Today, Volvo is known worldwide for producing safe, innovative, and attractive cars. While you may be familiar with the latest Volvo vehicles on the market, the automaker has a unique history that car enthusiasts will enjoy learning about.
How Volvo Came to Be
Volvo was founded in 1927. The first Volvo, the OV4, rolled off the assembly line on April 14, 1927, in Gothenburg, Sweden. It set the precedent for many more years of quality vehicles to follow. Since then, Volvo has produced innovative vehicles emphasizing strength and safety. While Volvo first produced cars in Sweden, which is its country of origin, the automaker eventually moved into international markets as well. Volvo's debut as an international company came in 1944 with the introduction of a car called the "Little Volvo." This vehicle was both practical and symbolic in the post-war era of automobiles. In the first two weeks of the vehicle's production, over 2,000 people placed orders for the car.
Later, in 1955, Volvo started importing its vehicles to the U.S. The first Volvo arrived in Long Beach, CA, in August 1955. Within two years, Volvo was California's second-largest international importer of vehicles. By the mid-1970s, Volvo topped the list for international auto imports nationwide.
Safety First
Today, Volvo is known for producing some of the safest cars on the road, but it was also a pioneer of multiple safety "firsts" throughout history. In the 1950s, Volvo was the first auto company to create three-point safety belts. Over time, that seat belt design has saved over one million lives. Volvo later emerged as an icon of vehicle safety in the 1970s when one of its models, the Volvo 240, passed government safety tests with flying colors. As a result, Volvo was chosen to set safety standards for all new cars entering the U.S. market.
An Expanded Lineup
In keeping with modern times, Volvo entered the ever-popular SUV market in 2002. The automaker's first SUV was called the XC90. Although it was a first of its kind for Volvo, the XC90 proved to be a hit when it first arrived on the market. In addition to being a popular car, the XC90 quickly became a best seller for the company, and it's still a solid choice today.
If you're looking for a Volvo or more Volvo history, please contact our Volvo dealership for more information.
