Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Acknowledges Volvo C70's Safety Systems

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety recently conducted its first crash tests of several convertibles and has awarded the Volvo C70 as one of their 'Top Safety Picks'.  "For more than 80 years, Volvo has built cars with Safety in mind," states Anne Bélec, President and CEO, Volvo Cars of North America. "We are extremely pleased to have done well in the Institutes' testing program. From the very start of our modern convertible program, our goal was to bring advanced technology and engineering skills into this flagship vehicle."

The hot-selling Volvo C70 arrived in the U.S. market in 2006 and has set the benchmark for convertible safety in regards to occupant protection with a number of safety systems, including the unique Inflatable Curtain for side impact protection, the use of multiple grades of steel for frontal and rear collisions, and Volvo's Roll Over Protection System (ROPS).

 Safety Inside

The C70 comes standard with Volvo's newest addition to side impact protection, the Inflatable Curtain (IC) "As there are no roof members to which the curtain can be attached it is mounted in the door," noted Skogsmo. "When activated it is directed upwards." The curtain has an extra stiff construction with double rows of slats that are slightly offset from each other. This allows them to remain upright and offer effective head protection even with the window open. The curtain also deflates slowly to provide protection should the car roll over. This is a unique solution in the automotive world.

In addition to the inflatable curtain, the passengers in the front seat have side impact airbags, the size of which is adapted to cover both the chest and hip areas. The inflatable curtain interacts with the seat belt pretensioners to help provide maximum protection for the front seat occupants in a side impact or a rollover accident. All four seats are equipped with pretensioners.

The Volvo system for avoiding neck injuries - WHIPS (Whiplash Protection System) - is one of the most effective on the market and is also standard in the all-new Volvo C70. In the event of a powerful rear-end collision the backrests and head restraints in the front seats follow the movements of the seat occupant's body.

The three-piece steering column is designed to pivot up and collapse away from the driver through the use of a pyrotechnically charged separation bolt. This helps to better position the air bag deployment process for pending contact with driver.

All four seating positions feature pyrotechnically pretensioned seat belts with a spool-out function. Not only will this new system help restrain the user, it allows for slower forward acceleration of the human body.

 Safety Outside 

First seen on the Volvo S40 sport sedan, the C70 continues the use of utilizing different grades of steel to helps control impact energy in the event of a collision. The C70 has a unique front energy absorbing structure that uses three additional grades of steel aside from the regular bodywork steel: High Strength Steel, Extra High Strength Steel and Ultra High Strength Steel. When combined in different structural elements, the C70 maintains excellent low- and high-speed deformation as witnessed by the Institutes' frontal crash testing.

The all-new Volvo C70 is designed to provide effective protection in the event of a rear-end collision as well. The rear longitudinal members deform in a controlled way. They are linked to the body sills to distribute the collision forces forward into the body structure. A large horseshoe-shaped member behind the rear seats and a double metal wall behind the backrests contribute to reducing the risk of intrusion into the passenger compartment. If the top is stowed in the down position, it works together with the double wall to absorb the collision forces.

The Rollover Protection System (ROPS) popup bars are also pushed upwards in the event of a rear-end collision. The aim is to reduce the risk of the passengers being hit by flying objects from the car behind.

 Volvo's Convertible Safety Heritage

Volvo's first C70 Convertible arrived in 1998 with an impressive array of safety systems. It was the first use of Ultra-High Strength Steel (UHSS) to strengthen selected structural elements. UHSS would later migrate into the XC90 SUV and into subsequent vehicles. "We found this material to be extremely hard, fatigue resistant and added protection without adding significantly to vehicle weight," states Ingrid Skogsmo, Director of Safety, Volvo Car Corporation. UHSS was used to strengthen the 'A' pillar, and when combined with a High Strength Steel tube insert, the 'A' pillar could support the vehicle weight during most types of roll-over accidents. 

This first C70 also featured a unique three-piece steering column, pyrotechnic pretensioned front seat belts, Side Impact Protection system which featured used of UHSS in the 'B' pillar area, Side Impact Air Bags, and Rollover Protection pop-up roll bars.

 About Volvo Cars of North America

Volvo has been building cars with Safety in mind for 80 years. The current 2007 model line-up of Volvo Cars includes the award-winning S40 and its wagon counterpart the V50; the award-winning XC90; the sporty S60 sedan; the all-new S80 luxury sedan; the versatile V70 wagon and rugged XC70 (Cross Country); and the C70 convertible with the innovative retractable hardtop.

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ALL-NEW VOLVO XC70: REFINING THE PACKAGE OF SUCCESS

When the first XC model from Swedish auto marque Volvo took to the American roads in 1997, sales success and an entirely new Cross Country segment soon followed. 

Ten year later, the third-generation XC70 makes its North American debut by rolling into the spotlight at the New York International Auto Show.  The original recipe is still intact, but now Volvo's crossover vehicle has added luxury as well as even greater capabilities for adventure. 

The original XC exceeded Volvo's sales expectations largely based on the vehicle's appeal to consumers in the United States.  For them, the XC70 served the functionality of an SUV, while providing the distinctive Volvo feel of a true premium car.  The term "crossover" emerged. More

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Volvo Models Best in Interior Air Quality According to New Study

      An independent survey carried out by the Ecology Center in Detroit shows that the interiors of Volvo’s cars emit lower levels of toxic substances than other car makes.

      The Ecology Center recently presented a study (Toxic at Any Speed: Chemicals in Cars & the Need for Safe Alternatives) of the toxic chemicals used in building car interiors. Flame retardant PBDE and phthalates, whose main use is as a softener in plastics, were included in the study. These chemical substances can migrate from plastics and textiles, particularly at high temperatures. The car’s occupants may thus be exposed to these substances, for instance through the respiratory system. Certain types of phthalates and flame retardants can for instance promote genetic mutations and can subject car occupants to health hazards. The survey reveals that the concentrations of PBDE in dust and on the windscreen are up to five times higher than in the homes of most people, and since many people today spend a lot of time in their cars, car interiors thus have a significant effect on human health.  For More

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Volvo iPod Adapter - Volvo opens up to iPod users

Now it will be possible for iPod users to plug their entire music archive into their Volvo’s audio system. Together with supplier PhatNoise Inc and Apple, Volvo Cars has developed an adapter kit for installation in the Volvo S80 from model year 1999 on and in the S60, V70 and XC70 from model year 2001.

     iPod is the world's number one digital music player and allows music lovers to carry their entire music collection with them on the go.  Now with the Volvo iPod Adapter, they can play their music in their Volvo. 

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Volvo Seats Get Top Scores in 2006 Thatcham Whiplash Tests

      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.  Story

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JAGUAR LEADS JD POWER REPORT

     The latest report from JD Power concerns the customers' satisfaction with the sales experience in the dealership – SSI, Sales Satisfaction Index.

     The 2005 survey was fielded in September and is based on responses from 37,296 buyers and lessees of new vehicles in the US.

     Jaguar and Lexus shared number one last year but in the 2005 survey Jaguar manages to keep the first position with 889, while Lexus is now second with 888 points. Buick and Porsche share third place. Story

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Volvo XC90 recommended by American Consumer Guide 2006 

Volvo XC90 has named Recommended in the Premium Midsize SUV category by the American Consumer Guide 2006.

     The yearly consumer guide announces cars and trucks which represent the best overall values in 16 model categories. The 2006 list has 45 vehicles ranked as Best Buys and the same amount of vehicles as Recommended.

     "We drive these vehicles as their owners would, on highway trips, in stop-and-go city driving, for weekend shopping," says Consumer Guide® Automotive Publisher Frank Peiler.

     "That helps us arrive at real world conclusions about them. We also take into account such factors as reliability records, fuel economy, and resale value before we announce a Best Buy or Recommended award." Respected for its experience and objectivity, Consumer Guide® Automotives staff test drives more than 200 new vehicles annually. It divides the automotive market into 16 classes based on vehicle type, size, and price. The segments cover the hundreds of cars, SUVs, minivans, and pickup trucks on sale in the U.S.

     From these, Consumer Guide® Automotive has selected 45 models as 2006 Best Buys--the publication's highest accolade. A Best Buy represents the finest balance of attributes within its class.

The Volvo XC90 was recommended by the Consumer Guide2006.

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The all new Volvo C70 – both convertible and coupe!

     It’s ready to take its place in the sun – the all new Volvo C70.  Which also doubles as a coupe! Thanks to a unique three-piece retractable hardtop, customers of the second-generation Volvo C70 can enjoy life without compromise – whether the top is up or down.

     “We’ve succeeded in creating an attractive convertible which, at the mere touch of a button, converts into an equally elegant coupe. The customer gets two cars in one. Both with space for four adults,” says Volvo Cars President and CEO Hans-Olov Olsson. Story

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Volvo XC90 V8 – power and pleasure also in extreme winter conditions 

      The new V8 model reinforces the Volvo XC90’s position as one of the most successful SUV models in the premium segment – and the new XC90 V8 is comfortable in all driving conditions, no matter if we are talking about hot deserts or the extreme winter above the Polar Circle.

     The entirely new power train combines power and pleasure with a stable and predictable behavior also in the toughest conditions

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Volvo cars aims for environmental leadership in the premium segment 

Environmental care has top priority

• Volvo aims to be one of the environmental leaders in the premium segment
• Innovative technology makes Volvo cars Clean Inside and Out

      Environmental leadership means setting priorities. Volvo has a tradition of environmental care, of providing environmental alternatives today and of dedication to future commitments. This holistic approach gives Volvo Cars an excellent position in the quest for environmental leadership in the future.

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Volvo V50 Awarded Prestigious Golden Steering-Wheel Trophy

     The Volvo V50 has been awarded the “Goldenes Lenkrad” (Golden Steering-wheel), a trophy instituted by the German paper “Bild am Sonntag”. This is the second time a Volvo has been awarded the prestigious award

     “This is a great honor and most rewarding for us”, said a proud Hans-Olov Olsson, President and CEO of Volvo Car Corporation at the prize giving ceremony in Berlin.

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Volvo seat is benchmark for Whiplash Protection

     All Volvo's car models tested by the International Insurance Whiplash Prevention Group (IIWPG) were found in the best class. Volvo Car Corporation was the only manufacturer to have their entire range achieves the best class rating. 

     "We are very pleased that the Volvo cars have performed in line with our expectations", says Ingrid Skogsmo, Safety Director at Volvo Car Corporation." Tests only show a sliver of what happens in real life. However, this is one of several results that confirm Volvo has the right approach to help reduce neck injuries in rear impacts."

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LAND ROVER LR3 WINS PRESTIGIOUS 2005 MOTOR TREND SUV OF THE YEAR

     The all-new LR3 was named Motor Trend’s 2005 Sport/Utility of the Year. Motor Trend editor-in-chief, Angus MacKenzie, presented this prestigious award to Mike O'Driscoll, president, Aston Martin Jaguar Land Rover, at the California International Auto Show in Anaheim, California.

    Criteria for the award included a series of comprehensive evaluations and grueling tests—including street, track, and off-road—administered to each of the seven entrants. In addition to LR3, contenders included Chevrolet Equinox, Ford Escape Hybrid, Ford Freestyle, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Infiniti QX56 and Nissan Pathfinder.

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All new Volvo S40 sees stars as it aces NHTSA side impact crash test; Sales up over 29 Percent month-to-date

     The crunch of steel and shattering glass can be one of the most horrific memories of an automobile accident. Unless, of course, the accident isn't really an accident; but instead a highly structured test being conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). That was exactly the case recently when NHTSA completed its side impact protection test of the all-new Volvo S40 sport sedan.

     The results: 5 stars for the driver; 5 stars for the passenger. The highest rating the U.S. Government organization grants to passenger vehicles.

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New Volvo S40 Earned Top Results in 4 Crash-Tests

    The all-new Volvo S40 combines everything today's car buyer is looking for: Not only exceptional value, vibrant design, style and exhilarating driving characteristics, but also class-leading safety.

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Volvo Cars 'Best Manufacturer' in New British Insurance Car Security Awards

Volvo Cars - "Best Manufacturer"
Volvo C70: 2nd in 'Convertible/Roadster' class
All-new Volvo S40 and V50, plus S40/V40 Classic: 2nd in "Family car" class

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Long Anticipated – Now Available: Jaguar /Land Rover Military Sales Program

     Overseas service life offers experiences and benefits that most people back home can’t even imagine, such as the Jaguar/ Land Rover Military Sales program. It is a professional organization with international networks and local outlets in Germany, Iceland, Spain and UK. 

All Jaguar/Land Rover Military Sales dealerships are close-by US-Military bases in the respective countries

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