Volvo to Refresh 2010 C30

Motor Authority - blog Category: Volvo

  • Video: Volvo Demonstrates Pedestrian Avoidance System On 2010 S60

    Video: Volvo Demonstrates Pedestrian Avoidance System On 2010 S60 October 26th, 2009 By Nelson Ireson's avatar Nelson Ireson, Author, October 26th, 2009 Nelson Ireson 1 Comment

    Video: Volvo Demonstrates Pedestrian Avoidance System On 2010 S60

    Keeping drivers and pedestrians safe behind the wheel, once little more than an afterthought, has become a major focus of the automotive industry and governmental regulation in recent years. To help reach new heights of safety, engineers are applying the computers and advanced technology in ways that might have seemed fictional just a few years ago. Volvo's new collision avoidance system, called Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake and Pedestrian Detection, is due to debut on the 2010 S60, and is a prime example.

    Designed around the idea of preventing collisions with pedestrians, the Volvo system recognizes people near the car and brakes...

    Keeping drivers and pedestrians safe behind the wheel, once little more than an afterthought, has become a major focus of the automotive industry and governmental regulation in recent years. To help reach new heights of safety, engineers are applying the computers and advanced technology in ways that might have seemed fictional just a few years ago. Volvo's new collision avoidance system, called Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake and Pedestrian Detection, is due to debut on the 2010 S60, and is a prime example. Designed around the idea of preventing collisions with pedestrians, the Volvo system recognizes people near the car and brakes appropriately to avoid coming into contact with them. But it's far from a "dumb" system--it tracks and anticipates the paths of pedestrians, and reacts accordingly. Volvo says it can completely avoid any collision below 15 mph. That's a pretty important advancement. While cars like Mercedes-Benz's S-Class and BMW's 7-series have had infrared pedestrian detection and warning systems for some time now, they haven't yet ventured into the realm of active collision avoidance. This isn't something that could be used to completely eliminate crashes on the interstate or for other fast-moving traffic, but it can serve to mitigate the effects of such crashes by slowing the car before impact. The system is demonstrated, and explained, in the video below, as applied on the streets of Copenhagen behind the wheel of a prototype S60. The end goal of Volvo's ongoing work in this field is to build a car that cannot crash. Minority Report here we come. The 2010 Volvo S60 isn't due for release until next year, though the car's concept form is expected to very closely predict the production car's design. [Volvo] Read More

  • Volvo Will Bring Diesels And Plug-in Hybrids To U.S.

    Volvo Will Bring Diesels And Plug-in Hybrids To U.S. October 12th, 2009 By Viknesh Vijayenthiran Viknesh Vijayenthiran, Author, October 12th, 2009 Viknesh Vijayenthiran 1 Comment

    Volvo Will Bring Diesels And Plug-in Hybrids To U.S.

    Struggling Swedish automaker Volvo announced back in June that it will releasing a new plug-in hybrid vehicle by 2012 as the latest step under its ‘DRIVe Towards Zero’ eco-campaign. Late last month Volvo CEO Stephen O'Dell reaffirmed the company's plans to get the diesel-electric plug-in hybrid on the road, and now the automaker’s U.S. chief has revealed that advanced Volvo plug-in hybrids and diesels will be coming to North America--eventually.

    Volvo’s U.S. chief, Doug Speck, has revealed that his company will add diesel models and plug-in hybrids, as well as more fuel-efficient gasoline models, to its U.S. lineup...

    Struggling Swedish automaker Volvo announced back in June that it will releasing a new plug-in hybrid vehicle by 2012 as the latest step under its ‘DRIVe Towards Zero’ eco-campaign. Late last month Volvo CEO Stephen O'Dell reaffirmed the company's plans to get the diesel-electric plug-in hybrid on the road, and now the automaker’s U.S. chief has revealed that advanced Volvo plug-in hybrids and diesels will be coming to North America--eventually. Volvo’s U.S. chief, Doug Speck, has revealed that his company will add diesel models and plug-in hybrids, as well as more fuel-efficient gasoline models, to its U.S. lineup in an effort to meet tougher fuel economy standards. "It's unclear ultimately what percentage of each is going to drive the industry," Speck said in a recent interview, speaking of the corporate average of 35.5 mpg required by 2016. Factors Volvo needs to address include fuel prices, now and into the future, the general interest levels in hybrids and the level of government support offered. Speck wasn’t willing to confirm a local launch date for any new Volvo plug-in hybrids or diesels in the U.S. but reaffirmed that the automaker will launch a plug-in hybrid in Europe by 2012. Until the new spate of plug-in hybrid and diesel technologies arrives, however, Volvo will busy itself with a range of other improvements, including direct injection and more efficient gearboxes. [AutoNews, sub req'd] Read More

  • Volvo Acoustic Research Lab Searches For 'Scandinavian' Sound

    Volvo Acoustic Research Lab Searches For 'Scandinavian' Sound October 5th, 2009 By Nelson Ireson's avatar Nelson Ireson, Author, October 5th, 2009 Nelson Ireson 1 Comment

    Volvo Acoustic Research Lab Searches For 'Scandinavian' Sound

    As the modern automobile gets more and more advanced, engineers are increasingly paying attention to aspects of design traditionally left to, if not chance, then at least circumstance. One of those areas is the character of the sound of an engine.

    Exhaust notes have been prized and prided since the inception of the combustion engine, to be sure, but as noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) are continually minimized, simply turning out a good-sounding engine isn't all there is to it. Now engines must sound good while also running smoothly and quietly--often countervailing goals.

    Volvo wants to take it a step farther, making engines that sound...

    As the modern automobile gets more and more advanced, engineers are increasingly paying attention to aspects of design traditionally left to, if not chance, then at least circumstance. One of those areas is the character of the sound of an engine. Exhaust notes have been prized and prided since the inception of the combustion engine, to be sure, but as noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) are continually minimized, simply turning out a good-sounding engine isn't all there is to it. Now engines must sound good while also running smoothly and quietly--often countervailing goals. Volvo wants to take it a step farther, making engines that sound "impressive," offering a "unique Scandinavian sound." Sound like a tall order? It is. So tall it requires its own acoustic design lab. The new lab is located in the heart of Volvo's production complex in Torslanda, Sweden. It's made of a network of sound-absorbing protrusions embedded in the walls and ceiling, yet the hard floor offers a realistic representation of a typical asphalt or concrete road surface. "With our new test chamber we can test four-wheel drive cars in an entirely different environment than we could previously," says Eva Lahti, acoustic engineer at Volvo. In fact, the new facility allows for testing of acoustics and vibration of engines rated at up to 402 horsepower and while running two- or four-wheel drive vehicles on a rolling road at speeds from 55-155 mph. So what exactly does a Scandinavian engine sound like? Or, what makes it sound "Scandinavian"? "Here in Sweden and Scandinavia we have large, quiet spaces. The acoustic environment is open and free, not densely packed. And that's how our customers expect a Volvo to sound," says Lahti. Volvo divides a car's sound into three main areas: sounds that irritate, sounds that inform, and sounds that impress. Minimizing the former, balancing the second and maxmimizing the third are the objectives. These criteria apply to more than just engines, as well: interior squeaks and rattles, the sound of a door shutting or the click of a console button are all part of the equation. The engine's treatment of each of the three categories of sound is of special importance, however. Lahti explains engine sounds that inform: "If I cruise at a steady speed, the engine should produce a pleasant, relaxing note. But if I accelerate from low speed under full throttle, the difference should be heard in the sound the engine produces. It should give me feedback to verify what I am doing so I do not lose my intuitive link with the car." So far, Volvo is most pleased with the "impressive" sound of its V-8 engine developed for the XC90. But some of the history of Volvo's five-cylinder engines is also part of the characteristic sound the company's engineers are working to capture. For instance, the sound of the Volvo 850 is one of Volvo NVH Center manager Johan Stenson's favorites. "That was a lovely, throaty gurgle - like rock & roll at its best!" he says. Volvo itself is the subject this week of new speculation on possible buyers for the brand, and Ford looks to offload the division and Sweden works to keep the company within its borders. For the latest on the situation, check out our report of a new U.S. consortium tossing its hat into the ring. [Volvo] Read More

  • Report: U.S. Group New Contender For Volvo

    Report: U.S. Group New Contender For Volvo October 5th, 2009 By Nelson Ireson's avatar Nelson Ireson, Author, October 5th, 2009 Nelson Ireson 2 Comments

    Report: U.S. Group New Contender For Volvo

    Just about a month after China's Geely Automotive officially announced its interest in buying Volvo from Ford, a new contender has thrown its hat in the ring. This time, it's a U.S.-led group of buyers called the Crown consortium.

    Interestingly, the Crown consortium is itself led by former Ford executive Shamel Rushwin and former Ford director Michael dingman, according to the Financial Times. That could weigh heavily in the Crown group's favor, as Ford hasn't been quick to move the Volvo brand to a China-based buyer.

    The group is also very serious about the purchase, having already secured full funding through private equity groups....

    Just about a month after China's Geely Automotive officially announced its interest in buying Volvo from Ford, a new contender has thrown its hat in the ring. This time, it's a U.S.-led group of buyers called the Crown consortium. Interestingly, the Crown consortium is itself led by former Ford executive Shamel Rushwin and former Ford director Michael dingman, according to the Financial Times. That could weigh heavily in the Crown group's favor, as Ford hasn't been quick to move the Volvo brand to a China-based buyer. The group is also very serious about the purchase, having already secured full funding through private equity groups. Additional backing is also being sought from Swedish investors as part of a confidence-building measure that the Crown consortium will keep Volvo in Sweden. Geely isn't likely to back down from its bid, however. Two buyers bidding on the company could also prove beneficial to Ford in helping to boost the selling price somewhat beyond the sub-$2 billion price Geely is thought to be offering. Considering Ford paid about $6.45 billion for Volvo in 1999, it's going to be a heavy loss whatever the final sales price. Sweden is also stepping up to the plate, offering $572 million in loan guarantees for Volvo, hoping to help entice new buyers into keeping the company within the country. Dongfeng Motor Group, Beijing Auto and Chongqing Changan Automobile Co., are also thought to be considering bids for Volvo. The Jakob Consortium, led by the head of Volvo's engineers' union, is also interested in buying Volvo but so far has failed to secure sufficient funding. [Financial Times] Read More

  • Goldman Sachs Investment Strengthens Geely's Volvo Bid

    Goldman Sachs Investment Strengthens Geely's Volvo Bid September 23rd, 2009 By Nelson Ireson's avatar Nelson Ireson, Author, September 23rd, 2009 Nelson Ireson 0 Comments

    Goldman Sachs Investment Strengthens Geely's Volvo Bid

    Earlier this month Geely Automobile Holdings announced its intent to purchase Volvo, which is expected to be offered for sale by current owner Ford Motor Company in the near future. Though it is so far the only formally interested bidder for the Swedish auto brand, its chances of successfully purchasing Volvo haven't been rated highly. That may have changed with today's investment of $334 million in Geely by Goldman Sachs.

    Goldman Sachs is a global investment banking and securities firm, and its investment in the company, worth a 15.1% stake in Geely, indicates the firm's belief that Geely is a sound company with future growth potential.

    ...

    Earlier this month Geely Automobile Holdings announced its intent to purchase Volvo, which is expected to be offered for sale by current owner Ford Motor Company in the near future. Though it is so far the only formally interested bidder for the Swedish auto brand, its chances of successfully purchasing Volvo haven't been rated highly. That may have changed with today's investment of $334 million in Geely by Goldman Sachs. Goldman Sachs is a global investment banking and securities firm, and its investment in the company, worth a 15.1% stake in Geely, indicates the firm's belief that Geely is a sound company with future growth potential. That, in turn, could strengthen Geely's position at the bargaining table with Ford, as the Chinese company's credibility in an uncertain marketplace has taken strides forward. Other benefits from Goldman's involvement include potential improvements in efficiency and new business opportunities. Geely is working hard to build its manufacturing capacity in its competition against rival Chinese automakers Chery and SAIC. Acquiring Volvo could be a major competitive advantage for the company, helping it to quickly gain much-needed engineering, design and manufacturing expertise. If Geely does secure the purchase of Volvo, it is expected to pump as much as $10 billion into development of the Volvo brand around the world, including a new factory in the Guangdong province in China. The first model to be fully developed under Geely's ownership could be the next-generation XC90, which is expected to arrive in 2011. [Reuters] Read More

  • Volvo Renews Promise Of Diesel-Electric Plug-in By 2012, May Skip U.S.

    Volvo Renews Promise Of Diesel-Electric Plug-in By 2012, May Skip U.S. September 21st, 2009 By Nelson Ireson's avatar Nelson Ireson, Author, September 21st, 2009 Alex Kaufmann 0 Comments

    Volvo Renews Promise Of Diesel-Electric Plug-in By 2012, May Skip U.S.

    Struggling Swedish automaker Volvo announced back in June that it will releasing a new plug-in hybrid vehicle by 2012 as the latest step under its ‘DRIVe Towards Zero’ eco-campaign. Today Volvo CEO Stephen O'Dell reaffirmed the company's plans to get the diesel-electric plug-in hybrid on the road, but said there's no business case for selling it in the U.S. yet.

    When it does hit the streets of Europe in 2012, the Volvo plug-in will be expected to run for 60 miles on a single charge before needing assistance from the on-board generator or more juice from the wall, according to Automotive News. The vehicle will come in part as a result of a...

    Struggling Swedish automaker Volvo announced back in June that it will releasing a new plug-in hybrid vehicle by 2012 as the latest step under its ‘DRIVe Towards Zero’ eco-campaign. Today Volvo CEO Stephen O'Dell reaffirmed the company's plans to get the diesel-electric plug-in hybrid on the road, but said there's no business case for selling it in the U.S. yet. When it does hit the streets of Europe in 2012, the Volvo plug-in will be expected to run for 60 miles on a single charge before needing assistance from the on-board generator or more juice from the wall, according to Automotive News. The vehicle will come in part as a result of a joint-venture with Swedish energy supplier Vattenfall, which will  aid the development of plug-in hybrid future all-electric vehicle systems. The two companies have already an agreement in place since 2007 to develop the technology together, and early last year Saab also joined the team. Since then Volvo has shown us a plug-in hybrid concept based on its C30 hatchback and Saab unveiled its unique 9-X BioHybrid concept. Volvo is also working with three new V70 plug-in hybrids testing on public roads in Europe. The demonstration cars will be used to gather information about the wishes and demands that drivers may have on the new technology, to determine their driving habits and to establish how they want to charge their cars. Vattenfall will, among other things, test various concepts for high-speed home charging and also for charging stations in public places, where owners pay to fuel with electricity instead of petrol or diesel. The cars that are planned to go into series production in 2012 will feature somewhat different technology, but the launch of the demonstration vehicles is a step towards series-producing plug-in hybrid cars specifically tailored to market needs. An important point to note is that Volvo's diesel-electric design will yield even greater efficiency over future rivals like the upcoming Chevrolet Volt and Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid. No other details about Volvo’s design, including its expected fuel-economy, have been revealed. 2009 Volvo V70 Plug-In Hybrid demonstration car   Volvo V70 plug in hybrid demonstrator Read More

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