Volvo is a car brand that is commonly known for its safety features and sleek design. However, there are several interesting and lesser-known facts about the brand that exhibit its unique characteristics. Here are some things you did not know about Volvo:
Volvo Was Established In The 1920s
Volvo was founded in 1927 in Gothenburg, Sweden, and was initially established as a subsidiary of Ball Bearing Manufacturer SKF. The name Volvo is derived from the Latin word “volvere”, which means “I roll.” The first Volvo car, named the OV4, rolled off the assembly line on April 14, 1927. The company began exporting cars to the United States the following year, not long after its establishment.
Volvo Is Known For Safety
One of the most significant features of Volvo cars is their safety. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Volvo cars have a reputation for being among the safest cars on the road. In fact, the Volvo XC90 luxury sport utility vehicle was named the safest car in the world by the European New Car Assessment Programme in 2015. Volvo’s dedication to safety extended beyond the vehicle itself to the use of seat belts, which the company introduced as a standard feature in all of its models in the late 1950s, and airbags, which was standard on all Volvo cars after 1990.
Volvo has also conducted several innovative safety tests that have helped shape automotive safety over the decades. The Swedish automaker was one of the first auto manufacturers to develop an impact test car in 1959, which allowed it to simulate real-life crash situations. In 1972, a group of engineers from Volvo created the Three-Point Safety Belt, which is now used universally across all vehicles. Volvo also created the Side Impact Protection System (SIPS) in 1991, a technology that has been credited with reducing injuries in side-impact collisions.
Volvo Believes In Sustainability
Another little-known fact about Volvo is the company’s commitment to sustainability. In 2017, Volvo announced its commitment to producing only electric or hybrid vehicles from 2019 onwards. The company’s stance on sustainability is deeply rooted in its belief that the society must reduce its carbon footprint for the betterment of the environment. The Swedish automaker has a goal to become climate neutral by 2040, and it is taking several steps towards achieving this objective.
Volvo has also made significant strides in improving the transparency of its supply chain. The company’s Steel Sustainability Report 2019 shows how Volvo has reduced its carbon emissions through the adoption of more sustainable practices in its supply chain. The report states that Volvo now sources 95% of its steel from European suppliers that follow international sustainability guidelines.
Volvo Is Not Just A Car Company
Volvo is not just a car company, but it is also a diversified industrial manufacturer. In addition to producing cars, Volvo also produces buses, trucks, construction equipment, and marine and industrial engines. The company’s non-automotive business is known as Volvo Group and is headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden.
Volvo buses are predominantly used in public transport systems, and the company has a strong presence in Europe, Mexico, and Australia. Volvo trucks are popular in several industries and are trusted for their durability and reliability. The company’s construction equipment division, Volvo Construction Equipment, produces a range of equipment, including excavators, wheel loaders, and compactors.
Conclusion
Volvo is undoubtedly one of the most recognizable car brands globally, known for its emphasis on safety and sleek design. However, beyond its vehicles, Volvo is also recognized as a sustainable and responsible manufacturer that is deeply committed to managing its impact on the environment. The company’s non-automotive business division, Volvo Group, is another testimony to the company’s diversity and commitment to growth. Despite its significant achievements, Volvo continues to set new targets for improving sustainability and safety, driving innovation to stay ahead of the competition.