Volvo was first incorporated in 1915 as a subsidiary of a Swedish ball-bearing manufacturer, AB SKF. The name, which means “I roll” in Latin was first registered in 1911 for use with a special ball-bearing product. Eventually, however, the Swedish company elected to use SKF for all ball-bearing product and release use of the Volvo brand for engines, automobiles, etc.
Serious efforts to develop an automobile using Swedish steel that could withstand the rigors of winter in Sweden. SKF Sales Manager Assar Gabrielsson and Gustav Larson, an engineer are generally acknowledged to creators of the brand. Their first cars rolled off the assembly line in 1927. The Volvo OV4 takes its name from the open carriage design of the car and its 4 cylinder engine. Although the car was scheduled to make its debut on April 13, 1927 the launch was delayed one day when an engineer working on the project put the first car in gear only to have it drive in reverse. The problem was traced to incorrect fit of a differential gear in the rear axle, the issue was corrected and Volvo was born for marketing purposes on April 14, 1927.
Initial plans called for 500 of the open carriage OV4 to be built. Sales were slower than expected, however, so Volvo quickly switched its focus to a closed carriage version known as the PV4. By 1929 the brand had added a t 6 cylinder engine. Taxis and 1.5 ton trucks were added to the line in the late 1920’s. By 1932 the company was profitable, producing over 900 cars each year from its own factory. By 1930, trucks were being exported from Sweden to other parts of Europe but economic conditions slowed growth of the brand overall.
Since Sweden was perceived as neutral during WWII, Volvo was able to continue producing vehicles. However, volumes dropped significantly from nearly 2,900 cars in 1939 to a low of only 99 in 1942. Trucks continued to outsell cars and Volvo cars were not really known outside of Sweden until after conclusion of the war.
Volvo developed an image as a conservative vehicle, which the company tried to counter during the late 1950s and into the 1960s. For example, the P1800 coupe was initially designed by Italian automakers. The cars were original made of pressed steel in England but demand eventually justified a shift back to Sweden. This same P1800 became the vehicle used in The Saint detective movies, and their connection with lead actor Roger Moore gave the brand a more contemporary, cool image.
The Swedish government backed a new factory which opened in 1964. During the 1960’s Volvo saw cars being produced in Sweden, Canada and Belgium. The millionth car was produced and by 1974 diesel and turbocharged engines were offered. By 1983, output grew to five million cars and Volvo’s vehicles were generally known as angular, durable, somewhat luxurious vehicles with above average safety features.
In 1999, Volvo was purchased by Ford Motor Corp and it is unclear how the brand will be managed as Ford emerges from bankruptcy. Today the Volvo line continues to be known for its outstanding safety features, but the blocky look has been replaced with smoothly curving lines, and even convertibles. The cars also carry a reputation for reliability, but in general it may be best to take your vehicle to a
Volvo specialist for major mechanical work.
