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Enhanced Safety Systems for Volvo Trucks are on the Way

admin — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 02:17:26 +0000

Volvo now wants their trucks to be a lot safer than before, which is why they are looking into a system which would monitor the driver’s operation of the truck. Studies had shown that fatigue makes up 20 percent of the cause of accidents that occur in traffic. Other common causes of accidents on the road are inattentiveness and alcohol. The Safety Director of Volvo Trucks had commented regarding the issue and their company, “Our request for an exemption from normal traffic regulations is part of our development of technical systems that detect and warn a driver of fatigue and inattentiveness in traffic. The objective is to make these safety systems available in our trucks.” The system works in such a way that if the driver becomes inattentive, the pattern of the truck’s movement undergoes some changes. These changes are registered by the system, which in turn alerts the driver.

When this new safety system is tested, a prerequisite would be that the test is ensured to come equipped with thorough safety measures. There will be two drivers in each vehicle when they day of testing the system comes. “The fatigued driver will be backed-up by a driver who is rested and alert and who can quickly take control of the vehicle. In addition, there will be test leader in the cab who will monitor the entire test drive. The truck will also be clearly marked with rotating warning lamps and will be followed by a car that alerts other motorists that a test is underway.”

Current safety features included in Volvo trucks are Lane Keeping Support, Adaptive Cruise Control and ESP. Lane Keepings Support takes note of the marking lines in traffic lanes and keeps track of the truck’s position. Should the truck move sideways or off the lane’s mark, then the driver is alerted. The Adaptive Cruise Control makes sure that the truck driver keeps a proper distance between his truck and the vehicle ahead of him. The ESP is a stability control system which applies the brakes on each of the wheels if there is an impending roll-over or skidding. If the driver is going to lose control of the truck, then this system also intercedes.

source: Volvo Global

Reducing Truck Thefts with Datachassi

admin — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 03:02:47 +0000

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

Cheap Doesn’t Mean Compromised Quality

admin — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 06:30:08 +0000

“It’s not a poverty pack, just an entry level.” This is what Volvo Australia Managing Director Alan Desselss said about the new introductory price of the Volvo C30 S. It now costs only $34,450. Desselss said, “The C30 S is just without a premium sound system and leather.” The features of this car model includes audio controls placed on the steering wheel, a CD player, a sound system comprised of six speakers which any music lover would appreciate, and a steering wheel trimmed with leather to add more class to the already impressive car. Included in those features are climate air conditioning, cruise control, and trip computer. This affordable C30 S sports 16-inhc alloy wheels. It is powered by a 125kW 5-cylinder 2.4-liter engine based on the LE model. A five-speed manual is standard but there is an optional five-speed Geartronic available which is offered at the cost of an extra $1500. Safety features come standard with ABS, Emergency Brake Assist, Side Impact Protection System, six airbags, stability and traction control, and Whiplash Protection System.

It just isn’t the Volvo C30 S model which will make its way to Australia. The popular and in demand diesel D5 auto with the six-speed manual will also be arriving as well. Its price is set to start at $43,950 and is bound to get there by April this year. The D5 auto is powered by a five-cylinder turbo-diesel engine which has 132kW of power and a torque of 350Nm, which is comparably higher than that of the T5. “D5 is hot property in Europe so we had to wait,” Desselss had remarked. “I’m hoping this will pick up C30 sales to about 85 a month.”

source: couriermail.com.au

History Repeats Itself with the Volvo C70

admin — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 06:54:38 +0000

The coupe convertible C70 from Volvo left the factory last 20th of February. This is a milestone, as it signaled the 15 million car which left the Volvo stable since April 14, 1927. The very first Volvo automobile which went past the gates of the factory was another open car. That model was called the OV4, whose meaning was rooted from “open car.” Thus, the name “OV.” The number 4 in the model’s name indicated the number of cylinders which powered the (then) new car made in Sweden. That same year, Volvo was able to sell 297 units. It took the company 23 years to build its initial 100,000 cars, all due to the after effects of the global economic depression and the Second World War.

Just recently (February 20, 2008), the Volvo C70 made its mark as it left the factory in Uddevalla, which happens to be the largest city in Bohuslan, western Sweden. The 2008 Volvo C70 is a hardtop convertible with four adult seating. It has more horsepower and has a redefined technology for better driving performance. It now has the power of a turbocharged 2.5-liter in-line five engine with a horsepower of 227. The front-driver has two various offers: a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic gearbox.

The center control panel, the console and the door handle surrounds in the interior are trimmed in Laminated Oakwood. The steering wheel and the gearshift knob are also adorned with leather. There are three additional options: Ice White paint, Pearl White and high quality Sovereign Hide leather. There are four new exterior colors, as well as matte real wood interior inlay aptly named Nordic Light, which is just as new as the exterior colors.

Its safety features include the electronic stability control with traction control and anti-lock brakes with brake force distribution. Aside from the standard front airbags are the side airbags in front as well as air curtains. . There is also the Rollover Protection System, which becomes activated by a “pyrotechnic charge.”

The two-door 2008 Volvo C70 gives the driver and passengers more space, with front seats that are designed to provide a comfortable ride. It’s clearly a ride meant to impress while maintaining ease and comfort.

source: Rediff News

The New Volvo XC60

admin — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 05:49:22 +0000

Say good bye to the boxy design and wave hello to the all-new Volvo XC60, which comes off looking sleeker and sportier. It’s not all about an impressive exterior, though. This particular model is claimed to be the safest Volvo car ever made. The reason behind this claim? The new City Safety. It is a safety system that’s one of its kind. The City Safety makes it possible to help reduce the effects of low-speed impacts which often occur in city traffic as well as traffic tailbacks. This is set off when the car is about to have a collision with another vehicle and the driver does not get to respond quickly. When this happens, the car is able to put on the brakes all by itself. Fredrik Arp, he CEO and President of Volvo Cars Corp., said, “We are the first manufacturer in the world to offer this type of feature as standard. City Safety clearly shows that the new Volvo XC60 is the safest car Volvo has ever produced. The car is packed with our accumulated safety know-how and technology, both when it comes to preventing accidents and protecting all the occupants in a collision.”

The new Volvo XC60 offers three different types of engines: the turbocharged T6 and two variants of the D5 turbodiesel. The turbocharged T6 is able to produce 285 PS. One D5 turbodiesel engine is able to produce 185 hp while the other is capable of giving off 163 hp. It has a four-wheel drive as a standard. Arp said, “During 2009, we will offer a front-wheel driven 2.4-litre version powered by a Euro 5 diesel engine producing 163 horsepower and with a CO2 target around 170 g/km.”

The sales of this particular Volvo model will begin in Europe during the second half of this year. For North America, sales can be expected early 2009. China, Germany, Great Britain, Russia, and the USA will be five of the largest markets throughout 2010, the peak year. The place of production for the Volvo XC60 is in Ghent, Belgium. The units will be arriving in the showrooms of UK dealers come October of this year.

source: Car Pages

Volvo 9700: “Coach of the Year”

admin — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 00:26:12 +0000

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

Volvo Promotes Pet Safety

admin — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 21:53:37 +0000

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

Volvo Sales Increased by 2.8%

admin — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 06:14:07 +0000

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

The Winners of the Volvo SportDesign Awards 2008

admin — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 08:06:44 +0000

The highly recognized international awards in the concept of sports design, the fourth annual Volvo SportDesign Awards, had already announced their winners. The grand awarding ceremony took place at the IMC center in Munich. The theme for this year was “EcoDesign – Form follows sustainability.” The theme’s focal point was the various innovative ideas in the eco design portion. There were more then 300 hundred entries that came for this year’s SportDesign Awards, from different international companies known worldwide. Andrej Kupetz, the head of the German Design Council, had spoken in behalf of the entire panel of judges. He said, “All the submitted works for their internationality as well as their great amount of diversity that is unusual for a design award for sporting equipment. From an ecological perspective, the sports industry has made great progress. People are getting the message behind the EcoDesign theme. The blend of sustainability and design will continue to range high on the future agenda of designers and the entire industry.”

The winners of the Volvo SportDesign contest came from different countries such as Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Sweden, and the United States of America. There were eight different categories for the awards. The winners are the following:

Outdoor Equipment: Nextec srl., OutDry® membrane system for water-proofing footwear, Italy
Ski Equipment: Grown Skis, Wooden Skis, Germany
Board Equipment: Amer-Salomon, Salomon Snowboards, SickStick, France
Apparel: Klättermusen, Einride Jacket, Sweden
Wheelers: Essedum, CycleCaddy Waggon, Germany
Accessories: Plantaplast, BioGolfTee, Austria
Concepts: Max Koriath, “schöner bootfahren”, Weissensee School of Art Berlin, Germany

Aside from the above mentioned awards, USA was also given a special award. The award was:

Special Award “EcoBrand of the Year”: Patagonia, USA

Alongside the Volvo SportDesign Awards is the 7th Volvo SportDesign Forum. This took place during the 2008 edition of the sports trade fair ispo. In the said forum, the visitors would be able to get a large amount of details and information about sustainability when presentations are and panel discussions are made, and when workshops and exhibitions take place.

sources: Design Taxi and SportDesign at ispo

Volvo’s Commitment to the Environment

admin — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 08:34:54 +0000

Being conscious of the environment is something Volvo Cars has been doing for quite some time now. From the design of their cars up until the production stage, Volvo strives to keep on being committed to the environment. For car makers all over the globe, one of the greatest challenges they are still facing is how to keep up with helping in solving the environmental problems of today. Reducing fuel consumption is an example. When fuel consumption is lessened, then the emissions of greenhouse carbon dioxide are reduced as well.

Volvo Cars has gone through great care to help in alleviating the problems that climate change imposes. They have been able to produce cars which are powered by alternative fuels. Their Volvo S40, Volvo V50, Volvo C30, Volvo V70, and Volvo S80 are operated by FlexiFuel, which makes use of bioethanol. Aside from that, Volvo has targeted this year to release to the public market a C30 Efficiency which would have a fuel consumption of 4.5 liter per 100km with carbon dioxide emissions of 119 g/km.

Volvo Cars also makes use of hydropower (green electricity) in their manufacturing plants located in Sweden and Belgium. This use of green electricity is their recent addition to their environmental awareness. Volvo has also managed to provide a wide range of alternative fuels. Back in 2005 in Sweden, they have launched the Volvo FlexiFuel cars. These cars are powered by bioethanol, which are able to release lower emissions of fossil carbon dioxide. This year, it is expected that the V70 and S80 will also have 2.5-liter turbo FlexiFuel engines.

Investing money in environmental research and development, which would run for five years, would aid Volvo in their aim for decreasing fuel consumption and emissions of their cars. When they launched the catalytic converter and oxygen sensor more than thirty years ago, Volvo has managed to cut down the harmful emissions by ninety percent. The engines found in Volvo cars comply with the strict requirements for exhaust emissions. This includes their V8 and new six-cylinder. Not only that but for the sake of the “green” states in the united States of America, they also made available engines which comply to one of the toughest emission control standard – the Partial Zero Emission Vehicle emission control standard.

The conscious effort to help the environment does not stop with Volvo engines. The interiors of their cars are always tested to assure the public that it has passed the requirements set by the Oeko-Tex Standard 100.The advanced Interior Air Quality System (IAQS) of Volvo Cars diminishes the amount of particularly harmful gases.

Involved with a certain number of environmental projects and preserving the lifecycle impact of their cars, Volvo’s commitment to the environment is made clear.

source: Auto Spectator