Volvo IT

Volvo inaugurated its own channel on YouTube

Volvo has just premiered Volvo Car News, a news channel on the Swedish brand based on the popular website YouTube. In, the fans of the brand may continue today, and watch videos on the topic of Volvo, the passive safety. You can also see concepts presented in the engine rooms of the world, summaries of sporting events where Volvo is involved, testing of new models, and many more. You can access the channel by clicking here.

Tags: Volvo, Volvo YouTube channel

Volvo will introduce the concept of the next S60 in January

The replacement of the current S60 are rumors that reach the market in 2010. Volvo has now issued an official press release in which he announced that lead to the next Hall of Detroit, a prototype of the new generation of the S60, which would give meaning to a release date a year later. For now, Volvo has released the first images of the concept, in which you can see a center console really incredible.

Helped by Orrefors Glassworks, a Swedish company of glassware, designers Volvo destapan glass with a console that extends from the dashboard to the rear seats. In any case, this console, as claimed by Steve Mattin, chief designer of the brand, does not reach the production model, although whether that will make various ornaments in glass around the passenger compartment of future models of the mark.

Of the remaining aspects of the concept S60 makes no mention, and the images are not great things. The design of consoles floating Volvo seems to take a new force in the quest for full integration of the carrier between the front and rear. And although the piece does not come in the form of glass, maybe some plastic can take its place. On the dashboard you can see a new format for the dome of watches, with a large central area, we assume that for the speedometer, guarded on both sides so it could be digital displays. The browser is at the same height as the panel, shifted to the right.

The gear shift seems inspired aeronautics, and according to the manufacturer remains integrated into the console while driving is done in automatic mode, to emerge from it if the driver wants to switch to manual mode. We will have to wait until January to see what the exterior design.

Speculation graphics: the V-series Volvo could incorporate a new type of roof

The classic line of rancheras Volvo could be about to change substantially. Despite the fact that many buyers of the series V of the Swedish brand does it for his very characteristic style, with the tailgate completely vertical and straight lines of the roof, it seems that he wants to reverse the general design of the next generations .

To that end, and according to the magazine Coach, designers are working on a roof in two heights, which somehow reminded some Americans of the 70 vehicles, such as the Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser.

The overall style of the new V50 and V70 was inspired by the XC60, provided that the latter will respond well in the market at the level of sales. And that is despite the fact that Volvo has evolved a great deal of your overall design of both exterior and interior from S80, variants relatives had not undergone major changes in its rear. Since the Swedish home seem to have noticed that customers are beginning to lose interest in their designs, and want to give a boost to the brand through a redefinition of their products.

In any case, the new generation of the S60, V70 and his brother, you will not see the light before 2010, it still needs some time to know what Volvo is capable of doing. If you want to watch recreations of Coach, click on the image top right.

Tags: V50, V70, Volvo, Volvo V50, Volvo V70

Volvo will eliminate 4,000 jobs worldwide

Volvo's sales have fallen alarmingly in recent days. The economic situation does not help, and so far this year, the Swedish brand has received strong varapalo in one of its largest markets, USA, with a drop of 51.8% of sales compared to last year, only surpassed by HUMMER in the ranking of the companies most affected.

Faced with this situation, the leadership has announced a cut in staffing that will affect 4,000 workers, 2230 of whom belong to the central offices of the mark, and the remainder distributed by the various headquarters that the company has in other countries. This is in addition to the announcement of a few weeks ago to cut another 2,000 jobs, bringing the total to 6,000 layoffs the maneuver.

Ford owns Volvo, continues denying his intention to sell its share of the largest brand of cars from Sweden, but did not fail to hear rumors of negotiations with Chinese manufacturers such as Chery, or as the French Renault. If you really expect to sell at a good price, the continuing news of layoffs and decreases in sales we do not believe that you are very positive face to negotiate. We hope to find a solution fast.

Tags: Volvo

Volvo will launch diesel-hybrid models "in 2012 or earlier"

Diesel and electricity. A heavenly combination that unfortunately is taking longer to materialize "thank you" to the inherent difficulties which have diesel engines to adapt to the continuing outbursts and muted needed in the mechanical hybrid. Volvo, however, seemed to have a solution with no imaginary (read: like 99% of the concepts), and in fact is working at the moment to offer 100% hybrid diesel models, with an engine explosion and conventional electric capable of acting as a propellant when necessary. As if this were not enough, the traction system would be the four wheels, the engine heat would be responsible for the front axle and the rear electric move.

The first model to use this interesting mechanics will be on sale "in 2012 or before," and soon after came the desired plug-in version, with rechargeable batteries from an outlet.

Before that none of this will materialize, however, Volvo will begin to gradually integrate their systems start-stop. The hybrid diesel engines will arrive first at the larger models in the range. In addition, as other manufacturers, Volvo is also exploring the possibility of leaving the blocks for V8 turbo V6 engines, since according Kerssemakers, vice president of brand, products and strategy, there seems to be a "bright future" for the thrusters eight cylinders within the catalog of the firm.

Tags: hybrid, diesel hybrid, HibridoDiesel, hybrids, Volvo

Pre-Hall of Paris: Volvo announces its eco-range DRIVE

Volvo took time insinuating its range "green" (whatever that may be a green diesel), and has made it official today with the announcement of its first three models DRIVE. Under this heading, C30, S40 and V50 1.6D (109 hp) benefit from several enhancements that help shed some consumption of 4.4 L (C30) and 4.5 L to 100 km (S40/V50) with CO2 emissions limited to 115 and 118 grams per km and the best in the segment, according to Volvo.

Like the C30 Efficiency prototype, used as base as it develops new variants put into use all the tricks in the book of "ecocoches" incorporating low fairings, including radiators with deflector, a chassis lowered by 10 mm, aerodynamic rims in sizes from 15 to 16 inches (possibly the most intriguing we've seen so far), flaps, spoilers and in the case of C30, a new Rearbumper. Naturally the gearbox has also been adjusted (stretching the 3, 4 and 6) and no shortage of Micheline low resistance.

On the inside everything remains as it was, with the exception of a small indicator that reflects the right time to gear. This is a change that gradually begin to integrate more models, and though it may seem silly, ends up being really addictive.

Depending on the model and the market, the price of the package DRIVE will be between 150 and 450 euros, a real bargain considering the price of diesel fuel at service stations. Apparently, Volvo wants to sell 20,000 units a year in Europe, expecting that most will find a new home in France, Sweden, and how not, Spain.
Tags: C30 DRIVE, C30Drive, Driver, S40 DRIVE, S40Drive, V50 DRIVE, V50Drive, Volvo, Volvo C30, Volvo DRIVE, Volvo S40, Volvo V50, VolvoC30, VolvoDrive, VolvoS40, VolvoV50

U.S.: Volvo refuses cuts in dealer network

A couple of days contabamos that Volvo intended eliminate 30% of their base distributors in the United States during 2009, thus to reduce costs. The Swedish manufacturer has come to deny this information, pointing out that this does not happen. The fact is that Volvo will not close 350 of its dealers, but still try to persuade them to close their own volition.

With sales 14% lower than last year and constant rumors indicating their separation from Ford, would not be surprising if need more pressure on dealers to close their doors. Not that the poor figures are the responsibility of the latter, but the range of Volvo is not what we would call fresh and efficient, two features today demands by consumers.

Tags: dealers, distributors, United States, United States, volvo

Volvo reduced by 30% its dealers in the United States by the end of 2009

A Volvo has not been going very well lately, and has reported losses for 1730 million dollars during the past five years due to his problems finding a niche market. Sales of almost every brand products fell sharply in the United States throughout 2007, the S60 with a record low of 28.1%, the XC90 to fall by 5.6% and 7.7% losing V70 . In June this year, Volvo sold only 7001 units, 14.2% less than last year. Given the situation the mark should take action, and according to Automotive News reported, will be dealers who pay up the pieces, as the manufacturer wants to reduce by 30% of its distribution network in the United States by the end of 2009.

The measure will not affect distributors in Europe or Russia, where Volvo is one of the leading brands in the premium segment. Volvo acknowledges that part of the problem is due to the consumption of fuel in its range, so it is focusing on producing smaller cars and trying to boost sales of the C30 heavily on the U.S. market. A hybrid version of the XC60 is already being developed, but not to hit the market within three years. For the German market, Volvo plans to deploy the technology Start / Stop in their small engines.

Tags: dealers, distributors, united states, United States, sales, volvo

More Chinese brides for Volvo: Now it's up to Chery

SAIC may not be interested in the Swedes, but that does not mean that Volvo does not go into the hands Chinese. According to the newspaper account now financial Caijing, Chery Automobile, one of the most powerful Chinese manufacturers in the country, has its eyes set on the brand and its intentions are very clear.

Although the official position is that Chery is not for the work done with Volvo, other sources state that already has negotiated to obtain the capital needed to complete a possible acquisition: In total, more than 30.000 billion yuan, or what is what same, 3,800 million euros, or 4400 million dollars.

This is not the first time that the rumored sale of Volvo, but just two months ago Ford vehemently denied its plans to dispose of the Swedish manufacturer. Of course, that also said the same of the rest of the PAG ...

Tags: Chery, Ford, Sale, Volvo

More small models for Volvo

It is no secret that the average consumer is becoming less interested in the larger models and expensive to maintain, so we are seeing renewed interest undergoing cars cutting eminently more urban, Volvo plans to introduce new vehicles contained dimensions. It is not yet clear whether the manufacturer plans to offer outside of emerging markets like China and Russia (it would be logical to think that yes), but the mere existence of something called below the C30 to speculate. Are we talking about something the size Ford Fiesta? Taking the platform by hand so it would not be surprising.

While plans are taking shape Volvo, we can only wish for a production version of the C30 Efficiency, 4.5 L/100 km and 105 bhp are figures that sound very suggestive in these times.

Tags: Models, Urban, Volvo

SAIC belies its interest in Volvo

The sale of Volvo or not is one of those issues that lead kicking since he began to crumble the Ford Premier Automotive Group a year ago, starting with Aston Martin. This week, he ran the rumor that the Chinese manufacturer SAIC and an unknown Russian investors were interested in signing Swedish gain, but now a source of the very SAIC has denied this. In fact, there is not apparently has been no kind of conversation with regard to Ford, partially away the dark clouds that are hanging on the mark.

Meanwhile, Volvo is still licking his wounds after announcing the dismissal of 2,000 employees. We'll see if this anonymous Russian investor is just as false or if there is some truth behind the rumor.

Tags: Buying, Ford, SAIC, for sale, Volvo

Volvo fired 2,000 employees while they were rumored sale to a Chinese manufacturer

It says the financial daily Dagens Industri, as reflected today in its news Automotive News. Sources close to Ford say that Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp. could be one of the companies involved, but also deck of a Russian investor that we have no further details.

Alan Mulally, Ford's executive director, commissioned a strategic analysis of the situation of Volvo last year, and apparently among the conclusions of the study include the manufacturer's sale to a third company. If confirmed the agreement with SAIC, the Chinese would add an authentic brand of luxury to a remarkable collection that already includes Roewe and MG.

To not change, Ford is the Swedish. In response to questions from Automotive News, that is all I have to say: "We have been reiterating since late last year that Volvo is not for sale. We are focused on improving performance Volvo." Once again, we feel a certain deja vu.

Whatever happens with Volvo, the rumor comes on the same day that Ford has announced the dismissal of 2,000 workers in the Swedish manufacturer to offset rising prices for raw materials. Volvo expects to save with this decision 4,000 million Swedish kronor (662 million dollars). Most of the layoffs will be felt in Sweden itself, where 1,200 workers have been warned of his fate today. In total, 1,400 clerks and 600 operators will soon be in the employment office.

Tags: Layoffs, Ford, SAIC, for sale, Volvo

Volvo reduces its rate of production, sale on track

Volvo, has a long history of success for Ford, is in the middle of the storm. And according to the sources of the Wall Street Journal, the blue oval has everything ready to give the same treatment that once were the old English brand of the group: put some sleeves and leave them to their fate while looking for a buyer.

Reviewing the results of old Ford, Volvo delivered to the American manufacturer a profit of $ 94 million during the first quarter of 2007, but lost 151 in the same period this year. In total, and over the past two years, the Swedish firm has bled 1,700 million dollars, in part by unfavorable currency exchange, in part because sales are falling layer. To combat this fall, Volvo plans to reduce by one third the staff of one of its plants, while in another pass on the tipex production figures. As you can imagine, the affected factories produce most of the vehicles in the catalog of Volvo.

A couple of weeks ago that Ford was still repeating that Volvo was fine where it was, but now it appears that Mulally has admitted to several executives from Ford that is ready to hang the poster of "For Sale" in the window of the Swedish manufacturer. Jerry York, Kirk Kerkorian of his right hand on the board, maintains that Volvo will be sold in a matter of 18 months, a period that under the circumstances we seem to be excessive.

Tags: ford, production, sale, volvo

Volvo compensated to a man of big feet

And in one such swell news that comes to our archive of rarities, a court in Wiesloch, Germany ruled that Volvo has to pay 1725 euros to a buyer named Michael Herzog. The reason? Her feet were too big to reach the accelerator pedal of his C70, so Volvo blamed for a design problem.

The court agreed that the size 47 shoe was not something unusual, and that the mark had to return the 5% of the cost of the vehicle so that Herzog would purchase a pair of special shoes that allow him to drive her new car, in addition to compensate for time lost in the change of footwear to be done every time you use the vehicle.

Tags: cut, demand trial, feet, rarities, volvo, shoes

Video: Volvo wants zero deaths and injuries in their vehicles for 2020

When I think of automobile insurance, inevitably comes to mind Volvo, and not only because its marketing machine to be effective, but also because every time we reported some new developments in security of the Swedish brand.

A video of the news agency Reuters, we made it clear that the obsession of the company goes beyond what we imagined, because its goal is to have zero wounded or killed in their vehicles by 2020. The idea of Volvo, is basically to create a giant paragolpes around passengers to protect them (in figuratively of course). But that does not conform with that, Volvo wants to completely eliminate accidents.

While we'd like to live in a world without traffic accidents, it is difficult for Volvo can eliminate the human factor that has always been the primary cause of accidents. On the other hand, not all cars on the streets and highways are Volvo (and thus lack the same safety equipment), so for now we will comply with knowing that the company continues to work on the topic of head and hope that others will follow his footsteps.

Tags: 2020, wounded, killed, security, technology, video, volvo

Volvo calls for revision to 65,000 vehicles

No manufacturer is free to revised campaigns when off and on this occasion is that Volvo has to call 65,000 clients to bring their vehicles to a workshop officer to be modified side airbags.

Of the total number of vehicles, about 22,000 units were traded in Sweden and the rest in major international markets. The models affected are the V70 and XC70. In workshop will review the software that controls the speed with which side airbags are activated.

During tests conducted by Euro NCAP crash last year and was warned that side air bags were not quick enough and therefore the Swedish firm has decided to modify the electronic model. As usual, the changes will not have any cost to the customer.

Tags: revision, v70, Volvo XC70

Volvo reviewed 82,000 cars per corrosion problems

Volvo has announced a call for revision with effect on 82,000 vehicles, due to a problem of corrosion that could set their engines. The campaign affecting the V50 and S40 models of five cylinders manufactured between 2004 and 2006. Most of them were sold in the United States, Sweden and Germany, countries where it is frequent use of salt on roads to prevent icing. The crux of the matter seems to be that because of corrosion, the electronic module in the fuel pump could be exposed to rain, snow and salt on the road itself, with predictable results. Consequently, the Swedish manufacturer will repair the cars of the coldest, and lengthen the warranty on those warm and dry.

Volvo convicted of a fatal accident

Two children of ten years tragically lost their lives when Catherine Kohtz, a French driver, lost control of his Volvo 850. The accident happened in 1999, according Kohtz, was the fault of some sort of defect that prevented him from halting the vehicle on time, leading to an inquiry. The guilty verdict against Volvo carries an award of 200,000 euros, although the company says that the brake system functioned smoothly and possibly appeal the verdict. Kohtz, for its part, has received a fine of 300 euros and a sentence of six months in jail who do not have to comply.

The accident was attributed at first to a reckless maneuver, but the subsequent investigation found that the brakes of the car suffered a problem known to Volvo in advance. Instead of calling a revision to 180,000 units of the model 850, Volvo told its dealers that silently repair a rubber tube that could loosen or break, causing the loss of brakes. Apparently, the documentation issued by Volvo on the matter was too vague, leading to an incorrect vehicle repair Kohtz.

To be a company so concerned with the safety of their customers, it is surprising that Volvo might want to plug a flaw of such importance. The Swedish manufacturer argues that the documents seized were related to a fault which is not in danger for drivers, and argues that any loose object, possibly a bottle of water, blocked the brake pedal when the driver went to pisarlo.