China based Zhejiang Geely Holding Group has made it known that they intend to keep Volvo production a European affair should it purchase the Swedish automaker.

The Wall Street Journal reported earlier in the month however, that Geely would be building a new Volvo plant in China with the ability to put out 300,000 vehicles per year. They also said that within four or five years, Volvo’s annual sales rate could reach 1 million vehicles, compared with a recent rate of 400,000.

Though neither party involved has disclosed a sale price, media reports are suggesting a price closer to $2 billion; $4.45 billion less than what FoMoCo had actually paid for the swedish automaker.

A point of concern while hashing out this deal, has been the transfer of Volvo’s intellectual property rights. A Ford spokesman had commented earlier this week however, that they were confident that to was an issue that could be overcome, as it had been in Ford’s sale of Jaguar and Land Rover to Tata Motors Ltd.

- By: Stephen Calogera

Source: Reuters

FoMoCo led all automakers for the second year in a row with six 2010 models that made it onto the IIHS’ Top Safety Pick list, including four vehicles from Volvo, a brand that Ford is selling. For the first time in three years, none of Toyota’s vehicles made the list as tougher criteria cut down the selection from 94 last year to 27 this year.

“With the addition of our new roof strength evaluation, our crash test results now cover all 4 of the most common kinds of crashes,” says Institute president Adrian Lund. “Consumers can use this list to zero in on the vehicles that are on the top rung for safety.”

Subaru is the only automaker with a winner in all 4 vehicle classes in which it competes. Chrysler earns 4 awards, continuing a trend of improving the safety of its vehicles. Two new small cars, the Nissan Cube and Kia Soul also made the list for 2010. GM’s 2010 Buick LaCrosse and Chevrolet Malibu also made the cut.

Click through to see the full list.

ALL 27 WINNERS

Large cars
Buick LaCrosse
Ford Taurus
Lincoln MKS
Volvo S80

Midsize cars
Audi A3
Chevrolet Malibu (built after October 2009)
Chrysler Sebring (4-door with optional electronic stability control)
Dodge Avenger  (with optional electronic stability control)
Mercedes C class
Subaru Legacy
Subaru Outback
Volkswagen Jetta (sedan)
Volkswagen Passat (sedan)
Volvo C30

Small cars
Honda Civic 4-door models (except Si) with optional electronic stability control
Kia Soul
Nissan Cube
Subaru Impreza (except WRX)
Volkswagen (Golf 4-door)

Midsize SUVs
Dodge Journey
Subaru Tribeca
Volvo XC60
Volvo XC90

Small SUVs
Honda Element
Jeep Patriot (with optional side torso airbags)
Subaru Forester
Volkswagen Tiguan

- By: Omar Rana

Edward Cullen, the vampire in The Twilight Saga: New Moon, apparently fits the description of a perfect Volvo owner. Cullen, who is played by Robert Pattinson, will be driving a brand new Savile Grey XC60R in the sequel to the movie that hits theaters on Nov. 20.

“The brand DNA matched to [Cullen's] character couldn’t be more right,” Linda Gangeri, Volvo Cars of North America manager of national advertising said in an interview with Inside Line.” His character is a nurturer and he has to be understated, because he’s living in a human world and is in love with a human. At the same time, he wants something that is good-looking and fast.”

Volvo said that the placement of its vehicles in the Twilight series is helping attract female car shoppers. Gangeri said that Twilight fans consist of “90 percent female, ranging in age from 10 and up.”

Right. Either way, before you run out and try to be Edward, we’d just like to let you know that the XC60R is not available through Volvo Cars of North America right now.

- By: Kap Shah

Source: Inside Line

Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, which plans to purchase FoMoCo’s Volvo brand, has been working on a turnaround plan that will eventually double sales of the Swedish car brand to nearly 1 million vehicles a year. Under the plan, Geely is going to build a new plant for Volvo in China with an annual capacity of 300,000 vehicles, making use of China’s market potential and cheap labor.

Geely Automobile Holdings Ltd. of Hong Kong will also add two or three bigger and more luxurious models to Volvo’s lineup within the next three to four years.

The Chinese automaker is planning to sell 200,000 units a year in China, up from 12,600 units sold last year.

It forecasting selling nearly 1 million cars a year globally within the next four to five years – as compared to the recent annual sales of 400,000 units a year.

Last month, Ford confirmed Zhejiang Geely Holding Group is its preferred bidder for the possible sale of Volvo Car Corporation.

- By: Stephen Calogera

Source: Reuters

After all the spy shots and all the teasers, Volvo has released the first official pictures of its new 2011 Volvo S60 sedan that will go into production in early summer 2010 at Volvo’s Ghent, Belgium plant.

“The all-new Volvo S60 is sculpted to move you. It looks and drives like no other Volvo before and the car’s technology will help you to be safer and more confident behind the wheel,” says Stephen Odell, President and CEO of Volvo Cars.

The Volvo S60 also features a new safety technology called Pedestrian Detection – a groundbreaking safety feature that can detect pedestrians in front of the car and brake automatically if the driver does not react in time.

Volvo will show the 2011 Volvo S60 to the public for the first time at the 2010 Geneva Motor Show in early March. We’re just glad Volvo kept the design close to the S60 Concept.

2011 Volvo S60:

- By: Omar Rana

FoMoCo released a statement today announcing that Zhejiang Geely Holding Group is its preferred bidder for the possible sale of Volvo Car Corporation. Ford said that while it will be engaging in a more detailed and focused negotiation with Geely, no final decisions have been made.

“Ford’s objective in our discussions with Geely is to secure an agreement that is in the best interests of all the parties,” said Lewis Booth, Ford Motor Company executive vice president and chief financial officer. “Any prospective sale would have to ensure that Volvo has the resources, including the capital investment, necessary to further strengthen the business and build its global franchise, while enabling Ford to continue to focus on and implement our core ONE Ford strategy.”

Ford said that while it will not keep a shareholding in Volvo, it will cooperate with the Swedish brand in several areas after a sale.

“Ford believes Geely has the potential to be a responsible future owner of Volvo and to take the business forward while preserving its core values and the independence of the Swedish brand. But there is much work that needs to be completed in the more substantive discussions that are agreed to take place. We have no specific timeline to conclude the discussions.”

In a statement released earlier this morning Ford and Volvo said that they will maintain communications with key stakeholders, Volvo employees, unions and the Swedish government, during the negotiation process with Geely.

“Volvo’s management team welcomes today’s announcement as a positive step forward,” Volvo CEO Stephen Odell said. “At Volvo, we are continuing to keep our attention firmly fixed on engineering and building great Volvo cars, to reduce our cost base and to return the business to sustainable profitability at the earliest possible opportunity.”

- By: Omar Rana

Just last week we brought you updated details on the 2011 Volvo S60. Volvo announced today that it was recently testing its new Collision Warning system with Full Auto Brake and Pedestrian Detection in a disguised S60 prototype in Copenhagen. The technology will be introduced with the 2011 Volvo S60 next year.

“Factors like traffic behavior, road conditions and climate must be taken into account in the design of the final system,” says Thomas Broberg, Senior Safety Advisor at Volvo Cars. “All told we have collected more than 500,000 kilometers of real-life data. We can also use the information from these traffic tests to conduct advanced computer simulations.”

Check out a video of the Volvo S60 prototype in action after the jump.

Spy Shots: 2011 Volvo S60 Prototype:

Press Release:

Volvo Cars tests new, unique safety technology in Copenhagen – in a disguised S60 prototype

Recently, sharp-eyed citizens in Copenhagen have had the opportunity to get a sneak preview of the upcoming, sporty Volvo S60 – which won’t be introduced to the world until next year.

The new technology – Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake and Pedestrian Detection – will be introduced together with the all-new Volvo S60 in 2010. Volvo Cars’ safety experts have been working with Pedestrian Detection technology for ten years and test cars have been rolling all over the world – most recently in the busy streets of Copenhagen.

“Factors like traffic behaviour, road conditions and climate must be taken into account in the design of the final system. All told we have collected more than 500,000 kilometres of real-life data. We can also use the information from these traffic tests to conduct advanced computer simulations,” says Thomas Broberg, Senior Safety Advisor at Volvo Cars.

The next step – protecting the unprotected

The new safety functions in Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake and Pedestrian Detection represent the next stage in Volvo Cars’ continuous development of technology to detect risky situations and help the driver mitigate or avoid accidents by providing support in the decision-making process.

“The previous stages were developed to help the driver avoid collisions with other vehicles.

Now we are taking a giant step forward with a function that also boosts safety for unprotected road-users. What is more, we are advancing from fifty percent to full automatic braking power. To the best of our knowledge, none of our competitors have made such progress in this area,” explains Thomas Broberg. He adds:

“This technology helps us take an important step towards our long-term vision of designing cars that do not crash. Our aim for 2020 is that no-one should be killed or seriously injured in a Volvo.”

First a warning, then automatic braking

Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake and Pedestrian Safety consists of a new dual-mode radar unit integrated into the car’s grille, a camera behind the inside rear-view mirror and a central control unit. The radar and camera continuously monitor the road in front of the car. The radar’s task is to detect objects and measure the distance to them. The camera determines what type of objects they are.

In an emergency situation, the driver is first alerted by an audible warning together with a flashing light in the windscreen’s head-up display. In order to prompt an immediate, intuitive reaction, the visual warning is designed to look like a brake light coming on. If the driver does not respond to the warning and the system assesses that a collision is imminent, the car’s brakes are applied with full braking power.

“Active brake deployment requires that the object is confirmed by both the radar and the camera. Thanks to state-of-the-art sensor technology, it is now possible to engage full braking power,” explains Thomas Broberg.

Accidents with pedestrians common in urban traffic

In the EU countries’ capital cities, 1,560 people died in road accidents in 2007. Of these, 43 percent were pedestrians. The speed of the car is of considerable significance to the outcome of an accident and the risk of a pedestrian being killed in an accident at 50 kilometres per hour is 85 percent higher compared to if the speed is 25 kilometres per hour.

“Our aim is that this new technology should help the driver avoid collisions with pedestrians at speeds below 25 km/h. If the car is travelling faster, the aim is to reduce the impact speed as much as possible. In most cases, we can reduce the collision force by about 75 percent. Considering the large number of pedestrian fatalities that occur, if we manage to lower the fatality risk by 20 percent this new function will make a big difference. In specific situations the fatality reduction can be up to 85 percent,” says Thomas Broberg.

- By: Kap Shah

Volvo’s BMW 3-Series rival, the next-generation S60, will debut in spring 2010. Take off all the chrome and other bells and whistles on the S60 Concept and you have yourself the production model that will hit roads later next year.

The design was signed off under former head of design Steve Mattin. Mattin was replaced by returning Peter Horbury earlier this year.

“The new S60 has been nudged slap bang into BMW 3-series, Audi A4 and Mercedes C-class territory,” a source told CAR Magazine. “With the recent revisions and new engines, we now believe the S80 competes in the 5-series, A6 and E-class segment. At last there’s clear water between the two.”

While Ford is trying to get rid of Volvo, it still holds the keys to Gothenburg. The new S60 will get a range of 4, 5 and 6-clyinder choices from Ford’s stable and will also get a fuel-efficient DRIVe version. A couple months after the S60 makes its production debut, Volvo will get its first GTDi engine – the Swedish version of Ford’s EcoBoost engine.

Look out for the Volvo S60 in U.S. dealerships in September 2010.

- By: Kap Shah

Source: CAR

According to a report by The Financial Times, a U.S. led group has entered into a race with China’s Geely Automotive to purchase Volvo from FoMoCo. Geely Automotive confirmed its interest last month in the unprofitable Swedish car company.

Sources said that the Crown consortium has fully secured financing from U.S. private equity groups and is also seeking additional funding from Swedish investors to keep Volvo in Sweden. The Crown group is headed by formed Ford director Michael Dingman and former Ford and Chrysler executives Shamel Rushwin.

However, the Financial Times said that the Crown consortium had offered significantly less than Geely Automotive. Media reports have put the price tag of Volvo around $2.5 billion.

A Ford spokesman confirmed that a group is in discussion with interest in buying Volvo, but declined to identify the parties.

- By: Stephen Calogera

Source: Reuters

According to a report by Reuters, Goldman Sachs will invest $334 million in Geely Automobile Holdings of China that will boost the Chinese automakers global ambitions along with a potential bid to buy Ford’s Volvo brand.

“It’s a wise move for Geely as it can use the money to build up capacity and free up capital for its parent, which has publicly announced its interest in Volvo,” said Yi Junfeng, an analyst with Changjiang Securities.

It was reported earlier this month that Geely is interested in purchasing Volvo, which has been valued close to $2 billion. Geely said that it is interested in Volvo’s car business and not its truck business.

Geely also approached Magna International about a potential partnership on the Canadian company’s purchase of GM’s Opel brand.

Goldman could end up with 15.1 percent of Geely if it fully converts the bonds and warrants.

- By: Stephen Calogera

Source: Reuters

- Key Competitor: BMW 1-Series; Audi A3; Mini Cooper.
- Engines: Range consists of four diesel engines and five gasoline engines.
- Gasoline engines: T5 (2.5L) 230-hp – 27 mpg; 2.4i 170-hp – 28 mpg; 2.0 145-hp – 32 mpg; 2.0F (Flexifuel) 145-hp – 30 mpg 1.6L 100-hp – 34 mpg.
- Diesel engines: D5 (2.4L) 180-hp – 38 mpg; 2.0D 136-hp – 41 mpg; 1.6D DRIVe 109 hp – 52 mpg; 1.6D DRIVe start/stop 109 hp – 60 mpg.
- Transmissions: 6-speed manual gearbox is available for the T5 engine, D5 and 2.0D; 5-speed automatic transmission with Geartronic is available for the five-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines; 6-speed Powershift automatic is available for the 2.0D and 2.0 gasoline engines.

The 2010 Volvo C30 is sure to turn some heads here in Frankfurt with a new front fascia that is inspired by the S60 Concept. We have to give two-thumbs up to the model’s first ever total redesign and for the fuel-efficient powertrain lineup.

The only bone we have to pick with the C30 is that it is available in, 13 different exterior body colors, 11 different drivelines (manual/automatic transmission included), 11 different aluminum wheels, 27 upholstery choices and a whole bunch of other options, making 2,561,328 possible combinations. There’s just too much to choose from.

2009 Frankfurt Motor Show: 2010 Volvo C30:

2010 Volvo C30:

- By: Kap Shah

- Key Competitors: Mercedes-Benz CLK, Audi A5, BMW 3-Series Convertible.
- Engines and Fuel-Economy: 3 gasoline engines and 2 diesel engines.
- Gasoline engines: T5 230 hp – 26 mpg; 2.4i 170 hp – 26 mpg; 2.4 140 hp – 26 mpg.
- Diesel engines: D5 180 hp – 37 mpg; 2.0D 136 hp – 39 mpg.
- Performance: TBA
- Pricing: TBA

Volvo has unveiled the new C70 convertible here in Frankfurt and the 2010 model looks much sportier than the outgoing model. However, we have one bone to pick with the C70 as a whole. The current model is priced at $40,000, which we feel is way too much considering shoppers in the market have better options. Volvo has yet to announced any pricing details on the 2010 C70.

Oh, one more thing, taking down and putting up the roof takes 30 seconds, which is way to long for any convertible these days.

Follow through for the high-res gallery.

2009 Frankfurt: 2010 Volvo C70:

2010 Volvo C70:

- By: Omar Rana

If the 2010 Volvo C30 wasn’t sporty-looking enough for you, Volvo announced today that it will show the Volvo C30 R-Design at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show alongside the new C30 hatchback. Volvo says that the C30 R-Design is the closest “thing to a dedicated sports car in the Volvo model range” and we have to agree (from what see and read of course).

The new R-Design chassis is sharper, stiffer and more agile. Visually, the 2010 C30 R-Design will feature an all-new body kit with a redesigned front and rear. There is a R-Design badge on the front grille, door mirror housings finished in a special silk metal finish, front and rear spoilers, a tailgate spoiler, chrome-plated tailpipes and 7-inch 5-spoke Cratus aluminum wheels (18-inch available as an option).

The inside of the C30 R-Design also gets some upgrades with new upholstery color-combinations, R-Design emblems in the front seats, leather and aluminum trim gear lever knob, aluminum sports pedals, a leather sports steering wheel with the R-Design emblem, blue speedometer and rev counter gauges and much more.

We’ll try to grab you some live shots from Frankfurt tomorrow. Stay tuned.

Take the leap for the press release.

2010 Volvo C30 R-Design:

Press Release:

New Volvo C30 R-Design with sport chassis of top class

The Volvo C30 R-Design is the nearest thing to a dedicated sports car in the Volvo model range. The new chassis is considerably sharper, with stiffer, more distinct properties. And the exclusive extra equipment gives the C30 R-Design just the right attitude.

The biggest changes in the new Volvo C30 R-Design, which make its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in mid-September, are actually hidden beneath the skin. While the car’s extroverted body kit and design cues are easy to see, it is the chassis and the steering that have been the main focus of attention. The aim is to create a sporty driving experience and a sophisticated feeling of comfort.

“The new R-Design chassis builds further on the success of the sport chassis introduced in the Volvo S80 earlier in 2009. Although the actual properties differ between these two cars, we’ve had plenty of good experience on which to build further in the Volvo C30,” says Stefan Sällqvist, manager Vehicle Dynamics at Volvo Cars.

Significant changes to the sport chassis
In order to meet the high standards, the R-Design chassis has been modified in several areas. The steering is more precise owing to the installation of stiffer bushings. The steering ratio is lower, giving 10 percent faster response to steering wheel input. Spring stiffness has been increased by no less than 30 percent in order to increase the car’s poise in enthusiastic driving. The dampers are stiffer and are now of the exclusive mono-tube type that builds up pressure much more quickly. The roll stabilizers are stiffer to reduce any leaning tendency when taking corners.

The new sport chassis has made the C30 R-Design a better-balanced and more agile car. Road contact is more distinct and feedback from the wheels is faster and clearer, promoting a more alert feeling while driving. And that is something that also benefits safety.

“The driver should feel confident that the car will behave exactly as expected. That is an important part of our safety focus when we develop new chassis. This feeling of security also means the driver can fully enjoy the sporty driving characteristics,” says Sällqvist,

Good test results, clear differences
Volvo’s chassis experts have put the new R-Design chassis through a regime of intensive tests throughout Europe: On narrow, twisting lanes in England, at high speed on the German autobahn, on icy winter roads in the very north of Scandinavia and the results are highly gratifying.

“A customer who test-drives the new C30 R-Design will immediately feel the difference. Even before the car has covered fifty metres, the driver will be aware of the crisp steering and the distinct chassis response. We are very pleased with the result and have considerable hope that keen drivers will feel the same way,” continues Sällqvist.

New color-matched body kit
The most noticeable design change is an all-new body kit featuring a redesigned front and rear. The body kit is painted the same color as the rest of the body, giving a visual impression that the car has been lowered by much more than the actual 10 mm reduction in ride height. The new C30 R-Design is also equipped with five-spoke Cratus wheels, just like the rest of the R-Design range. The interior is now available with dramatic new black upholstery as an alternative.

C30 R-Design – an overview
The R-Design package allows customers the option of choosing between seven exterior body colours and offers a range of specially designed exterior and interior details.

Exterior:
* R-Design badge in the grille
* Grille and door mirror housings in special silk metal finish
* Body kit with front and rear spoilers, lower door trim moulding and side-skirts colour-matched to the rest of the body
* New 17-inch five-spoke Cratus aluminium wheels (18-inch optional)
* Tailgate spoiler
* Visible chrome-plated sports tailpipes (90 mm)

Interior:
* Upholstery in two colour combinations: cream-coloured leather with sides in dark grey Flex-Tec, or off-black leather with edges in off-black (new)
* Embossed R-Design emblem in the front seats
* R-Design centre stack and panel inserts
* Gear lever knob trimmed in leather and aluminium
* Sports pedals in aluminium, with rubber ribs
* Sports steering wheel trimmed in leather, with R-Design emblem
* Blue speedometer and rev counter gauges
* Textile floor mats with contrasting piping

R-Design attracts new customers
The R-Design appeals to the discerning younger customer segment that is looking for a personalised car with an exclusive, sporty nature. At the same time, R-Design has become a way for Volvo Cars to boost the company’s attractiveness as a brand and to enhance a more emotive connection to its products. And customer surveys show that this strategy is paying off. On some markets, no less than 80 percent of all C30 customers choose R-Design. A large proportion of these customers are under 35 years old. More than in any other instance, these are customers who have come from a different car make.

“What has enticed these customers to Volvo are the design and attitude of the R-Design model. In this way, R-Design has helped both increase our sales and bring down the average age of our customer base, both of which are very positive moves,” says Lennart Stegland, president of Volvo Special Vehicles.

- By: Kap Shah

As reported last month, China’s Geely Automotive seems to be the only company that has submitted a concrete bid for Ford’s Volvo brand. Geely Automotive confirmed that bid today saying that its parent wants to buy Volvo from Ford to give it access to Volvo technology that it needs to upgrade its cars.

Many analysts speculate that a small, home-grown company like Geely won’t be able to come up with the money to make an international bid, which the media has valued at close to $2 billion.

“I believe if Volvo is for sale and Ford has a global announcement, then our parent will participate,” CEO Gui Shengyue told Reuters. “It is interested in Volvo’s sedan business and not trucks.”

He declined to give a possible value on the bid but said Geely Holding is waiting for Ford to formally put up the ‘For Sale’ sign on Volvo.

- By: Stephen Calogera

Source: Reuters

Volvo is starting to incorporate the front-end design seen on its S60 Concept across most of its vehicle lineup. Joining the 2010 Volvo C70 next week at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show will be the new, facelifted 2010 Volvo C30 hatchback. Like the XC60 and the C70, the C30 gets a new sporty front end inspired by the S60 Concept.

Power comes from a range of four diesel engines and five gasoline engines. The diesel lineup kicks off with a 1.6D DRIVe start/stop model, which produces 109-hp and returns an estimated 60 mpg. The diesel range tops off with the C30 D5 model that makes 180-hp and return an estimated 38 mpg. The gasoline range starts off with a C30 1.6 model that produces 100-hp with estimated fuel-economy of 34 mpg. The range-topping gasoline C30 T5 pumps out a total of 230-hp while returning an estimated 27 mpg.

Buyers will now have the choice to pick from a new Orange Flame Metallic body color, visible exhaust tailpipes in the T5 and D5 models, two new wheel options for a total of 11, a choice of 5 different colors on the lower trim, 27 upholstery choices, 4 decor inlays in the centre stack, a roof hatch and 11 different drivelines (manual/automatic transmission included). In fact, Volvo says that buyers can pick from a total of 2,561,328 possible combinations from the new Volvo C30. Basically, picking out your perfect and unique Volvo C30 will now take longer with more possibilities than ever before.

Follow through for the press release and the high-res image gallery.

2010 Volvo C30:

Press Release:

The new Volvo C30 – with a sporty new front and even more choice

The new Volvo C30 steps out and shows the model’s full potential and personality. This can be seen in the fresh, self-assured design of the front. And it is emphasized by a wide range of options, including an urbane, bold accessory styling kit.

The C30 is Volvo’s most playful and spontaneous car model. It appeals to customers who spend most of their time in the city environment and who impose considerable demands on the car’s design, driving properties and personality. The Volvo C30 can be configured in an almost unlimited range of variants thanks to a wide selection of drivelines, design details and equipment levels. And the new C30, which makes its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show 2009, offers even more choice than before.

“Since its introduction in 2006, the Volvo C30 has become highly appreciated for its unique appearance. This applies in particular to the rear. With the new front, it feels as though everything has fallen neatly into place and that the car’s entire personality has been boosted to an entirely new level,” says Daniel Backman, Product Manager for the new Volvo C30.

The new exterior is also a better match for the way the C30 drives – challenging, direct and with a whole lot of attitude.” continues Daniel Backman.

Major exterior changes

The renewal of the Volvo C30 is more comprehensive than is usually the case with Volvo’s models. The entire front has been redesigned, including body panels such as the front wings. This gives the car a radical new appearance from the front, carving out a distinctive personality which clearly separates the new C30 from the Volvo S40 and V50.

“By integrating greater depth into the design language, the front has become more dramatic and expressive. Along with the angled lines of the front bumper, the new headlamps, drawn offset and up, reinforce the impression of speed and sportiness,” says Fedde Talsma, Exterior Chief Designer at Volvo Cars.

In the middle of the front is the new, larger iron mark just as in the rest of the Volvo range. The air intake has also grown in size and resembles the intake in the XC60. The grille has a new pattern used solely on the C30.

“The fact that the C30 has enhanced its visual volume and self-confidence is entirely in line with Volvo Cars’ design strategy. At the same time, the C30 has a one of a kind expression. The new honeycomb grille, for instance, means it takes just a quick glance in the rear-view mirror to see that the car filling your view is the new Volvo C30,” continues Fedde Talsma.

Although the biggest design changes have taken place at the front, the rear also sports the same deep new lines and detailing. The contours are wavier and more dynamic than before. The black plastic panels have been replaced with more body colour lower down, in the same or a contrasting colour, to forge a closer visual contact between the car and the road surface.

The other new exterior features:

* Elegant and trendy new body colour, Orange Flame Metallic

* Visible exhaust tailpipe in the T5 and D5 models

* Two new wheel options – and for the first time, white wheels are available!

* The option to choose five different colours on the lower trim – the C30 Contrast Colour Collection.

Matching interior updates

The new Volvo C30 also offers a range of new interior options. Among other things, there is now an all-new colour combination known as Espresso/Blond, consisting of a dark brown upper section and a blond, fresh shade on the lower door sides. The blond tone is somewhere between grey and beige and is an expression of Volvo’s strong Scandinavian design tradition. The Espresso/Blond interior permits the integration of energetic new highlight colours such as orange, green and blue in the fabrics, as well as a new colour for leather upholster, Cranberry.

“We know that a large proportion, almost half, of all C30 customers make detailed interior choices. They want to decide for themselves what their car should look like and are not interested in readymade packages. The new C30 gives them a range of fresh, modern style cues in terms of both colour and fabric to choose between,” explains Maria Uggla, Program Chief Designer Colour & Trim at Volvo Cars.

“We have also focused on making it easier for customers to match exterior design elements with interior trim in an attractive way, something that has been made that much easier with the new Espresso/Blond colour combination,” continues Maria Uggla.

Yet another new feature is the luggage compartment cover in the rear, which uses a new material and a new graphic pattern to further enhance the car’s modern image.

New centre stack – Oyster Burst Déco

Volvo’s special centre stack is already available in a range of innovative variants. Now another new option is being added, Oyster Burst Déco. Volvo’s design team was inspired by the surface texture of the classic Swedish Hagström guitars that enjoyed world renown in the hands of stars such as Elvis Presley back in the 1950s. Hagström used the word “burst” in many of its model names and gave their guitars a pattern that shifted subtly from light to dark and back again. Just like in the new centre stack of the Volvo C30.

New expressive accessory styling kit

The Volvo C30 also meets the wishes of buyers with a broader car design interest. A youthful new accessory styling kit with a bolder, less polished style gives the C30 even more attitude. The kit includes foglamp décor, a front skidplate, side scuff plates with engraved C30 logo and a rear skidplate with a stylish aluminium look. For D5 and T5 two 90 mm tail pipes in polished stainless steel are added to underline the powerful engine.

The exterior detailing is complemented by a dramatic interior where the pattern of the floor mats forms a world map. The aluminium centre stack, including inner door handles, is inspired by an ancient nautical chart and a sea adventure map. Its pattern shows longitude and latitude lines as well as dashed direction lines to further emphasise the explorer theme.

New sport chassis with excellent characteristics

The new optional sport chassis for the Volvo C30 is considerably sharper, with stiffer, more distinct properties than previously. The steering is more precise owing to the installation of stiffer bushings. The steering ratio is lower, giving 10 % faster response to steering wheel input. Spring stiffness has been increased by no less than 30 % in order to increase the car’s poise in enthusiastic driving. The dampers too are stiffer and are now of the exclusive mono-tube type that builds up pressure much more quickly. The roll stabilizers are stiffer to reduce any leaning tendency when taking corners. The new sport chassis is available in all C30 versions except for 1.6D DRIVe.

Drivelines – considerable freedom of choice here too

The Volvo C30’s sporty chassis and steering can be combined with a particularly wide range of drivelines covering the full spectrum of needs from sparkling acceleration and performance to diesel engines with class-leading low fuel consumption and environmental impact.

C30 DRIVe with start/stop function

As of spring 2009, the Volvo C30 1.6D DRIVe is available with an advanced start/stop function that switches off the engine when the car is at a standstill, for instance at traffic lights or in a traffic queue. This cuts fuel consumption to as little as 3.9 l/100 km while carbon dioxide emissions are just 104 g CO2/km, the lowest in this segment.

Engine range, Volvo C30

The figures below are for versions with a manual gearbox running in the mixed driving cycle.

Engine facts in brief:

* All the engines are extremely compact and installed transversely in the engine bay for the best possible safety and maximum cabin space
* Turbo technology is used in the T5 engine and all diesel engines to deliver the best possible performance
* A six-speed manual gearbox is available for the T5 engine, D5 and 2.0D
* A five-speed automatic transmission with Geartronic is available for the five-cylinder petrol and diesel engines
* A six-speed Powershift automatic is available for the 2.0D and 2.0 petrol engines (2.0 petrol only in Asia)
* A particle filter is standard on all diesel engines
* The 1.6 DRIVe with start/stop function has extremely low fuel consumption, 3.9 litres per 100 km

A few facts: the number of possible combinations, new Volvo C30

* The new Volvo C30 is available with a choice of 13 different exterior body colours and with the lower spoilers in five different colours. All told, there is a choice of 49 exterior combinations (previously 13 combinations)
* If the 11 different aluminium wheels are added, the customer now has 529 possibilities of creating a unique car
* The 27 upholstery choices (previously 15) now make 14,553 combination possibilities
* A choice of 4 decor inlays in the centre stack increases the range of combinations to 58,212
* Being able to specify the car with or without a rear spoiler doubles the number of configurations to 116,424
* The customer can specify a roof hatch – or not. The available variants have now increased to 232,848
* The C30 is available with eleven different drivelines (manual/automatic transmission included), making 2,561,328 possible combinations
* What is more, the Volvo C30 can be equipped with a choice of three different audio systems, a variety of safety and security functions, parking assistance, Bluetooth and so on to suit customer wishes
* All in all, there are so many unique variants that Volvo estimates that if every single person in Britain – about 60 million people – were to order a new Volvo C30, no two cars would have to be alike!

- By: Omar Rana

Volvo has dropped the top on the new Volvo C70 prior to its debut at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show later this month. The hard-top convertible, which features a three-piece steel roof, is Volvo’s first hint at implementing design elements from the S60 Concept that was unveiled in early 2009.

Volvo says that the C70 has been engineered to be one of the safest convertibles on the market, which is not a surprise when we hear of a new vehicle by the Swedish automaker. Power for the 2010 Volvo C70 comes from a range of three gasoline engines and two diesel engines. Outputs for the gasoline engines range from 140-hp to 230-hp, while the diesel line ranges from 136-hp to 180-hp.

Some convertible fans may disappointed that the Volvo C70 has to be at a complete standstill when the roof is raised or lowered. Also, the roof takes about 30 seconds to go down.

Pricing and availability information will be released at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

Click through for the high-res image gallery.

2010 Volvo C70:

2010 Volvo C70 Video:

Press Release:

The new Volvo C70 rewards the owner with extra self-assured elegance

The new Volvo C70 launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show in mid-September has the same smart three-piece steel roof, practical seating for four adults and world-leading convertible safety as before. With an updated design and elevated premium feel, the C70 also delivers an “I want” aura of absolute world class.

The Volvo C70 is in actual fact two attractive cars in one. It is as much an elegant coupe as it is a sporty convertible. With the same gentle, clean lines in both versions. Above all, however, the Volvo C70 is a car to enjoy. For people who reward themselves with the best in life.

“The Volvo C70 has classic convertible lines and a strong identity of its own. What we have done is to carefully redesign the front and rear so they harmonise more with both today’s and tomorrow’s Volvo models. We have also increased the exclusiveness of the materials and trim details to enhance the atmosphere of luxury and enjoyment inside the car,” explains Fedde Talsma, Exterior Chief Designer at Volvo Cars.

Modernised, self-assured front

With its new front, the Volvo C70 reveals traces of the S60 Concept Car that was unveiled in early 2009. Thereby the C70 is upgraded to relate more closely to the design language of the larger cars in the Volvo model range

Bodywork details such as the front wings have also been redesigned, contributing to the decidedly altered appearance. The nose is more wedge-shaped and has been given added three-dimensional depth by moving some elements of the front both longitudinally and vertically. The new headlamps and the décor around the foglamps, for instance, have been angled offset up and to the rear, at the same time as the detailing of the lower grille has been enhanced.

From head-on, the front forms an open, inviting “V”. The enlarged iron mark and the new, larger air intake reinforce the self-assured stance. Owners who want to be seen even more can specify a dramatic new red colour, Flamenco Red Pearl.

“The new C70 has a clearer, more pronounced face. The car’s natural elegance has been modernised so it blends seamlessly with the most up-to-date, the most sophisticated backdrops,” says Fedde Talsma.

Exclusive new rear design

The exclusive high-tech LED lamps, of the same type as found on the Volvo XC60, are the most noticeable update at the rear. The entire lamp unit is clearly integrated with the oval that frames the new C70’s rear panel.

As at the front, new lines and details in the bumper and elsewhere have been integrated to emphasise the depth and dynamism of the design language.

Interior that rewards the driver

The interior has been updated in several respects to create a unique ambience in the Volvo C70. The instrument panel has been redesigned, giving it a wider, sleeker look and the surface of the panel has a new texture that enhances the feeling of quality.

The exclusive new instruments, with gauges and graphics specific to the C70, are yet another example of how the car’s premium feel has been emphasised still further.

“We’ve focused the new interior features around the driver to give the owner a stronger perception of being rewarded behind the wheel. The seats are upholstered in a new type of soft hide and there is even better detail finish to make driving a more pleasurable experience than ever before,” continues Fedde Talsma.

World-leading safety among convertibles

The new Volvo C70 has been engineered as one of the safest convertibles on the market, as regards both preventive and protective safety. The car has an advanced body structure and several solutions that are unique in the world of open cars. The lack of a fixed roof has been compensated by structural reinforcements and sophisticated technology.

Protection in roll-over accidents

The Volvo C70 has sturdy metal hoops that shoot up behind the rear seat passengers to create added protective survival space should the car roll over. These hoops, which are part of Volvo’s Rollover Protection System – ROPS – are activated by a gyro-sensor. Since the Volvo C70 has a proper glass rear window, the hoops shoot up through the glass if the roof is up. They have therefore been fitted with small hardened metal spikes that break the glass to guarantee proper protective function.

Unique door-mounted inflatable curtain

One important part of the side-impact and rollover protection is the inflatable curtain, IC, which is installed in the door since there is no roof rail in which to fit it. The curtain has an extra-stiff design featuring twin rows of panels that are offset somewhat in relation to one another. As a result, the curtain can remain upright and help protect the head in an effective way even if the window is open. What is more, the curtain deflates slowly, helping to provide added protection should the car roll over.

Side-impact airbags and safety belt pre-tensioners for all seats

In addition to the inflatable curtains on either side, the front seat occupants also have side-impact airbags. The size of these bags is dimensioned to shield both the chest and hips. What is more, the inflatable curtain interacts with the belt pre-tensioners to contribute to the best possible protection for front seat occupants in a side impact or rollover situation. All four seats come with safety belt pre-tensioners.

Elegant three-part steel roof

The Volvo C70 transforms smoothly from a cosy coupe into an open convertible. Just press a button and the three-part steel roof folds quickly and silently away, disappearing neatly into the boot.

Facts about the roof of the Volvo C70:

* The car has to be at a standstill when the roof is raised or lowered
* The car only needs 2 metres of free vertical space when the roof is raised or lowered
* There is no need for extra space behind the car while the roof is being raised or lowered
* The roof takes about 30 seconds to open/shut (irrespective of climate)
* An electric motor, hydraulic pump and computer are used to open and shut the roof
* The boot lid has two opening modes: for handling of the roof or to provide access to the luggage compartment
* The roof is divided into three sections
* The roof panels are made of steel
* The seams between the sections are sealed with rubber
* The side windows slide up against the roof rail after roof closes.
* The boot lid is made of aluminium and steel
* The body’s torsional rigidity improves by about 15 percent when the roof is raised

Engine range, Volvo C70

Advanced engine and exhaust filtration technology means Volvo’s engines combine high performance with low environmental impact. The Volvo C70 is available with the following petrol and diesel engines. The fuel consumption and CO2 emission figures apply to versions with a manual gearbox running in the mixed driving cycle.

Petrol engines Power output Fuel consumption CO2
T5 230 hp/320 Nm 8.9 l/100 km 209 g/km
2.4i 170 hp/230 Nm 9.0 l/100 km 215 g/km
2.4 140 hp/220 Nm 8.9 l/100 km 212 g/km

Diesel engines Power output Fuel consumption CO2
D5 180 hp/400 Nm 6.6 l/100 km 174 g/km
2.0D 136 hp/320 Nm 6.0 l/100 km

- By: Omar Rana

It’s been a while since we’ve heard anything on Volvo’s bidding process. According to a report by Swedish business daily Dagens Industri, China’s Geely Automotive is the only company that has submitted a concrete bid for FoMoCo owned Volvo.

The publication said that an announcement of which suitor Ford has selected for the final takeover negotiations is expected next month.

“It is necessary if the deal is to be completed before the turn of the year, which Ford has set as a target,” the newspaper cited a source saying.

Money-losing Volvo was but up for sale last December. Ford said last month that is in discussions with a number of parties on Volvo.

- By: Stephen Calogera

Source: Retuers

Volvo has confirmed that it is working on an all electric-version of the C30 hatchback, which will make its debut at the Innovation for Life event held shortly after the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show next month.

“The all-electric C30 is a car we have talked about previously and formed the basis of the Recharge concept shown a few years ago,” Volvo told AutoCar. ”One of the cars that will be shown at the Innovation for Life event will be an all-electric C30 and that car will be driven.”

As of right now, the all-electric C30 is just a concept. Volvo said that it has no plans to put it into production… for now.

“It is an evaluation concept,” said the source. “It’s being worked on and is part of an ongoing evaluation and we will make a decision in the future.

- By: Stephen Calogera

Source: AutoCar