In the early twentieth century, the Volvo company was created in Sweden by SFK Assar Gabrielsson. Since its origin, they have created high-end, European-style luxury vehicles for the upscale driver. This article will walk you through everything you need to know about Volvo before buying one of their vehicles.
How the Company Got Started
Originally trademarked in 1915 as a manufacturer for ball bearings, Volvo had humble beginnings in Sweden. By 1927, the company had pivoted to creating automobiles. Their first car, the OV4, drove off the lot on April 14, 1927 in Gothenburg, Sweden. Described as an “open tourer with a four-cylinder engine,” the car was the first of many to come from the luxury automobile manufacturer.
By 1944, the company launched their first car that would go international – the “Little Volvo,” or the P444. The Little Volvo was the company’s smallest car they have ever made, even to this day. By 1953, they had released another best-selling vehicle, the Duett. It was marketed as both a car for “work and leisure.”
Starting in 1955, the company began exporting vehicles to the United States. Once this happened, Volvo began seeing immense success. Their vehicles were extremely popular across the world for their multifunctionality.
In 1991, Volvo released another astounding vehicle that rocked the foundation of the auto industry. The Volvo 850 was equipped with four “world-firsts”: a five cylinder engine, Side Impact Protection System, self-adjusting belt reels for both front seats, and Delta-link rear suspension. Within a decade, they had created a new SUV (the XC90), another model that sold quickly.
The 2000s also brought new innovation for the company, with the second generation of the XC90 and the new XC 40 (a compact SUV) being released. Since then, the company has continued to release new models, create new manufacturing plants, and become an even better brand than before.
Volvo cars have been featured in many movies, most notably the Twilight series.
Influence of Other Companies
Other companies have been influencing Volvo since its origin. They have purchased stock in Mitsubishi and have partnered with the Ford Motor Company. In 1999, the company was sold to Ford. From 1999-2010, they were a part of Ford’s Premier Automotive Group (PAG). In 2010, Volvo was bought by the Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, owner of Geely Automobile in China.
The Logo
The Volvo logo has undergone significant changes since its origin in 1927. Originally, the colors were navy blue and orange, which are a stark difference from the silver, black, and royal blue that can be seen on the logo today. In 1959, the company simplified the logo to feature just the name of the company. However, another logo featured a circle with an arrow pointing upwards to the right. In 2021, the logo was reconfigured to combine both the simplicity and class of the company name and traditional circle with an arrow.
Sales
By 2015, the company had sold over 500,000 vehicles in one year globally. This was a first in the company’s history and a tribute to their dedication to beginning quality luxury vehicles to the world.
In the U.S., the company had consistently sold over 100,000 models per year from 2000-2007. However, sales dropped to only 73,102 in 2008 because of the recession. According to statistics from CarSalesBase, it was not until 2019 that they were able to break 100,000 units. They were not affected by the pandemic saleswise.
The chart above shows the growth percentages and sales units since 1959, shortly after the company began exporting cars to the U.S.
Many Different Models
Volvo has a wide selection of vehicles for purchase. Here’s a list of the ones currently available:
Model | Avg Asking Price | Picture | Description |
Used: $29,590 New: $50,900 |  | The XC90 can seat up to seven people. It features a 360 degree camera, 95% cabin air cleaning, and all-wheel drive. | |
Used: $18,014 New: $42,650 |  | The XC60 has a built-in Google smart system and a 360 degree camera. It has SUV capability and has 95% cabin air cleaning. | |
Used: $33,590 New: $35,100 |  | The XC40 has SUV capability and is up to the BLIS standard. It features a 360 degree camera and all-wheel drive. | |
Used: $19,390 New: $52,850 |  | As Volvo’s larger luxury sedan, the S90 features a Google built-in interactive system, 360 degree camera, 95% cabin air cleaning, and full LED light technology. | |
Used: $10,990 New: $39,250 |  | As the smaller of the two sedans the Volvo offers, the S60 offers mild hybrid electrification and can go from 0-60 mph in 6.2 seconds. It also features a 360 degree camera and 95% cabin air cleaning. | |
Used: $35,293 New: $56,200 |  | This station wagon isn’t like the one from the 1970s. It has evolved, offering all-wheel drive, 95% cabin air cleaning, and 204mm ground clearance. It also has a towing capacity of 5,291 pounds. | |
Used: $21,689 New: $46,200 |  | Similar to the V90, the V60 Cross Country is the modern luxury station wagon. It features all-wheel drive, 8.2” ground clearance, and a 360 camera. It also has 22.9 cubic feet of cargo space. |
The following models are available in pure electric:
- C40 Recharge ($58,750)
- XC40 Recharge ($51,700)
The following models are available as plug-in hybrids:
- XC90 Recharge ($68,400)
- XC60 Recharge ($54,540)
- S90 Recharge ($61,050)
- S60 Recharge ($47,650)
- V60 Recharge ($67,300)
Most Popular Model
While all of Volvo’s models are high in sales, the XC60 has been one of the company’s best-selling vehicles ever since its release. It is also one of the company’s most intelligent vehicles.
Geographic Popularity
Although the company originated in Sweden, they have seen outstanding success on an international level. They began exporting cars in 1955 and haven’t stopped since. In 1974, the United States was the company’s largest market. They were selling more cars in the U.S. than anywhere else in the world, which meant even more success. By 2018, they had opened a manufacturing plant in the U.S., which helped to reduce exportation costs.
The Chinese market also loved Volvo vehicles, enough so that they opened a manufacturing plant in Chengdu in 2013.
Currently, Volvo cars are sold in Europe, Asia, and the United States.
Sustainability
Sustainability has been a priority to Volvo since its origin. They focus on “climate action, circular economy, and ethical and responsible business.” By 2040, they hope to be climate neutral.
In 2019, Volvo created their first all-electric vehicle, the XC40, was released. It, like many of the other models, has proven to be a great success for the company. By 2030, the company has pledged to be completely electric. Currently, all their models are available in a hybrid or electrified version.
Find out more information about Volvo’s efforts in sustainability here.
Safety
In 1959, Volvo introduced something monumental and life-saving to the automobile world: it created the three-point safety belt. Forgoing the patent rights, the creators allowed other manufacturers to put them in their vehicles. According to Volvo, over one million lives have been saved because of their efforts. Shortly after the seatbelt was introduced, Volvo became the safety standard in the U.S. in 1976.
Currently, all the models are equipped with IntelliSafe safety and driver assistance technology with features like:
- Road Sign Information
- Oncoming Lane Mitigation
- Run-off Road Mitigation
- Lane Keeping Aid
- Driver Alert Control
Read more about Volvo’s safety efforts here.
Looking to sell a Volvo for Cash?
After learning all about how valuable Volvo cars are, are you looking to sell your old one? If so, let us help you. We can help you get the best value for your money with our services, leaving you with enough funds to purchase a brand new Volvo with ease. For more information on how to sell your Volvo with us, contact us here.
