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 –>

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 –>

The Volvo Cars of North America, LLC informs that their sales in the United States market had increased by 2.8 percent as compared to January of last year. There were a total of 8,036 units sold for the period. It is apparent that the Volvo XC70 model has been received positively by both the media and the consumers. Volvo’s sale for the crossover continues to be impressive and powerful.

For January 2008, the S40 managed to have sell 1,519 units which was an increase compared to last year as well. Last year, there were only 1,377 units of S40 sold. The S60 also enjoyed a good number of sales, with 1,713 units sold; Last year the sales for that model were only 1,235 units. The aforementioned XC70 was also in the list of increased number of units sold compared to last year.

Volvo Cars of North America, LLC is established in Irvine, California. They operate as a subsidiary of Volvo Car Corporation of Gotenberg, Sweden. One of their roles is to provide marketing, parts, sales, service, training support and technology to the retailers in United States with Volvo automobile. Another part of their task is to keep an eye on the operations of Volvo in the following countries: Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico.

source: Fox Business –>