volvo Jacob had a strong beech and ash chassis and sprung seats, a rarity for cars of the 1930s. Engine power 28 hp. could accelerate the car to 90 km/h.
In 1928, Volvo released its first sedan, the PV4, and two years later, its modification, the PV651, with a six-cylinder engine producing 55 hp. With. This model was used as a taxi in Sweden. In the same year, the first Volvo truck, Type 1, rolled off the assembly line.
On car showroom in Stockholm, Volvo introduced the PV444 in 1944. This passenger model became " people's car» in Sweden, which was due to high quality at low cost. Initially it was planned to assemble 8,000 cars, however, due to high demand Volvo produced 200,000 cars. At the same exhibition, the company's first bus, the PV60, with a diesel engine, was presented.
In 1951 Volvo switched to conveyor production. In the same year the first one was released family car Volvo Duet.
In the 80s, the company began producing new generation cars. They were different modern design and more powerful engines, which have been modified to reduce fuel consumption. The main model of the 80s was the 760 sedan, which was equipped with six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines. It accelerated to 100 km/h in 13 seconds.
Today Volvo belongs Chinese concern Geely, which bought it from Ford in 2010 for $1.8 billion. However, Volvo's headquarters remained in Gothenburg.
TechnologiesVolvo
Throughout its history, Volvo has focused Special attention development of security technologies.
This Swedish manufacturer was the first to equip its cars with three-point seat belts, triplex laminated windshields and lambda probes - sensors that help reduce exhaust emissions.
In the 1970s, Volvo developed the world's first child protection system - a booster cushion and a special child seat, which was installed against the movement of the car.
Much earlier than other companies, Volvo began to use its own innovative solutions for safety – for example, or the City Safety system, which prevents collisions at low speeds.
Volvoin motorsport
Since 2007, the team has been participating in the World Road Racing Championship among body cars. The best achievement is 11th place in the overall standings in 2011.
From time to time, Volvo exhibits its cars at the famous rally – the Dakar marathon. In 1983, the team won the small truck class.
In addition, the Volvo concern participates in the European Truck Racing Championship. Cars under the Renault brand, which are produced at Volvo factories, won in 2010 and 2011.
Interesting Facts
Volvo is the first company in the world to create its own dedicated accident investigation team. Based on the data from this division, new security systems are being developed for Swedish cars.
The Volvo P1800, assembled in 1966, was included in the Guinness Book of Records as the car with the most high mileage. It amounted to 4,200,000 km.
King Carl Gustaf of Sweden travels on the roads in a small hatchback.
Volvoin Russia
The history of Volvo in Russia began in 1973, when the state company Sovtransavto purchased Swedish trucks for international transport. A representative office of the brand opened in Russia in 1994. The V40 KOMBI models were especially popular in the 90s. In the 2000s in Russia popular models There were S-series sedans. Swedish cars have become popular among Russian car enthusiasts due to their classic design, high quality and reliability. These factors even influenced the formation of such a concept among car enthusiasts as Volvo - a driver. This was the name for someone who is not in a hurry, who follows the rules traffic A motorist who values comfort and safety.
The machines were well suited for operation in difficult weather conditions countries. In addition, their success was ensured by their low cost in comparison with cars of competing brands.
Today on Russian market presented big choice Volvo cars: C70 coupe with rigid convertible roof, sedans and station wagons V60 and V80, as well as all-wheel drive crossovers XC60, XC70 and . Over the past six years, Russians have been buying about 20,000 Swedish cars a year. Most popular model is the XC90. Sales of this crossover account for about 30% of all models presented today.
In Zelenograd the company has a small truck assembly plant. In addition, a plant was opened in the Kaluga region in 2009 Volvo Trucks, which produces up to fifteen thousand trucks a year. Production plants passenger cars V Russian Volvo There are no plans to open yet.
Today, a brand such as Volvo is world famous. But how did it all begin?
Vovlo: history of the brand
The history of Volvo began in 1924 with a meeting between college classmates Assar Gabrielson and Gustav Larson. Together they founded car company. The company SKF, which specialized in the production of bearings, helped them with this.
In 1927, their first brainchild, the Volvo OV4/Jacob, was created. It was a convertible, equipped with a 4-cylinder engine running on gasoline fuel. A little later they released a sedan and its extended version. As a result, about one and a half thousand cars were sold over two years.
When Gunnar Ingelau comes to the position of president of the concern, the dawn of its activity begins for the company. Things were looking up. The export of Swedish cars to the United States of America was established.
Production also increased. Were introduced innovative technologies, such as three point belts security, authored by Nils Ivar Bohlin. The braking system and crumple zones have also been improved.
Volvo: country of origin
The history of the Volvo brand began in Sweden. When interviewing random passers-by to the question: “Whose car is Volvo?” Country of manufacture of this brand? the results were as follows:
70% - Germany;
20% - Sweden;
15% - USA;
5% do not know the answer to this question.
Volvo today
In 1999, the concern sold passenger car factories to Ford. And even later, in 2010, Ford Motor sold the brand Chinese company Geely. Volvo's history has gone through more than one crisis. But, having survived them, the brand expanded production. In the automotive industry, it was repurposed and moved away from the production of passenger cars. Today on the market you can see a wide range of products and services under the Volvo brand:
cars (trucks, buses, etc.);
engines;
automotive equipment;
construction equipment;
space components.
Many people now associate the Volvo car brand with good safety and build quality. Combines great style, power and reliability. "I'm rocking!" - this is how the brand name is translated, which completely justifies it. Anyone who already owns or has owned a car of this brand recommends it to others.
Apparently it was destined by fate that the union of a brilliant financier, a talented businessman with a mechanical engineering genius was doomed to success. The determination and discipline at the heart of Volvo's production has resulted in perfect quality for a Swedish car.
Today the lineup this trademark has a huge number of cars and trucks, and all the main production units of Volvo Cars are still located in Europe (Ghent, Torsland, Uddevalle).
Volvo in Sweden
In 1964, Volvo Cars opened a completely new automobile plant, making the largest investment in Swedish industrial history. For fifty years, thousands of people have been busy implementing the bold projects of the best designers. Starting from the very first Volvo Amazon model, management took the right direction for the development of the brand. Half a century later, the Torslanda plant has undergone a radical change and modernization and its new opening is scheduled for April 24, 2014. The first model released after the reconstruction will be the XC90.
Volvo in Belgium
The largest-scale production of the concern is located today in Belgium. Here in the northeast of the country in the city of Ghent is the most large plant Volvo in Europe. Since its opening in 1965, more than five million passenger cars have rolled off its assembly line, and about 5 thousand people are employed in production. After the production of small Volvo models from the Dutch Ned Car plant was transferred to Ghent, the volume of car production here increased to 270 thousand units. in year.
Volvo in China
Now the headquarters of the concern is still located in the Swedish city of Gothenburg. But in 2010, 100% of the shares were sold to the Chinese company Zhejiang Geely Holding Group.
In order to expand production in this region, Volvo Cars opened its first plant in the Middle Kingdom, near the city of Chengdu, at the end of 2013. Production capacity located in the Chengdu Technological and Economic Development Zone, covering an area of more than 500 thousand square meters. The Swedes are determined to win the lion's share of the local automotive market, and call China their “second home.” In the near future, the number of cars assembled at this plant should reach 125 thousand units. in year.
