Volvo is thinking of partnering with Datachassi, a Swedish company based in Jönköping whose specialty lies in developing a patent-pending theft protection system. Due to the alarming increase in truck thefts, Volvo has been looking into coming up with solutions that would help put drivers and passengers at ease. Per Wassén, the Investment Manager of Volvo Technology Transfer, had said, “We foresee a huge potential for this invention, which has good possibilities of becoming an industry standard… This is an investment fully in line with the Volvo Group‘s striving to offer our customers safe and efficient transport solutions.”

The Datachassi invention will rely on radio communications. What the invention will do is that it will link the tractor with the trailer or the truck via sensors and intelligent radio technology. The system will be strategically placed on the sidelights and can be retro-fitted. This is good news for truck owners, as this means that most trucks in Europe would be able to accommodate the theft protection system. The sidelights will be equipped with the sensors and radio beacons. This will make it possible for sending alarm signals to be sent wirelessly to a central server or, alternatively, to a security company. It will all depend on the way the system is going to be programmed.

Since the alarm is triggered when objects or people come too close to the truck, the system will not only provide safety regarding truck thefts but it will also give a safer ride to both driver and passengers. The sensors and the radio beacons will alert the driver if there is a pedestrian coming too close, helping in keeping both pedestrians and truck drivers (and passengers) out of harm’s way.

source: carma.com.sg

It is popular knowledge that Volvo is quite active in being environmentally aware when it comes to the production of their cars. Not only that but they also produce automobiles which are of high quality. When a local trade press magazine ran a competition, then it should not come as a surprise that Volvo 9700 was named “Coach of the Year” in Slovenia. With their advancement in technology, the worth their cars give to owners, and their concern for the environment and efficiently addressing such issues, Volvo impressed the jury and earned praises.

There were three stages for the competition where Volvo 9700 won. The first stage was the nomination by the juries. Three buses were nominated: the Irisbus Magelys, the Scania Irizar i4 and of course, Volvo 9700. The second stage comprised of voting. The magazine readers had cast their votes via the submission of a coupon or by voting on the internet. The third stage was when the jury rated the buses under the following categories:

1. value for money
2. environmental care
3. maintenance cost
4. technology
5. adaptation for the Slovenian market

Volvo 9700 emerged as the winner, with the announcement made during the ceremony in Ljubljana at the end of last month.

A little trivia: Last year, the same Volvo vehicle model also won the “Coach of the Year” award, in Europe at that time.

source: busnews.com

Although Volvo did not show any new automobiles or products during the Chicago Auto Show, they were able to strike the hearts of the people who were there. Volvo ran a campaign regarding pet safety.

The Volvo XC90 seems to be the favorite among pet owners, what with “dogs hopping in and out of the XC90.” This certain Volvo model is apparently suited for pets, since it has the option to have factory-installed cages to go with it. The popular car maker is said to team up with Bark Buckle Up, founder by Christina Selter, is a group which promotes safer travels for pets. The said group can be found in San Diego.

Bark Buckle Up aims to educate car owners regarding the use of cages while traveling. Alternatively, pet harnesses can also be used, as they can be threaded through the safety belts. To start spreading the word about safe travels for pets, Bark Buckle Up said they will give a hundred pet safety restraints for free. This will take place at the San Diego International Auto Show in December.

source: Houston Chronicle