Volvo Cars

On 14 April 1927, the first Volvo car, the ÖV4, with a four-cylinder engine, was produced in Gothenburg, Sweden, marking the beginning of Volvo's car manufacturing journey.

In January 1928, Volvo debuted its first truck, the 'Series 1', which was an immediate success and gained attention outside the country.

In 1929, Volvo introduced the six-cylinder PV651 model, which was larger than the Jakob model. The success of this model led to significant achievements for the company.

By the end of 1931, Volvo was able to return its first dividend to shareholders, marking a significant milestone in the company's financial success.

In May 1932, Volvo reached a significant production milestone of 10,000 cars, showcasing the company's growth and success in the automotive industry.

In 1933, Volvo unveiled their first luxury car, the PV645, as part of their efforts to diversify their business beyond trucks.

In 1935, Volvo purchased its engine supplier Pentaverken, which eventually evolved into Volvo Penta. Volvo Penta continues to manufacture engines for industrial and marine use.

In 1936, Volvo responded to dealer requests by introducing the PV 51 model, a more affordable car designed for the masses. It was a smaller and less equipped version of the PV36 model.

On September 1, 1944, Volvo unveiled the PV 444, a car that would make Volvo an international car company and symbolize post-war prosperity.

In 1950, Volvo acquired AB Bolinder-Munktell, a construction equipment manufacturer, which later became part of the VME Group, now known as Volvo Construction Equipment.

The Volvo 120, also known as the Amazon, was introduced in 1956. It was a popular model known for its safety features and accident protection.

The PV544 was launched in 1958 as a more modern version of the PV444 from the 1940s. It featured a larger, convex windscreen and a larger rear window for improved visibility.

In 1959, Volvo introduced the three-point safety belt, which is considered one of the most significant safety advancements in automotive history.

In 1960, Volvo replaced the P1900 with the highly successful P1800 sports car, known for its sleek coupe lines.

In 1963, Volvo opened the Volvo Halifax Assembly plant, their first assembly plant outside of Sweden, in Halifax, Canada.

In 1964, Volvo conducted tests on the world's first rear-facing child safety seat, a groundbreaking innovation in car safety. This innovation aimed to reduce injuries for young children during car rides.

In the 1970s, Volvo introduced the 240 range as a replacement for the 140 series, offering improved safety and quality features. This model contributed to Volvo's sales surpassing 4 million units by the end of the decade.

In 1972, Volvo introduced the industry's first rear-facing child seat, aimed at spreading the load and minimizing injuries to children. This innovative design set a new standard for child safety in vehicles.

In 1976, Volvo's safety reputation was solidified when the US Government selected the Volvo 240 for crash testing, leading to Volvo being recognized as the safety standard setter for new cars.

In 1978, the world's first belt positioning booster was invented, allowing older children to travel facing forward with increased protection and comfort, ensuring the seat belt was correctly positioned on their body.

In 1982, Volvo introduced the 700 Series, marking a significant advancement in the production of personalized high-quality cars.

In 1985, Volvo signed Swiss engine guru Ruedi Eggenberger to run its works team through Eggenberger Motorsport, leading to victory in the 1985 ETCC.

In 1986, Volvo contracted Belgian based team RAS Sport for the ETCC, achieving wins at various circuits, although some were disqualified due to fuel issues.

In 1990, Volvo Cars filed a lawsuit against Hong Kong-based Club Volvo for trademark infringement, leading to a settlement where the night club paid 1 dollar to Volvo Cars and changed its name to Club Borubo and later to Club Bboss.

In June 1991, Volvo introduced the Volvo 850, their first front-wheel-drive executive car featuring a transverse, five-cylinder engine. The vehicle was praised for its high safety standards and driving experience, earning numerous independent awards.

In 1993, Volvo's proposed merger with Renault collapsed in its final stages, leaving Volvo as one of the few independent car manufacturers. This event marked a significant turning point in the company's direction.

Three years later, in 1994, Volvo added the world's first side-impact airbags to their safety features, enhancing protection for occupants in case of side collisions.

In 1996, Volvo introduced the sleek and more rounded designs of the Volvo S40 and V40 as part of its new dynamic product strategy. This marked a shift towards modern and stylish vehicle offerings.

In 1997, Volvo introduced the C70 coupe and convertible, which blended the brand's safety and environmental values with a stylish and sporty design.

In 1998, Volvo introduced the S80 sedan, showcasing new engineering and design elements. The vehicle aimed to embody the founders' vision of producing safe and high-quality products while appealing to modern customers.

In 1999, Volvo Cars was sold to Ford Motor Company, allowing Volvo Group to focus on a strong position within logistics.

In 2000, Volvo Group sold its car division, Volvo Car Corporation, to Ford Motor Company for $6.45 billion, placing it within the Premier Automotive Group.

In 2001, Volvo introduced the I-Shift automated transmission, which revolutionized the industry by enhancing fuel efficiency and driver comfort.

In 2002, Volvo entered the SUV market with the introduction of their first SUV, the XC90. The mid-sized crossover SUV highlighted Volvo's commitment to safety, luxurious yet family-friendly interior, and versatility in handling various terrains.

On March 28, 2010, Ford Motor Company sold Volvo Cars to Geely for $1.8 billion, marking a change in ownership.

In 2013, Volvo inaugurated its first manufacturing plant outside Europe in Chengdu, China, marking a significant expansion of Volvo's production capabilities.

On November 20, 2017, Uber revealed its intention to acquire up to 24,000 Volvo cars equipped for autonomous technology between 2019 and 2021, with a focus on designing and implementing self-driving systems in the XC90 SUV.

In 2019, Volvo announced its plan to only produce fully electrified cars from 2040 onwards, with a commitment to stop producing internal combustion engine vehicles by then. This move signifies Volvo's strong push towards sustainable and eco-friendly transportation.

In December 2021, Volvo Cars revealed that the battery Research and Development center would be situated in Gothenburg, Sweden.

In February 2022, Gothenburg was chosen as the site for the battery gigafactory by Volvo Cars, solidifying its commitment to electric vehicle production.

By February 29, 2024, Volvo Cars had produced a significant number of cars, totaling 24,132,038 units. This marked a milestone in the company's production history.