Volvo- The Brand
The Ford Motor Company recently acquired the Volvo group for $6.45 billion. However, they continue to use the Volvo trademark on certain products. This is because Volvo is known for their stylish design, user-friendly and powerful sports cars which can outlast most of the other brands in the international market. Their cars are able to participate and compete with some of the best in the industry in rally championships, desert, mountain and land and water rallies.
Volvo is actually a Swedish brand which originated in the year 1927 in Gothenburg, Sweden. They even manufacture trucks, buses, marine engines, industrial power systems, aerospace components and construction equipment. Looking at this impressive catalog it’s obvious that they are experts in highly skilled jobs like the manufacturing of complex engineering products.
The origin of the name Volvo is quite interesting. It actually means ‘I Roll’ which is the derivation of the Swedish word ‘volvere’. The main point that is followed when constructing Volvo cars is a product that can withstand difficulties in navigating tough roads as well as sub-zero temperatures as the brand originated in a cold country where these conditions were present but now it applies all over the world. The official date for the founding of Volvo is 14th April 1928 when its first product ‘rolled out’ of the factory.
Just a decade ago, in the year 1999 Volvo was sold to Ford. The Volvo AB logo is used on heavy vehicles whilst the Ford logo is used on Volvo cars. Recently, Ford has announced their plans to sell Volvo. A Chinese manufacturer ‘Geely’ is reputed to be the preferred buyer. Volvo group firmly believes in taking responsibility for the safeguarding and improving of the environment and to support this cause, they follow various measures.
Volvo also believes in engaging with the society in the form of tackling environmental issues, contribution to schools for disadvantaged children in the developing world and construction of homes for the homeless. In addition to these three issues, they are deeply involved in the supporting cutting-edge technology to forward the rapid development of the automotive industry. The company believes in a multicultural environment and in learning from other cultures and attitudes rather than being wary or suspicious. This program which they have developed is named ‘move society forward’.
Volvo trucks have their own security measures such as Alcolock, a safety measure where the driver has to blow into a mouthpiece before starting it. This is used to measure the alcohol intake of the driver and if there is too much of the same, the truck won’t start.
