10 fun and interesting Volvo facts

1. 50 years of safety innovation

Fifty years ago, Volvo made a revolutionary decision to not patent the seatbelt, a life-saving invention that they had created. Despite the potential financial gain, the company felt that the safety benefits it would provide to car owners around the world were far more important. This altruistic move has saved countless lives and continues to be a testament to Volvo's commitment to safety and innovation.

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2. The History of a Safe and Reliable Car Manufacturer

On April 14th, 1927, Volvo was officially founded and the first car to roll off the production line was the "Jakob". This marked the beginning of a long and successful journey for the Swedish car manufacturer, which has since become renowned for its commitment to safety and reliability. The Jakob was a revolutionary vehicle for its time, featuring a four-cylinder, 2.0-litre engine and a top speed of 65 mph. It was the first car to be produced by Volvo and set the standard for the company's future models.

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3. Volvo's 6-cylinder engine helped to make the 200 series a success

In 1974, Volvo released the 200 series, which was quickly followed by the 6-cylinder version. This series was a major milestone for Volvo, as it was the first time the company had produced a 6-cylinder engine. The 200 series was a huge success, and it helped to cement Volvo's reputation as a reliable and innovative car manufacturer. The 6-cylinder engine was a major factor in the success of the 200 series, as it provided a powerful and efficient driving experience. The 200 series was a major step forward for Volvo, and it helped to establish the company as a leader in the automotive industry.

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4. The Car That Rolls Along

In 1911, the Swedish ball bearing company SKF registered the name "Volvo," which is Latin for "I roll." Although SKF had originally intended to use the name for a separate company, they eventually scrapped the plan and instead used it for their car manufacturing unit. This name proved to be a perfect fit, as it aptly describes the car's purpose of rolling along the roads.

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5. Volvo becomes Chinese company's first international car brand

In 1999, Volvo joined the Ford Prestige Auto Group, alongside luxury car brands Aston Martin and Jaguar. After 11 years of ownership, Ford sold Volvo to the Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, a Chinese company, in 2010. This marked the first time a Chinese company had acquired a major international car brand, and the move was seen as a sign of the growing influence of Chinese companies in the global automotive industry.

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6. Volvo's Laminated Windscreen Revolutionized Car Safety

The Volvo PV444 was a revolutionary car, as it was the first production car to feature a laminated windscreen. This windscreen was made up of two layers of glass with a plastic interlayer, providing increased protection from the elements and improved safety in the event of an accident. The laminated windscreen was a major step forward in automotive safety, and it has since become a standard feature in most cars.

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7. Volvo's Black Chrome 240 Series Gets Mixed Reviews

In the early 1980's, Volvo sought to give their 240 series a sportier look by painting most of the chrome finish black. However, this decision was met with mixed reviews, as some felt that the new look was too downmarket.

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8. Volvo's V6 engine is a popular choice for drivers

Volvo's luxurious models are all equipped with the V6 engine, more commonly known as the PRV engine. This engine was designed in collaboration between Peugeot, Renault and Volvo, and has become a popular choice for many drivers. It offers a smooth and powerful ride, and is a great choice for those looking for a reliable and luxurious car.

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9. A Leader in the Truck Manufacturing Industry

In 1974, Volvo began assembling trucks in Ghent, Belgium, marking the start of a long and successful history of producing reliable and efficient vehicles. Since then, Volvo has become a leader in the truck manufacturing industry, with their vehicles being used in a variety of applications, from long-haul transportation to construction and mining. Their trucks are renowned for their durability and safety, making them a popular choice for businesses and individuals alike.

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10. Volvo's New Iconic Truck: A Hit with Commercial & Private Drivers

Volvo's first foray into the truck market was the iconic Volvo Amazon, which was released in 1956. This model was the first of its kind to be produced by the Swedish automaker, and it quickly became a popular choice for commercial and private use. It featured a robust design, with a powerful engine and a spacious interior, making it a reliable and comfortable choice for drivers. The Volvo Amazon was a major success for the company, and it paved the way for the development of more advanced truck models in the years to come.