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Writer's pictureTim Jackson

Innovative Swedish carmaker Volvo spawns Polestar

Updated: Nov 3, 2023


Volvo, a Swedish automaker, has been producing high-quality vehicles since 1927. The company has a reputation for safety and reliability, and its cars are known for their durability and longevity. Volvo has a rich history, and its success can be traced back to its early years.


The start of Volvo dates back to 1924, when a group of Swedish businessmen decided to create a new car company. The group, which included Gustav Larson and Assar Gabrielsson, had a vision of creating a car that was safe, reliable and affordable. They wanted to build a car that would be able to withstand the harsh Swedish climate and the rough terrain of the country's rural areas.


The first car built by Volvo was the OV 4, introduced in 1927. The car was a success, and it quickly became popular in Sweden. The OV 4 was followed by a series of other cars, including the PV 651 in 1929, a midsized car designed for families it was one of the first cars to feature a four-speed manual transmission.


Despite the success of its early vehicles, Volvo faced financial difficulties in the 1930s. The company was forced to merge with another Swedish automaker, and it became part of the SKF group. However, Volvo continued to innovate, and it introduced several new technologies during this time. In 1937, Volvo introduced the first car with a laminated safety glass windshield, which was a major breakthrough at that time for automotive safety.


During World War II, Volvo focused on producing military vehicles and equipment. After the war, the company returned to producing cars. In the 1950s, Volvo introduced several new models, including the PV 444 and the PV 544, designed to be affordable and practical. They quickly became popular in Sweden and other parts of Europe.


In the 1960s, Volvo began to focus on safety as a key selling point for its cars. The company introduced a number of new safety features, including three-point seat belts, (invented by Nils Bohlin in 1959 and has since become a standard feature in cars worldwide), padded dashboards and collapsible steering columns. These features helped to establish Volvo as a prominent leader in automotive safety.


During the 1970s, Volvo continued to innovate, introducing a number of new models, including the 240 series and the 260 series. These cars were designed to be practical and reliable, and they were popular with families and businesses. In 1974, Volvo introduced the first car with a catalytic converter, a major breakthrough in reducing emissions.


During the 1980s, Volvo continued to focus on safety, introducing a number of new safety features, including anti-lock brakes, airbags and traction control. These features helped to continue the tradition of confirming Volvo as an important industry leader in automotive safety, as a pioneer in collision avoidance systems and the company became known for its commitment to protecting its customers.


In the 1990s, Volvo faced financial difficulties, and it was acquired by Ford in 1999. However, under the Ford ownership period, Volvo continued to innovate, and introduced a number of new models, including the S80, the V70, and the XC90.


Volvo births Polestar out its safety and innovative image


Polestar is a Swedish car company that was founded in 1996 as a racing team for Volvo. In 2015, Volvo acquired Polestar and turned it into its performance division. In 2017, Volvo and its parent company, Geely, announced that Polestar would become a separate brand focused on electric performance cars.


Polestar's first car, the Polestar 1, was unveiled in 2017 and is a hybrid grand touring coupe with a range of up to 77 miles on electric power alone. The Polestar 2, a fully electric sedan, was unveiled in 2019 and is the company's first mass-market car. Polestar plans to introduce additional models in the future, including an electric SUV.


Polestar's cars are designed to be environmentally friendly and are manufactured using sustainable materials and production methods. The company also offers a subscription model for its cars, which includes all maintenance and insurance costs, as well as the ability to upgrade to a new model every few years.


In 2010, Volvo was acquired by Geely, a Chinese automaker. Even through the corporate headquarters and design center remain in Sweden, it is now a China-owned company Since then, Volvo has continued to innovate, and it has introduced a number of new models, including the XC40 and the XC60. These cars are designed to be practical and reliable, and they feature the latest safety and technology features.


Today, Volvo is known for its commitment to safety, reliability, and innovation. The company continues to produce high-quality cars that are popular with families and businesses around the world. With a rich history and a commitment to excellence, Volvo is bound to continue to be a leader in the global automotive industry for years to come.





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