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| Volvo seats get top scores in 2008 Thatcham Whiplash Tests |
Volvo continues to be on top in whiplash safety after achieving high scores across its model range in the latest whiplash ratings by the UK's Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre, Thatcham¹.
In fact, Volvo was one of only three manufacturers to achieve an 'All Good' rating, with top 'Good' scores for every model tested² thanks to its supportive seats which have a fixed head restraint position to ensure they are always in the correct position to offer the best support and WHIPS (Whiplash Protection System).
Matthew Avery, Crash Laboratory Manager at Thatcham said: "Volvo has shown a continuing commitment to safety, and their seats once again performed very well in our tests. This is supported by real world injury data which confirms that these seats do produce a significant reduction in whiplash injuries - Volvo continues to be the trend setter in this area."
All models in the Volvo range feature WHIPS as standard. WHIPS reduces acceleration forces on the neck during a rear-end accident by about a half. In the event of an accident, the entire backrest moves rearwards to reduce the strain on the occupant's back and neck. Then, when their back has been safely restrained by the backrest, it inclines backwards in order to reduce the force that would otherwise throw their head forwards.
Volvo's traffic accident research team compared real-life whiplash injuries from Volvos with and without WHIPS, and the results point to a clear conclusion: WHIPS reduced short-term and long-term (of more than a year) injuries by 33 per cent and 54 per cent respectively, while whiplash injuries in women were reduced by as much as 50 per cent and 75 per cent, respectively. |
| Introducing Volvo Powershift |
The new Volvo automatic Powershift transmission will be available to order from late February on the 136PS two-litre turbodiesel versions of the Volvo C30, S40 and V50 with a recommended retail price of £1,250. This new Powershift six-speed unit features twin wet clutches to provide the gear changing comfort of a fully-automatic transmission with the performance of a manual gearbox.
Operating as two parallel manual gearboxes, Powershift has twin wet clutches that work independently of one another. One clutch controls the odd gears (1, 3, 5 and reverse) while the other handles the even ratios (2, 4 and 6). The two clutches operate alternately with one engaging while the other disengages, like a slip clutch. This means that at the same time as the engine gets full power and maximum thrust in first gear, second gear is placed ready to be engaged. And when second gear has been engaged, third gear is readied, and so on. This gives a continuous flow of power without any disruption in power delivery or any torque loss. This results in extremely fast and smooth gear changes whilst maintaining acceleration allowing 0-60mph to be reached in nine seconds in the Volvo C30, 9.1 seconds in the S40 and 9.2 seconds in the V50 and boasts a top speed of 127mph in all three models.
Apart from gear changing comfort and high performance, Powershift also contributes to delivering improved fuel efficiency. The Powershift Automatic offers an impressive combined fuel consumption of 47.1mpg and a CO2 figure of 159g/km in both the Volvo S40 and V50; while it brings the Volvo C30 47.9mpg on a combined cycle and a CO2 figure of 156g/km.
"Lower fuel consumption allied to increased comfort and higher performance sounds like an impossible equation. But with Powershift we have shown this is perfectly possible," says Magnus Jonsson, Senior Vice President, Research & Development, Volvo Cars.
Automatic or sequential gearchanging without any loss in torque
Powershift gives the driver an automatic transmission that permits sequential gearchanges, just like with Volvo's Geartronic transmission. The difference is that with Powershift even manual gearchanges take place without any time or power losses. Also, unlike a conventional automatic transmission, Powershift does not need a torque converter, planetary gears or multiple wet clutches, there is also none of the added torque losses that these features bring.
Optimal choice for powerful diesel engines
Thanks to the use of twin wet clutches, the Powershift transmission can handle high torque levels and in principle has no limitations on choice of ratio. This makes it an ideal partner for today's powerful diesel engines. The version of Powershift that Volvo is now launching is dimensioned to handle torque levels up to 450 Nm. In the versions of the Volvo C30, S40 and V50 in which it is fitted, Powershift is mated to the 2-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel which delivers a power output of 136 PS and 320 Nm of torque. |
| Volvo launch alcoclock to tackle drink driving |
One in three traffic fatalities in Europe is alcohol related and around 3,000 people in the UK are killed or seriously injured each year in drink drive collisions1. To help reduce the number of alcohol-related road incidents, Volvo is the first manufacturer to launch a fully integrated in-car alcolock system called Alcoguard, which will be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motorshow on 11 September.
Alcoguard is a user-friendly and reliable safety device. The driver blows into a wireless hand-held unit, the breath is then analysed and if the blood-alcohol limit is exceeded, the engine simply will not start.
It will be available as an accessory in the UK on the Volvo S80, V70 and XC70 during early 2008 and will extend to other models in the Volvo range later next year. Volvo estimates global sales of 2,000 units a year - a figure expected to increase over time.
Alcoguard employs the same fuel-cell technology used by the majority of police forces in Europe. Before the car can be started, the driver has to blow into the wireless hand-held unit which is stored and charged behind the centre console. The driver's breath is then analysed and the results are transmitted via radio signal to the car's electronic control system. The car's information unit displays messages to help the driver use the device, for instance, to indicate if the test was approved or if the driver needs to exhale longer into the hand-held unit. Thanks to advanced sensors, it is not possible to use external air sources such as a pump to cheat the system.
If the blood-alcohol limit2 of 20mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood is exceeded, a red LED will appear and the engine will not start. Further results of the breathalyser test are also shown via two other LEDs. Green means 0 - 10mg alcohol per 100ml of blood and the car engine will start, while yellow signals 10mg - 20mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood and the car will start but the driver is advised not to drive.
The breathalyser results are stored for 30 minutes after the engine has been turned off, so if the driver stops for a short while they do not need to repeat the procedure.
"Fuel-cell technology is more expensive but it also produces far better results. Unlike semi-conductors, for instance, fuel-cells only react to ethanol and nothing else. In the fuel-cell, the ethanol molecules pass through a sensitive membrane and an electrical current is generated. This current is then measured. Higher current means more alcohol in the driver's breath," says David Nilsson, Volvo Cars technical project manager.
The hand-held unit is wireless, which makes it possible for the driver to remove it from the car. Although it will always give an accurate measurement of blood-alcohol level no matter where it is used, it has to be within 10 metres of the car to communicate with the car's system.
Service and battery replacement in the hand-held unit are carried out together with the car's regular servicing. If the next owner of the car does not wish to use the system, it is easy for a Volvo dealer to remove it.
"We have aimed to make as convenient and user-friendly a solution as possible. The technology should require as little extra work as possible from the driver. The easier the system is to use, the greater the number of people who will use it," says David Nilsson.
Alcoguard should be seen as a supporting system. It is always up to the driver to make decisions based on up-to-date information from Alcoguard. For emergency situations or if the hand-held unit is lost, there is a bypass function that can be activated. There are two alternatives for activating this function. The first allows the driver to bypass the system an unlimited number of times and the second only allows one bypass. Changes to these settings must be carried out by a Volvo dealer. |
| More diesel choice for Volvo C70 |
Volvo is extending the engine options in its stylish C70 coupe convertible range with the addition of the popular 136PS 2-litre turbodiesel. The 2.0D powerplant has already established itself as a firm favourite amongst Volvo customers1 and will now offer C70 drivers a combination of enhanced driving pleasure and impressive fuel economy. The Volvo C70 2.0D will arrive in UK showrooms later this autumn and is available to order now.
The 2-litre turbodiesel is the first 4-cylinder engine in the convertible and features second-generation common rail technology to provide cleaner emissions, improved fuel economy and a quieter drive.
With prices starting from £26,000 for the Volvo C70 2.0D S, this new model gives drivers a powerful 136PS and 320Nm of torque enabling a top speed of 127mph and 0 to 62mph in 11 seconds. Power does not come at the expense of the economy; the Volvo C70 2.0D offers a strong 46.3mpg combined fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of 161g/km.
The 2-litre diesel will fit alongside the current five-cylinder engines: D5 and the two petrol variants - 2.4i and the range topping T5. The Volvo C70 is available in four trim levels - S, Sport, SE and SE Lux with prices starting from £25,750 for the 2.4i S, which offers customers high levels of standard specification including 16" Castula alloy wheels, ECC, cruise control and High Performance sound audio system.
British summer weather is notoriously unpredictable, but Volvo's C70 convertible ensures occupants don't miss a minute of the sunshine. With a three-piece metal roof that retracts in 30 seconds enabling passengers to make the most of the sunny spells, Volvo's four-seat C70 is the perfect car to whirl away the summer days. |
| Redefining the premium estate sector |
When the all new Volvo V70 arrives in UK showrooms this September it will reinforce Volvo's dominance of the luxury estate market with a car that offers a combination of head-turning Scandinavian design, luxury, athleticism and uncompromised load-carrying versatility.
This all new Volvo V70 offers more of everything compared to it predecessor - it's more luxurious inside, it's more dynamic to drive, offers more intelligently configured and flexible space for both passengers and luggage, and, naturally, it's safer than ever.
Design and Dynamics
The Volvo V70 is the jewel in Volvo's crown, and the engineers and designers wanted to ensure that in the new V70 driver, passengers and luggage are all treated to the same first class driving experience.
With its sleeker and more athletic lines, rakish windscreen, blacked-out side pillars, C30-inspired taillights and dynamic tailgate angle, the V70's head-turning style hints at its newfound on-road dynamism.
Sitting on all-new chassis architecture, the Volvo V70 delivers an athletic and engaging driving experience that combines exceptional ride comfort, secure and stable road holding and enhanced driver control.
Optimised use of high-strength steels throughout the new chassis has boosted torsional rigidity by
15 percent compared to the previous model. Allied to Volvo's advanced active Four-C chassis technology with electronically controlled damper adjustment, the V70 is now both safer and more entertaining to drive.
Volvo's DSTC dynamic stability and traction control is a standard feature on the V70. This stability-enhancing system uses feedback from numerous dynamic sensors to reduce engine torque and apply carefully calculated braking power to reduce the risk of a skid.
The top-spec T6 model is fitted with Volvo's responsive Instant Traction AWD (all-wheel drive), that uses an electronically controlled hydraulic clutch to instantly distribute torque to the wheels with the most grip, enhancing the Volvo's all-season versatility and safety.
As well as speed-sensitive powered steering with three settings, the V70 also features an intelligent PPB power parking brake that automatically disengages when the accelerator is pressed and the car moves off, making easy work of hill starts.
Versatility
The Volvo V70 may set a new benchmark for style and luxury, but it's still a Volvo estate, and that means unparalleled versatility and load-lugging ability.
No surprise then that the V70 introduces a world first - an integrated rear child booster seat with two heights. The seat's adjustable dual-stage booster cushion means the seatbelt geometry is optimum irrespective of the child's height. The integrated booster cushion is also accompanied by safety belts with specially adjusted force limiters for its smaller and lighter occupants.
The V70's revised tailgate design now makes the boot aperture even larger than before and the boot has grown by an effective 55 litres over the outgoing car.
The 40-20-40 three-part split rear seat offers unrivalled versatility in the sector (16 different combinations). The centre backrest can be lowered to house longer items or raised to provide an additional seat, or the larger backrests can be folded separately to create a flat-floored load. Factor in the foldable backrest in the front passenger seat, and the load-carrying possibilities are even greater.
The loadbay floor itself is fitted with aluminium rails and movable load-securing anchorage points which fold away when not in use. The boot's side panels also have built-in load anchorage eyelets to hold luggage securely in place and create a unique 3D load securing system.
A clever sliding load floor is also available as an option. Fastened into the floor rails, it slides easily over the bumper to permit convenient loading, facilitated by an optional powered tailgate.
A lockable storage area under the load floor is standard and, for total load and passenger security, there is also the option of fitting all-round laminated glass windows.
Performance
For the first time ever, the new Volvo V70 will be available with an all new T6 six-cylinder petrol engine - a compact and lightweight all-aluminium 3.0-litre in-line unit breathed on by an advanced turbocharger featuring twin-scroll technology.
The twin-scroll system takes in exhaust gases in two stages, with the inflow split into two, each flow feeding three cylinders for immediate throttle response. Producing 285 PS and a hefty 400 Nm of torque, the flagship V70 delivers 0 to 62 mph acceleration in 7.2 seconds and a 155 mph top speed.
This flagship powertrain is joined by a naturally aspirated 3.2-litre derivative of the same engine. Developing 238 PS and 320 Nm, the straight six engine features Cam Profile Switching as well as Variable Intake System on the inlet manifold that employs two throttle valves to adjust the volume of the inlet manifold to deliver optimised performance throughout the rev-range.
Like all engines in the V70 range, the six-cylinder units are transversely mounted, further reducing the risk of penetration into the passenger compartment in the event of a frontal collision.
The petrol engine line-up is completed by Volvo's 2.5 litre in-line five cylinder engine with integrated turbocharger, which posts outputs of 200 PS and 300 Nm of torque. A bio-fuel E85-compliant version of this engine with 145 PS will join the range towards the end of the year.
The V70 will also be powered by two versions of Volvo's 2.4-litre five-cylinder turbo diesel engines. Expected to be key sellers in the UK market, these second-generation Euro IV-compliant powerplants generate 185 PS and 400 Nm (D5) and 163 PS and 340 Nm of torque (2.4D).
Both feature double overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder and, in their revised form benefit from a new electronically controlled turbocharger, a more advanced multi-point injection system, an enhanced engine management system and a service-free particle filter.
All engines in the V70 range are hooked up to Volvo's acclaimed six-speed Geartronic transmission, which gives the driver the choice of automatic or manual shifting. The flagship T6 model comes with a Sport mode for quicker and more dynamic gearshifts, whilst the 2.4D, D5 and 2.5T are also available with a 6 speed manual gearbox.
Interior
The Volvo V70's interior is the perfect example of Scandinavian style that combines clean design, intelligent functionality, exceptional comfort and unmatched luxury.
One of the key goals of the V70's development team was to boost cabin space effectively and intelligently. In the all new Volvo V70 rear legroom has increased by 48 mm, rear knee clearance has grown by 21 mm, front shoulder room by 30 mm, while the distance from front to rear passengers has been extended by 21 mm.
The V70's sense of space is enhanced by its sleek and slim centre console, intelligently configured dashboard and ergonomically correct layout of its controls.
Renowned for their long-distance orthopaedic comfort and support, Volvo has improved its seats even further; along with driver seat power assist as standard, both front seats can also be specified with ventilated leather offering the comfort of both a heating and cooling function.
The new Volvo V70 comes with the option of a superb DSP digital signal processing audio system, featuring loudspeakers from Danish audio experts Dynaudio, Dolby Pro Logic II Surround with adjustable sound pattern, integrated RSE system for rear passengers, the latest generation of RTI road traffic information system, MP3 player compatibility and optional subwoofers to produce a total output of 910W.
The V70 also features an innovative Clear Zone Interior Package to further enhance on-board comfort. Based on ECC electronic climate control and the IAQS interior air quality system, this vents the passenger compartment for a full minute when the car is unlocked and the external temperature is above 10 degrees Celsius.
Along with interior trim materials and fittings selected to emit minimum levels of harmful substances, this creates a passenger environment that has been recommended by the Swedish Asthma and Allergy Association.
Safety
As you'd expect, the all new Volvo V70 was developed and engineered to be the safest car in its segment and, sharing the same sophisticated network of interactive safety features, arrives with a raft of ground-breaking active and passive safety features.
Top of the list is the innovative dual-stage integrated rear child booster seat. With two heights, this optional adjustable booster cushion is ideal for children between 95 and 140 cm in height and weighing between 15 and 36 kg.
The lower setting is intended for children between 115 and 140 cm in height and weighing between 22 and 36 kg, while the upper setting is designed for children measuring 95-120 cm and weighing between 15 and 25 kg. This optional safety feature can be fitted in both outer rear seats and its seatbelt positioning and recalibrated force limiters ensure maximum protection.
Child safety is further improved by the new V70's extended IC inflatable curtain. Now 60 mm longer, this airbag provides superior protection for children of a wide range of heights and sizes.
The V70's patented SIPS side impact protection system not only benefits from the use of higher-strength steels in the side panels, but also from the development of Volvo's new side-impact airbags. The dual compartment airbags feature two separate chambers - one for the hips and the other for the chest.
The side-impact airbags interact with the inflatable curtains and the body's network of safety beams to provide the most effective protection. The front passenger airbag can be disabled using a key, and the front seat can be specified with attachments for a rear-facing baby seat.
Enhanced crumple zones that use differing strength steels to absorb energy during an impact, IDIS intelligent driver information system, a more advanced WHIPS whiplash protection system (the same as that launched in the new S80), an energy absorbing nose and bonnet, the choice of laminated glass all-round, a collapsible steering column, five three-point seatbelts and dual-stage front airbags complete the safety package.
The Volvo V70 can also be fitted with a raft of advanced electronic driving systems to further boost safety. Highlights include active bi-xenon headlamps, adaptive cruise control with collision warning and brake support, and emergency brake lights. A radar that constantly monitors the front of the car will activate a head-up display warning light and buzzer if the car approaches another vehicle from the rear with no driver reaction. Once alerted, if the driver still does not react, then the brakes are pre-charged to minimise the likely consequent impact.
Other key safety features include Volvo's award-winning BLIS blind spot information system, HBA hydraulic brake assist, OHB optimised hydraulic brakes and, like the Volvo S80, the V70 offers the option of Volvo's PCC personal car communicator. This advanced pocket-sized control centre has a range of around 100 metres and is not only used to lock and unlock the car but can also tell the owner if the alarm has been triggered or, using a heartbeat monitor, if someone is in the car.
Sales and introduction timings
Since the introduction of the PV445 in 1953, Volvo has dominated the premium estate market. In 2006, the out-going V70 estate topped the UK sales charts with a total of 4,764 sales, seeing off its key German rivals. The current Volvo V70, including the recently announced Special Edition Sport model, remains on sale until the autumn.
During its first full year of sales, Volvo expects to sell around 75,000 cars worldwide, with the UK accounting for 7,000 units - further establishing its position at the top of the premium estate sector. Prices will be announced in early June, with a September showroom due date and first customer deliveries in October this year. |
| Volvo pumps up the volume with new compact suv |
Volvo unveiled its compact XC60 SUV, and bosses of Ford's Swedish luxury brand said the car signalled the start of a more pumped-up look for the company's cars.
Volvo Cars design director Steve Mattin said the car contained the DNA of future Volvos. He added: We're about to elevate Volvo's DNA to new levels by pumping up the volume. This involves a bolder interpretation of the Volvo grille, with a large logo across the diagonal band, plus a more distinctive rear end with VOLVO spelled out in large letters and an innovative split tailgate that refines the one fitted to the C30 hatchback.
If you can recognise a Volvo from 50 metres today, I want to get to the point where people will be able to spot one from twice the distance in the future, Mattin added.
Indeed, Volvo Car president Fredrik Arp added that the XC60 would likely be the C30 owner's next car. Production versions will externally be very similar to the concept, though it remains to be seen whether the radical interior - most of the dashboard is a white wall of ice screen which conceals warning lights and driver information until the ignition is switched on. Mattin said it was designed to be like a giant iPod.
Arp stressed that traditional Volvo safety aspects would not be overlooked on the car - a low-speed adaptive braking system called City Safety is fitted, which prevents the XC60 from running into the car in front at low speeds. Volvo's 3.-litre 6-cylinder flex-fuel engine, which allows ethanol to be used instead of petrol, will also be fitted, cutting emissions by up to 80%, Arp added.
The XC60 enters one of the fastest-growing sectors of the market, the compact premium SUV sector. In the next two years, this segment's global sales volume is expected to grow by 75% to 443,000 cars, Arp said. |
| Three extreme Volvo C30 sportscoupes and a V8 |
Volvo revealed three highly customised Volvo C30 SportsCoupes and the Caresto V8 Speedster at the SEMA (Specialty Equipment Market Association) tradeshow in Las Vegas, USA.
Volvo Cars North America, in conjunction with three aftermarket tuning companies, commissioned three highly modified, high performance versions of the new Volvo C30 SportsCoupe. Built purely as design concepts and prototypes, each tuning company took a decidedly individual approach to creating its ultimate Volvo C30. Volvo supplied them with a C30 T5 with a six speed manual transmission and gave them only one rule to follow: all Volvo safety features must remain functional. Other than that, they were free to let their imaginations run wild. Highlights of the cars, include:
IPD C30
High tech and high style come through in the International Product Development (IPD) C30 draped in the colours of the Swedish flag. Producing 384bhp, the IPD C30 offers plenty of electronic fun and a thoroughly customised interior, with a touch screen in the floating centre stack plus fully functioning gull-wing style doors.
Evolve C30
The Evolve C30 offers ultimate performance with over 500 bhp, sequential twin turbochargers, sophisticated race-inspired suspension, gigantic brakes and a screaming yellow high gloss paint scheme. Inside are highly bolstered seats and custom leather upholstery.
Heico Sportiv/Burton Snowboard C30
A joint collaboration between German tuner Heico Sportiv and Burton Snowboards, this C30 promises to be the ultimate leisure accessory with a bespoke leather interior complete with specially designed storage for a Burton snowboard, helmet and boots. Fully drivable with 300bhp and electronically controlled all-wheel drive, the Heico C30 features height adjustable suspension, custom cut Toyo tyres and an incredibly complex six layer camouflage paint job that will let the car blend in to the mountain environment, while still turning heads on the road.
Caresto V8 Speedster
Another car seen for the first time at the SEMA show was the mid-engined, Caresto V8 Speedster - a hot rod created by a specialist car maker in Sweden, Leif Tufvesson, powered by a Volvo 4.4-litre, V8 engine converted to run on ethanol. Constructed in aluminium and carbon fibre with a sports chassis, the car features exquisite attention to detail with a removable hard top, a temperature controlled hood that opens automatically for additional cooling, three integrated rear view cameras, and a high quality retro leather interior with Volvo instruments, gear lever and steering wheel. Leif, a former Volvo employee, plans to build six of these cars, at a retail price of approximately £200,000. |
| Volvo XC90 celebrates 3rd birthday with strong used values |
Three years after its launch, the award-winning Volvo XC90 is now showing its success and strength as a used car with reports of strong demand and high residual values.
According to the car buying guide, the Volvo XC90's versatile seven seat layout and car-like driving characteristics have ensured its popularity on the used car market. The more popular, five-cylinder D5 turbodiesel engine model is particularly in demand and usually commands a premium over the faster, six-cylinder T6 petrol engine variant.
As a result, the Volvo XC90 has held its value exceptionally well. For example, a 2003, 53-registration Volvo XC90 D5 SE, with the optional Geartronic transmission, a part exchange value of £21,215 after three years and 30,000 miles which represents 65.5 per cent of its original cost.
The Volvo XC90 appeals to drivers who want the security of a vehicle with a higher driving position, all-wheel drive and unrivalled safety that Volvo has, explained the consumer editor. It has proved it has the premium badge appeal to compete with other prestigious brands in the sector. Long waiting lists when the car was launched ensured a level of pent-up demand and we are seeing a high demand for the Volvo XC90 as the first three year old examples arrive on the used market, he added.
Volvo's Product Manager for used cars, Anne Woodward confirmed the XC90's popularity, commenting: The XC90's clever design compared to other SUVs has made it a great success. We've seen a big increase in people looking online for an XC90 on the Volvo Selected Used Car locator on the Volvo Cars website and are delighted more customers will enjoy the XC90 - and the benefits of owning a used Volvo bought through our Selected Used Car Programme. |
| Volvo C30 SportsCoupe to make debut at Paris |
First on show to the public from 30 September until 15 October
The new Volvo C30 SportsCoupe will make its world debut¹ at the Paris motor show² where Volvo will have a striking display of its all-new model which can be seen by the public from 30 September to 15 October 2006.
The Volvo C30 is a two door, four seater SportsCoupe with a glass tailgate. It bears a close resemblance to the sensational Volvo C30 Design Concept, first seen at the Detroit auto show in January, and also carries some design influence from the recent Volvo Safety Concept Car as well as the classic Volvo P1800ES and 480ES.
We are broadening our model programme to make it possible for new, younger customers with a busy lifestyle to choose a Volvo with the right appeal as early as possible, says Fredrik Arp, CEO, Volvo Car Corporation.
The new Volvo C30 will be the most compact model in the Volvo range and has generated a strong level of interest in the UK with over 24,000 enquiries so far. It will compete against rivals such as the Audi A3 and BMW 1-series and will be available with a wide choice of engines, ranging from a 100PS, four-cylinder 1.6-litre petrol engine or a clean and efficient four-cylinder, 1.6-litre diesel with 109PS, to five-cylinder D5 diesel and T5 petrol turbo engines, providing 180PS and 220PS respectively.
Full prices and specifications for the Volvo C30 will be released later this month with the first deliveries to UK dealers around the turn of the year. |
| Volvo has an answer to allergy free motoring |
For the millions of UK allergy sufferers coping with another summer of streaming eyes and sudden sneezes, Volvo has the ultimate answer with its new Clean Zone Interior Package (CZIP) which creates the healthiest passenger environment possible and the first car with interior air quality approved by the Swedish Asthma and Allergy Association.
The Clean Zone Interior Package, currently exclusively available with the all-new Volvo S80 executive saloon, provides an interior with materials that avoid collecting dust, such as (colour co-ordinated) natural rubber mats instead of dust-collecting textile ones and upholstery that fulfils the cleaning regulations stated by the Swedish Asthma and Allergy Association. It also includes a unique, remotely controlled cabin ventilation system which automatically refreshes the car's interior as soon as it is unlocked via the remote key fob.
The number of people suffering from allergies has increased alarmingly and the quality of air inside the car is vital when driving and to help prevent fatigue. Volvo already offers pollen filters and healthier interiors that meet the international Oeko-Tex 100 standard for emissions, but the Clean Zone Interior Package in the all-new Volvo S80 is Volvo's cleanest interior yet and guarantees a safer haven for allergy sufferers, said Hugh Reid, managing director, Volvo Car UK.
CZIP with IAQS and ECC
CZIP also features Volvo's Interior Air Quality System (IAQS) with a pollen filter. The IAQS ensures the air inside the cabin is as clean as possible by continuously monitoring the amount of incoming air pollutants, such as carbon dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and ground-level ozone and temporarily closes the exterior air inlets if it senses levels are rising too high. This works in conjunction with the standard Electronic Climate Control (ECC) to ensure a comfortable and safer environment inside the car, which is especially important for corporate drivers accustomed to spending many hours behind the wheel.
The international Oeko-Tex 100 emissions standard
Most drivers do not realise that car interiors can give off potentially harmful substances, especially in hot weather. However, all Volvo interiors are already cleaner and healthier as Volvo's Electronic Climate Control (ECC) with Air Quality System (AQS) and pollen filter is standard on every model, plus all Volvo interiors meet the requirements of the international Oeko-Tex 100 standard for emissions, which means that all materials are tested for certain allergy-inducing and harmful substances. This certification covers seat belts, carpets, metals, glues and fabrics. Even the leather upholstery, handbrake button, load eyelets and door handles in a Volvo have been tested for contact allergies. |
| Competitive RV and BIK tax figures for Volvo S80 |
Extremely competitive residual value and Benefit in Kind tax figures for the all-new Volvo S80 executive saloon will enable it to compete head on with its well-known German rivals. In addition, extended 18,000 mile service intervals¹ and a 30 per cent reduction in labour content make the all-new S80 one of the most driver and fleet manager-friendly Volvos.
Leading car industry residual value (RV) experts², EurotaxGlass's, Lex Vehicle Leasing and CAP Monitor, have predicted strong RVs ranging from 40 to 42 per cent for the proposed best seller in the all-new Volvo S80 range, the 185PS D5 SE turbodiesel with Geartronic transmission. Only the automatic BMW 5-series diesel models are marginally ahead of the Volvo S80 with RV figures³ of 43 and 45 per cent for the 525D SE and 520D SE, respectively.
Benefit in Kind (BIK) taxation figures for the all-new Volvo S80 show that a 40 per cent tax payer could save up to £697 a year compared to its key competitors4 once the cost of leather upholstery, an increasingly essential item for strong residual values, is added to the PIID price of its rivals³ to match the standard specification of Volvo's SE trim level. The 163PS and 185PS Volvo S80 2.4D and D5 SE would cost a 40 per cent tax payer £697 or £596 less in BIK taxation respectively than the 180PS Audi A6 2.7 TDi SE, and £599 or £498 less respectively than the equivalent, but less powerful, 177PS BMW 525D SE.
Similarly, the BIK tax for a 40 per cent tax payer who chooses the 200PS Volvo S80 2.5T SE is £505 less than the lower powered 177PS Audi A6 2.4 SE, or £301 less than the BMW 525i SE which only offers an additional 18PS of power.
More and more managers are opting for diesel luxury cars and the all-new S80 doesn't disappoint. Two diesel options are available, the 163bhp 2.4D and 185bhp D5 models, both offering a good combination of strong residuals and low fuel consumption - up to 44.8mpg (D5 163PS).
The all-new S80 is a big step forward for Volvo at the luxury end of the market, which is why we have been more bullish about its future residual values. Having driven the car and seen the overall levels of specification and whole life costs, the new S80 looks capable of competing with its German rivals for the first time, explained Steve Jones, Lex Vehicle Leasing pricing manager.
As usual, Volvo has taken the requirements of corporate drivers very seriously and the result is the most competitive luxury car we have ever produced in this sector, explained John Wallace, corporate sales and leasing manager, Volvo Car UK.
When you look at the specifications, RVs and BIK tax figures, the all-new Volvo S80 is extremely competitive and we are confident of tempting more corporate drivers into Volvos for the first time, he added. |
| The all new Volvo S80 |
Following the all new Volvo S80's world debut at the Geneva motor show on 28 February, Volvo has revealed further details of the second generation of its large executive saloon.
The all new S80 is a luxury car with an elegant and dynamic profile with a strong modern Scandinavian design influence to make it stand out in the competitive luxury saloon class.
It replaces the first generation S80 which successfully launched a new design direction for Volvo in 1998 and now evolves this for a new era of distinctive Scandinavian luxury and style.
The new S80, built at the Volvo Torlsanda plant in Gothenburg, Sweden, is the largest of Volvo's S-range of saloons and this second generation model offers a competitive alternative to its popular German luxury saloon rivals by offering its own distinctive Scandinavian style combined with ride and handling characteristics developed specifically for UK roads and benchmarked against its class leaders.
We are convinced that the all new Volvo S80 will be a very strong contender in its class and win over many new customers considering the other popular premium brand rivals. We expect to sell 50,000 new S80s a year around the world, of which 70 per cent will be new Volvo customers, says Frederik Arp, Volvo Cars CEO. The main markets for the all new S80 will be the USA, Germany, Spain, Sweden, UK and China, he continued.
Luxury specifications:
The all new Volvo S80 introduces new trim levels and luxury, plus an upgraded Executive model.
Volvo has given the range-topping Executive model its extra-special attention to enhance its interior to offer a tempting taste of Scandinavian luxury and style in the prestigious, top-end of the luxury saloon market. Ergonomic seats and elegant door panels in exclusive soft Executive leather are available with four unique colour combinations, plus there are the options of a fridge in the rear seat with space for glasses and an advanced entertainment system for rear passengers with integrated DVD player and seven inch screens built into the rear of the front head restraints. Externally the Executive model is discreetly distinguished by uniquely coloured grille and chrome sections on the front air intakes and around the fog lights, plus the option of 18 inch Balius alloy wheels.
The driving experience of the all new Volvo S80 has been enhanced following extensive evaluation on UK roads and benchmarking against the class-leading German premium brand rivals. High torsional rigidity and optional Four-C active chassis with three alternative chassis settings allow the driver to alter the car's personality to suit their individual tastes and contribute to the excellent driving dynamics.
Personal Car Communicator (PCC): world first with a heartbeat sensor Advanced safety design: patented front structure with high energy absorption Improved side impact airbags with separate chest and hip chambers New generation WHIPS (Whiplash Protection System) Pedestrian protection New Collision Warning and Brake Support systems Advanced braking functions: HBA, OHB, RAB, FBS BLIS and IDIS driver support systems
Full prices and specifications are due to be released at the end of March, prior to the cars arriving in UK showrooms in June/July. |
| The danger of inattentive drivers |
Research has long been carried out at Volvo into how drivers are affected by inattentiveness and systems are being developed which actively make drivers keep their eyes on the road. Now, a thesis on this subject has been prepared by Trent Victor, project manager at Volvo Technology and a researcher at Uppsala University in Sweden.
Around 45,000 people die every year in accidents on European roads and a minority of the accidents involves heavy goods transport. A major new American study shows that inattentiveness is a much greater cause of accidents than had previously been thought; approximately 80% of collisions could be explained by the driver taking his eyes off the road just before the incident.
Volvo invests major resources in developing aids to keep the driver concentrated on the traffic, and the trucks of the future will be equipped with advanced functions for signalling driver inattentiveness. Trent Victor, project manager at Volvo Technology and a researcher at Uppsala University, has developed a system to deal with the problem of drivers looking away at the wrong moment.
With the help of an eye camera, sensors in the steering wheel and a camera in the windscreen, the driver's eye movements and head movements, jerky movements of the steering wheel and the vehicles' lane position can be studied. If the driver's attention is directed too long or too often at something other than the road, or if he is prioritising incorrectly, he is given a warning. The eye camera contains the function Distraction Alert which consists of a number of LEDs on the instrument panel which create a running luminous flux. The flux provokes a reflex in the driver that pulls his gaze back to the road ahead.
A tired and inattentive driver is just as dangerous as a driver who is under the influence of drink or drugs in traffic. If, with the help of different aids in trucks, we can prevent accidents on the roads then we can save human lives, says Trent Victor.
Trent Victor is defending his thesis at Uppsala University today. His research is an industrial doctorate project at Volvo Technology linked to the university. |
| New '06 reg offers and temptation from Volvo |
With the March new '06 registration now only a few weeks away, Volvo is ready with plenty of desirable new 2006 models, affordable finance with deposit contributions of up to £1,000 available from Volvo Car Finance, exclusive Volvo Ocean Race editions, and a value for money servicing package for S40 saloon and V50 sportswagon models.
All new C70 Coupe/Convertible
The latest news from Volvo this spring will be the official arrival of the stylish, all new Volvo C70 in Volvo showrooms on 18 March.
Its retractable three-piece hard top makes it unique amongst its other soft top premium brand rivals, and converts the all new C70 from a secure coupe to a cool convertible in 30 seconds or less, while still having space to seat four adults in comfort.
There will be three trim levels (Sport, SE and SE Lux) with a choice of two powerful five cylinder petrol engines (2.4i and T5), plus a Euro IV D5 turbodiesel due to be introduced in the summer. On the road prices range from £26,200 for the C70 2.4i Sport to £33,225 for the C70 T5 SE Lux.
S40 saloon and V50 sportswagon - from £15,730 and £17,955 respectively
The Volvo range starts from £15,730 for the Volvo S40 1.6 S saloon or £17,955 for the V50 1.8 S sportswagon, and a £100 service plan is available for all models in these ranges covering three years or 37,500 miles of servicing² - worth an average of around £800.
2006 models
Possibly the most significant improvements to Volvo's 2006 model range are the two new diesel engines - the 2.4D (163bhp) and D5 (185bhp). Both diesels have extensively revised hardware and software for improved performance, refinement and flexibility, with service intervals extended from 12,500 to 18,000 miles. In addition, they are now fitted with diesel particulate filters, and are Euro IV compliant.
The new D5, available in the S60, V70, XC70 and XC90, has a power increase of over 13 per cent, from 163bhp to 185bhp, and torque up from 340Nm to 400Nm. The new 2.4D engine, available in the S60 and V70, has similar power and torque (163bhp and 340Nm) to the previous D5 unit but is now smoother and with lower emissions.
Other highlights of Volvo's latest 2006 models include: Volvo Ocean Race Editions of the V70, XC70 and XC90 new luxury 'Inscription' interiors (for S60, V70 and XC90) with a choice of colour schemes in premium soft Scottish leather; real-time TMC traffic monitoring information for the Volvo satellite navigation system, and an improved Instant Traction™ system for all wheel drive V70, XC70 and XC90 models.
Affordable finance
Deposit contributions of £750 available¹ for the S40 and V50, and £1,000 available¹ for the S60 and V70 models when financed through Volvo Car Finance and registered before 31 March 2006 help make a new Volvo more affordable this spring.
Alternatively, business users and corporate customers can take advantage of the latest competitive Volvo Business Partner Contract Hire rates³ with monthly rentals (excluding VAT) which start from £199 for a Volvo S40 1.6 S, £249 for an S60 2.0T S, or £399 for an XC90 D5 (185bhp).
March delivery
With short waiting times, even for the XC90, cars ordered now should be ready for delivery with the new 06-reg in March. |
| Volvo 'C30 design concept' to make world debut |
Volvo is revealing a sporty two-door concept car at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on 9 January, which gives a strong indication of the design of an exciting, new smaller Volvo C30 model it will launch at the Paris Motor Show in September.
The C30 Design Concept has a compact, sporty design with two doors, four individual seats and a distinctive glass tailgate. It is capable of 0-62mph in six seconds thanks to a high performance 260bhp, five-cylinder, 2.4-litre engine producing 350Nm of torque for plenty of flexibility from 2,100rpm.
The styling of the C30 Design Concept is inspired by the classic Volvo P1800 ES and Volvo's recent SCC (Safety Concept Car) and incorporates today's modern Volvo styling cues such as a boat-shaped aerodynamic front section and shapely rear shoulders enhanced by the horseshoe-shaped rear light clusters.
The rear light pattern is so unusual that you'll never be in any doubt about what car you have in front of you, said Steve Mattin, design director at Volvo Car Corporation.
Volvo has a busy schedule of new model launches in 2006, but the C30 will be one of the most significant as it does not replace an existing model and is designed to appeal to new, younger customers without children who want a compact premium car that's good to drive and has plenty of style. It will take Volvo into a new sector of the market, to compete against the popular Audi A3, BMW 1-Series or Alfa 147, and is part of Volvo's strategy to broaden its model range to achieve its global sales target of 600,000 cars per annum4.
We know there are a large number of younger people who are attracted by the Volvo brand, but cannot find a compact model in our range that exactly matches their taste and needs, says Volvo Car Corporation's new President and CEO, Frederik Arp. The Volvo C30 Design Concept has been developed precisely for this potentially important group of new customers, he continued.
Volvo carried out research clinics to gauge opinions of younger professional couples and singles across Europe. The results showed that most rarely need to take more than two people, and describe their ideal car as an agile, rewarding runabout; but, significantly, a good design and brand name are particularly important for them whether buying clothes, household items - or a car. |
| Volvo toys and treats |
With remote control cars, models, iPod adapters and winter kits available, Volvo has plenty of toys and treats - for you and your car.
Although the all new Volvo C70 coupe/convertible is still a couple of months from being in the showroom, Volvo already has scale models, remote control and even electric or pedal-powered versions of the new C70 available to order from Volvo dealers.
Volvo also has scale models of all the latest range available, including the latest Volvo Ocean Race editions of the V70, XC70 and XC90, and even a remote controlled XC90 in silver or Ocean Race blue.
On a more practical level, there's the Volvo 'Winter Check-It Kit', comprising a litre of oil, dipstick wipes, disposable gloves, oil funnels, scented hand wipes and a tyre depth gauge.
Finally, to give your car a treat and to ensure it copes with the cold winter weather, Volvo dealers offer a thorough 25 point Winter Check for £30 including a car wash and vacuum, which is available for any make of car. |
| Volvo intoruduces iPOD adapter and digital jukebox |
Volvo has introduced two accessories to enable the new digital music generation to enjoy their entire music collection while driving.
- Apple iPod adapter
- 'Digital jukebox' hard drive
Many people remember when a radio or eight track cartridge player was the latest fashionable accessory, but since then in-car audio entertainment has rapidly progressed to FM stereo receivers, cassette and CD players, and the ultimate premium sound audio system Volvo now offers with Dolby Pro Logic II Surround Sound, 6xCD, 4x75 W amplifiers and as many as 13 speakers.
Now, with the sensational success of the likes of the Apple iPod, a new digital music generation expects a personalised selection of high performance music on the move.
Volvo iPod adapter - plug in and play
Volvo's new Apple iPod adapter makes up to 60GB¹ of your favourite tracks or 'Podcasts', available from your iPod through the car's audio system.
The adapter and iPod fit discreetly out of sight in the centre arm rest and connect directly to the car's audio system for high quality sound performance, and can be safely used via the car's standard audio or steering wheel remote controls. The connection also charges the iPod while driving, yet when you park, you can disconnect it and take the music with you.
The adapter, which costs from around £107, plus fitting², is available for all Volvo S60 and S80 saloons, the V70³ estate and XC70³ AWD estate, and is compatible with the Dock Connector on the standard iPod, iPod U2, iPod mini and iPod nano (but not iPod shuffle).
Volvo dealers already have the Volvo iPod Adapter in stock.
Digital Jukebox
Another way to listen to your own choice of high quality digital music files in the car is via Volvo's new digital jukebox. Developed in conjunction with automotive music specialists 'Phatnoise', it enables up to 400 CDs or 500 hours of in-car musical entertainment to be stored on a compact 20 Gbyte cartridge which slots into a unit similar to the more conventional multi-disc changer, fitted out of sight in the boot. It is safely operated in the car via the standard audio controls, or the remote controls on the steering wheel, and provides the ultimate music collection to accompany even the most distant business or holiday destinations.
The cartridge can then be fitted in a docking station to connect to a PC or laptop to transfer digital music files under a variety of headings, such as artist or genre, via a PhatNoise Music Manager™ file management programme. It is compatible with many of today's major digital formats, such as MP3 and also supports WMA, AAC and the professional standard, Ogg Vorbis. With an upper limit of 320kbps, the digital jukebox system can record the full wave and delicacy of sound at a level parallel to the original source.
The digital jukebox system can be fitted to the Volvo S60, S80, V70 or XC70, and costs from £582. |
| 'Driver Alert' from Volvo |
Volvo has released details of another safety innovation - Driver Alert - which aims to reduce the number of accidents caused by drivers falling asleep at the wheel.
Statistics show that driver fatigue is a major road safety problem across the world. For example, studies by the Sleep Research Centre at Loughborough University¹ show that driver sleepiness is considered to claim more lives on our roads than alcohol, and accounts for at least 10 per cent of all road accidents and up to 20 per cent of those on motorways and trunk roads. Similarly, on German motorways driver fatigue is thought to account for about 25 per cent of all fatal accidents², and about 100,000 accidents or 1,500 deaths a year in America³.
Volvo's safety engineers have developed the Driver Alert system after extensive studies and testing, both simulated and on a test track, into the way drivers react when tired. The system uses a camera installed between the windscreen and the rear view mirror, with a number of sensors and a processor, to constantly monitor the distance between the car and the road markings. If the vehicle is moving in an uncontrolled way, the system will alert the driver with an audible alert and message on the car's information display panel before he, or she, falls asleep. The Driver Alert system also works if the driver loses concentration for some other reason, such as focusing too much attention on the navigation system, audio system or children in the car.
We have chosen to monitor the car's progress on the road instead of steering wheel input or the driver's eye movements, explains Dr Wolfgang Birk, Driver Alert project manager at Volvo Car Corporation. This gives us a more reliable indication if something is likely to go wrong, allowing the system time to alert the driver before it is too late. We do not monitor human behaviour - which varies from one person to another - but instead the effect of that behaviour - so there is less risk of false alarms.
In addition, the Driver Alert system also uses a visual method to pre-warn the driver if they are getting tired and if their driving is becoming less controlled by displaying five illuminated stars at the start of the journey which slowly disappear if the driving becomes less controlled or consistent.
Driver Alert should not be confused with Lane Departure Warning systems which alert the driver when a lane marker is passed, says Dr Wolfgang Birk. One crucial difference between the systems is that Driver Alert responds without any line having to be crossed, he continued.
During our tests on simulators and in real-life, the Driver Alert system never failed to spot a driver who was falling asleep at the wheel, says Dr Wolfgang Birk. Nonetheless, we will continue to test and fine-tune the system before Driver Alert is offered to Volvo's customers, but we hope it will be available within two years. |
| 180bhp 'D5' turbodiesel to Volvo V50 Sportswagon |
The new five-cylinder, 2.4-litre, 180bhp D5 turbodiesel will join the existing four-cylinder, 136bhp 2.0D, currently the most popular model in the V50 Sportswagon range, to provide a choice of two powerful turbodiesels for the UK's continuing strong demand for diesel flexibility and economy.
The combination of the higher performance of the larger 2.4-litre D5 engine in the Volvo V50's Sportswagon bodyshell will make it an attractive and competitive alternative to other premium diesel rivals, such as the Audi A4 Avant 2.5TDI (161bhp) and the ubiquitous BMW 3-Series touring 320D (163bhp). This 180bhp version of the D5 engine will also become available in the all new Volvo C70 coupe/convertible in summer 2006, and will also be extremely competitive against the diesel-powered soft-tops from Audi and BMW.
The Volvo V50 D5 is very competitive in the premium sector for compact diesel cars, says Peter Ewerstrand, Volvo Car Corporation project manager. The engine's high performance and the body's torsional rigidity, together with the widely acclaimed chassis, result in a wonderful driving experience with the emphasis on power, control and comfort, Peter continued.
The D5 engine is derived from Volvo's second generation, Euro IV compliant D5 (and 2.4D) engines introduced to the S60 saloon, V70 estate, XC70 AWD and XC90 AWD models earlier this year, but in order to fit the five-cylinder engine into a smaller engine compartment, the entire engine installation and most of the ancillaries have been altered, and the manifold and turbocharger have, for example, been integrated into one single unit.
An electronically controlled turbocharger and an advanced injection system for efficient combustion result in smooth performance delivery and masses of torque (350Nm), with low emissions and high fuel economy. The Volvo V50 D5 will initially be available with a five-speed geartronic transmission, which according to preliminary performance figures is capable of 0-62mph in 8.8 seconds. A manual version will follow in 2007.
Full details, including prices and specifications, are due to be announced in spring 2006, with the first cars arriving in June/July.
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| Volvo C70 set to challenge 'no convertible' fleet policies |
Volvo is expecting a substantial increase in the number of its new C70 Coupe/Convertible¹ to be sold into the corporate sector.
The extra security offered by the new Volvo C70's unique, three-piece retractable hard top, which transforms the car from Coupe to Convertible in under 30 seconds, is expected to challenge the traditional 'no convertible' approach of many fleet policies.
In addition, now that prices and specifications have been announced, the new Volvo C70 also compares favourably for Benefit in Kind taxation, and is better equipped and more affordable² than the equivalent Audi A4 and BMW 3-Series soft tops for 22 per cent and 40 per cent tax payers.
As a result, Volvo predicts that the corporate sector will account for over 50 per cent of sales of the new Volvo C70, as many companies that would not have considered the previous soft-top model are expected to add the new model to their choice lists.
Corporate interest in the new Volvo C70 will also increase when Volvo introduces its refined five-cylinder, 180bhp D5 turbo diesel engine in mid-2006 - which will be the first time Volvo has offered a diesel engine in a coupe or convertible.
Fleet customers given a sneak preview of the new Volvo C70 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, and leasing/contract hire companies who have seen it, have all told Volvo to expect higher than normal levels of interest from the corporate sector.
We've already had positive feedback from some of our fleet customers, but a huge amount of interest has come from the SME sector, explained Ian Rendle, Volvo's Corporate Sales Manager.
Volvo's Leasing and Rental manager, John Wallace, explains that the new C70 has also received positive comments from the leasing and contract hire sectors:
Early signs from the residual value experts are that the modest volumes of the new Volvo C70, great design and its class-leading retractable hard top will help keep residuals high, and in turn make contract hire rental very competitive. |
| Volvo winter driving tips |
Driving on snow and ice puts both the driver's abilities and the car's systems to the test. Volvo tests its cars to operate at -30ºC in a typical Swedish winter, so it's no surprise that Volvo can offer plenty of experience of winter driving, and of designing cars to cope with a cold environment.
Looking after the car
Your car needs to be in the best condition possible to cope with the extra strain of starting and working smoothly in extra cold conditions.
1. To prevent the windscreen washer fluid, hoses and nozzles from freezing, and to avoid damage to the washer pump, add washer solvents with plenty of anti-freeze. Volvo dealers provide a handy winter kit containing washer fluid, de-icer, an ice scraper and cloth to clear condensation from the windscreen for £8.95.
2. Avoid using de-icing sprays on door locks as they can impair the locking mechanism. Volvo recommends a Teflon lock spray instead, available from Volvo dealers.
3. Make sure the engine has quality coolant that can cope with up to -35 degrees without freezing.
4. Fill the fuel tank regularly to prevent condensation in the tank and provide the maximum range and running time for the engine if stuck in snow.
5. Engine oil with lower viscosity (i.e. thinner) makes cold starting easier and reduces fuel consumption. For winter use 5W/30 oil is recommended, particularly synthetic types.
6. Check the state of the battery more frequently as the heater fan and all the electrical items being used put a greater strain on the battery - and a poorly charged battery can freeze and become useless.
7. Volvo dealers offer motorists with any make or age of car a thorough 25-point 'Winter Check'1 (plus a wash and clean) for £30.
Looking after the driver
The driver needs to be alert and prepared to drive with extra care, especially when braking.
1. Bulky winter clothes can dangerously inhibit a driver's movements. Volvo's ergonomic dashboard designs always include large control knobs and buttons for essential functions so they can still be easily used when wearing gloves in winter.
2. Warm clothes and a shovel should be kept in the car in case the car gets stuck in snow, and Volvo dealers sell a wintry range of accessories such as flasks, rugs, and cosy fleeces.
3. Don't always follow previous tracks in the snow as this compacted snow is likely to be more slippery. The fresh snow between the tracks will offer more resistance and stopping power.
4. Always brake gently and allow extra stopping distance on icy roads, and if the car skids, steer into the skid, not the other way. Snow by the side of the road may provide extra stopping power - and is always preferable to hitting oncoming traffic.
5. Air conditioning is not just for summer but equally important in winter as a dehumidifier to keep windows clear of condensation and give the driver better visibility. Electronic Climate Control, as fitted to all the latest Volvo range and tested to beyond -30ºC, is more advanced and works more effectively than air conditioning, and maintains a chosen temperature more quickly.
6. The air quality inside the car is another important safety factor. Cold temperatures have a negative effect on combustion, so the surrounding air is likely to contain more impurities in winter, so keep the air conditioning on to help purify the air. That's why Volvo offers effective filters and an advanced Interior Air Quality System to keep cabin air as clean as possible.
7. Volvo advises against the temptation of turning the car's heating up too high when driving in winter. Volvo's research shows that too high an interior temperature jeopardises the driver's
reaction times and increases the amount of errors. A constant, comfortable temperature inside the car is an important safety factor. It is unhealthy and disorientating to have an extreme difference in inside and outside temperature.
8. Don't forget automatic transmissions usually have a winter setting to aid traction by starting in a higher gear than normal when pulling away in slippery conditions. |
| Winter testing for Arctic weather |
With snow and a severe winter facing the UK, it is reassuring to know car manufacturers test and develop new cars to cope with much worse conditions, such as Volvo's secret winter test world in a snow-bound venue north of the Arctic Circle.
This is where all new Volvo models are made to suffer and are tested to extremes during the Swedish winter season's toughest imaginable climatic conditions to ensure all controls, and heating and ventilation systems work quickly and effectively - and therefore cope easily with even the worst UK winters.
Over the whole of the northernmost part of Sweden - known as Lapland - Laplanders have learnt to survive and adapt to the harsh conditions of nature. Volvo has a long established winter test programme in Lapland, with a technically advanced laboratory facility north of the Arctic Circle, with secret field tests undertaken in different locations.
Test drivers punish new cars for thousands of miles on the extremely difficult road conditions, and skilfully avoid herds of reindeer or elk that frequently appear. The test drivers act as normal motorists and subjectively register their impressions, while at the same time, computers and a host of other technologies measure all things mechanical and electrical.
Cold starts down to minus 30 degrees are an everyday occurrence in Lapland. Everything is cold. Instruments react more slowly, clutch and gear changing become sluggish, during which the heating systems are carefully monitored, and the braking, traction control and four-wheel drive systems are continually put through their paces in slippery conditions, on and off road. Quality details, such as sunroofs, door locks or any squeaks can also be scrutinised in the severe cold.
We try to discover faults or shortcomings at the prototype stage so that we can rectify them before production starts, says Volvo's Anders Polheimer, project manager for the Arctic field tests. It is really important that the car functions under the extreme conditions here, as people expect a Swedish Volvo to be able to cope with the most sever winter conditions, he continued.
Snow and spray are a traffic problem in all winter environments - whether in Northern Scandinavia or on the M25 - and create the risk of accidents due to poor visibility and could cause operational problems for the driver and car. For example, driving behind another car in dense snow spray is blinding and could also cause engine problems with blocked air filters or iced-up electrical components. For Volvo, a heating system that quickly defrosts and clears a windscreen, and the option of heated seats, are essentials, not luxuries.
This is only part of the testing Volvo cars are put through in their development. A modern, premium brand car must be able to function perfectly in both the bitter cold and the burning desert sun or suffocating dust, which is why Volvo also has a secret proving ground in the Arizona desert - but that's another story...
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| Volvo seats get top scores |
Once again, Volvo has achieved top scores in the latest, 2006 model year new car whiplash ratings by the UK's Motor Insurance Repair Research Centre in Thatcham¹ which conducted the tests on behalf of the International Insurance Whiplash Prevention Group (IIWPG).
In fact, Volvo was one of only two manufacturers to achieve top 'Good' scores for every model tested² thanks to its supportive seats which have a fixed head restraint position to ensure they are always in the correct position to offer the best support, and the Volvo Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS) that moves the entire backrest to absorb the impact during a rear-end collision to help reduce the forces on the neck.
Thatcham tested seats from 182 new cars and scored them in three categories: Geometric, Dynamic and Overall. Ratings range from a top score of 'G' (for 'good' protection), to 'A' (acceptable), 'M' (marginal), to 'P' (poor) and 'R' (manufacturer refused to submit seats).
According to the Thatcham tests, all Volvo seats were awarded the top 'G' score in all three categories, but by comparison the overall rating for all the Audi models tested was only 'A', and 'M' for Lexus, while four BMW models (including the 3-Series, X3, X5, and the standard seat in the
5-Series) were rated 'P' overall.
Matthew Avery, Crash Laboratory Manager at Thatcham said: Volvo has shown a continuing commitment to safety, and their seats once again performed very well in our tests. This is supported by real world injury data which confirms that these seats do produce a significant reduction in whiplash injuries - Volvo continue to be the trend setter in this area.
Ingrid Skogsmo, Safety Director of the Volvo Car Corporation Safety Centre, said: We are very pleased that the Volvo seats have performed in line with our expectations from our own tests and standards. This is one of several results that confirm Volvo has the right approach to help reduce neck injuries in rear impacts.
Dr Lotta Jacobsson, Technical Expert, Biomechanics, Volvo Cars Safety Centre added: Since Volvo introduced WHIPS in 1998, the feedback from the Volvo Cars own real life Accident Research Team shows that WHIPS has halved the risk of long-term neck injuries in rear-end impacts, even compared to previous Volvo seats. Also, other independent field studies have shown a significant injury reduction.
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| Road safety award for Volvo |
The Association of Industrial Road Safety Officers (AIRSO) has given one of its 40th Anniversary Road Safety Awards to Volvo in honour of its world leading commitment and philosophy to vehicle safety.
Presenting the award to Volvo, the only commercial organisation to be recognised, the Chairman of AIRSO, Robert Smalley, said:
Volvo has been, and is today, an innovator in the field of safety, putting the wellbeing of their drivers and passengers as a paramount feature in design, and is eagerly watched by its competitors as safety features now become a greater consideration when purchasing a new vehicle.
Volvo's philosophy and commitment to vehicle safety as a world leader makes them a worthy recipient of an AIRSO 40th Anniversary Road Safety Award, he continued.
Included in the list of Volvo safety innovations highlighted by AIRSO were laminated windscreens, the three-point seatbelt, side airbags and its latest Blind Spot Information System (BLIS).
AIRSO was established in 1965 and aims to advance education and training among all road users in the furtherance of accident prevention and reduction. It is a professional association for people involved in work and promotion of road safety within commerce, industry, public service and other associated organisations |
| Volvo on call - Advanced telematix to aid safety and security |
'Volvo On Call' is an optional communications package available across the Volvo range¹ that includes valuable personal safety and security features to Volvo customers in need of assistance, 24 hours a day, almost anywhere in the UK. Whether involved in an accident, vehicle breakdown or theft, Volvo On Call uses the latest telematics technology to ensure help is always close at hand and immediately dispatched.
Working off an integrated GSM telephone with a built-in GPS unit for satellite navigation, the Volvo On Call system, with a built-in backup antenna, has been fully crash tested in the Volvo Safety Centre and designed to withstand immense crash force, yet still be fully functional. With the extra backup battery, Volvo On Call can still be used even if the car's standard power supply is disabled.
Safety
One of the key features that Volvo On Call offers as standard is added personal safety (and convenience). Using its own SIM card buried deep in the vehicle, Volvo On Call is one of the only systems of its kind linked directly to BT 999, so that if it detects an airbag being triggered in an accident it will automatically notify Emergency Services of the incident - and the vehicle's exact location. This function can also be operated manually, if required, by pushing a red dash-mounted 'SOS' button which puts you straight through to the Emergency Services.
Volvo On Call also helps if the vehicle develops a fault or assistance if needed. A second button marked 'On Call' on the integrated phone in the car's dashboard contacts the Volvo On Call customer service centre, operated by Mondial the worldwide assistance providers, where staff are on hand 24 hours a day to request road side assistance and guide them to the car's precise location. Volvo will also be able to offer further concierge services and convenience features via this facility.
Security
Reaffirming Volvo's recent achievement at the British Insurance Car Security Awards (BISCA), where for the second year running it won 'Best Manufacturer', Volvo On Call also offers optional security features, such as being able to remotely unlock the car, or track it if the car is stolen.
Using advanced telematics, the Volvo On Call customer service centre can communicate directly with the car to provide information such as the vehicle's speed, amount of fuel left in the tank, location, and whether it is being driven or moving on a transporter. The system can also unlock or lock the car remotely at an agreed time (once certain personal security information is provided correctly) if your keys are lost or misplaced.
If the car's alarm is triggered, the Volvo On Call service centre will try to contact the owner or driver, and if certain security questions are not answered satisfactorily, the police will be called.
Similarly, if the car is stolen, once the owner notifies the Volvo On Call customer service centre, the car will automatically be tracked, and all the information available will be passed on to the police.
Real-life example
For one grateful Volvo dealership in Doncaster, Volvo On Call, has already proven itself a worthy asset.
When thieves stole the keys to a Volvo S60 D5 SE and drove the vehicle away from Riverside Motors in Doncaster, little did they realise that the S60 was equipped with Volvo On Call and that their every movement was trackable.
In this example, once Volvo On Call operators had been alerted to the theft, they were able to activate the on board tracking device and lead Police to the car's precise location. The unscathed vehicle was successfully traced and recovered within 20 minutes of being reported missing.
While we were obviously rattled by the theft, we were all impressed by how quickly and efficiently the car was tracked and located. As soon as we discovered the vehicle had been stolen and that it was equipped with Volvo On Call, we immediately contacted the service centre. 20 minutes later and we got the news that the vehicle had been recovered. Obviously we were delighted, said Steven Starkey, Manager of the Volvo dealership in Doncaster.
Steven added, The benefits of On Call really hit home with us as we were able to see the success of the system first hand. We really feel strongly that for any customer seeking optimum safety and security, Volvo On Call offers the best possible solution. |
| Volvo concerns about accusations of bribes to Iraq |
AB Volvo takes a serious view of the accusations of bribes levelled at the company in a report from the UN. We are now investigating the matter more closely to determine what has happened, says Volvo's CEO Leif Johansson. If it is confirmed that the accusations are valid and improper actions have occurred, we will naturally take actions.
In his final report, Paul Volcker, Chairman of the independent inquiry committee, has released the findings on how business was conducted with Iraq during the UN's food for oil programme. According to the Volcker report, a large number of companies, including Volvo, paid kick-backs to the Iraqi regime in exchange for contracts with the Iraqi authorities.
We take a serious view of Volvo being mentioned in the UN report, even if Paul Volcker has stated that a mention in the report does not necessarily mean that the company is guilty of an improprieties or even knew that a sales agent acted improperly. We will now attempt to determine exactly what happened and, if improprieties occurred, we will of course take action, says Volvo's CEO Leif Johansson.
Volvo's code of conduct contains specific rules forbidding the use of bribes in business dealings.
Our rules are perfectly clear to ensure that improprieties shall not occur, says Leif Johansson. Nevertheless, we cannot exclude that someone or some people in our organization, or our sales agent in Iraq, have breached the code. However, until we have reviewed the report and underlying factual material in detail, I cannot draw any specific conclusions. |
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