Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[More Bulk Store Buying: Costco and Volvo team up to sell cars]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/15/more-bulk-store-buying-costco-and-volvo-team-up-to-sell-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/15/more-bulk-store-buying-costco-and-volvo-team-up-to-sell-cars/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/15/more-bulk-store-buying-costco-and-volvo-team-up-to-sell-cars/#commentsFiled under: ,

2010 Volvo XC60 - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's the holiday season and that means shopping and deal-finding is at a premium. A trip to warehouse stores Costco or Sam's Club will likely net you some tidy deals on anything from eggs and Hot Pockets to a Jacuzzi or even a casket. Even carmakers are getting in on the dealmaking, as a recent promotion with Mitsubishi and Sam's can attest. Not to be outdone, Costco is also getting in on the act.

The warehouse store and Sweden's Volvo are collaborating on a promotion for the XC60, XC70 and XC90 that includes discounts and a $500 Costco card which comes six-to-eight weeks after purchase. Customers who purchase an XC60 from Costco also get Volvo employee pricing. Buyers of the XC70 and XC90 will receive an additional $500 off. The deals being offered through Costco are in addition to any dealer incentive programs that are currently available.

We find it rather amusing that the promotion is only for Volvo crossovers - and yet it makes complete sense at the same time. Shopping at Costco practically necessitates driving a large vehicle while a quick glance at any warehouse store parking lot reveals a sea of trucks, SUVs and minivans. At least Volvo appears to be properly targeting Costco's customer base.


Gallery: Review: 2009 Volvo XC60


Photos by Chris Paukert / Copyright (C)2009 Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: Costco]

More Bulk Store Buying: Costco and Volvo team up to sell cars originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Dec 2009 10:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Volvo XC602010 Volvo XC702010 Volvo XC902010VolvoXc602010VolvoXc702010VolvoXc90costco rebatecostco saleCostcoRebateCostcoSalevolvoVolvo XCvolvo xc60volvo xc70volvo xc90VolvoXcVolvoXc60VolvoXc70VolvoXc90XC60XC70XC90Tue, 15 Dec 2009 10:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Volvo prices 2011 C30 T5 from $24,600, C30 T5 R-Design at $26,950*]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/volvo-prices-2011-c30-t5-from-24-600-c30-t5-r-design-at-26-95/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/volvo-prices-2011-c30-t5-from-24-600-c30-t5-r-design-at-26-95/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/volvo-prices-2011-c30-t5-from-24-600-c30-t5-r-design-at-26-95/#commentsFiled under: , ,

2011 Volvo C30 T5 R-Design - click for high-res gallery

Possibly the biggest news to come out of Volvo's announcement of pricing for the 2011 C30 is that there is going to BE a 2011 C30. We ogled the nipped and tucked C30 T5 in Frankfurt and came away even more smitten than before with Volvo's neo-brake. The revised fascia and nipped and tucked bumpers bring the C30 into line with the future of Volvo design, however shaky that may be.

It's hard to deny the allure of the stylish little dumpling, and it won't even break the bank. Available in the United States exclusively in T5 trim for 2011, $24,600 (plus *$850 for destination and delivery charges) will get you into the Swedish hatch with a 227 horsepower inline-five hooked to a six-speed manual. If the swoopy Swede isn't enough for you in stock trim, the C30 T5 R-Design brings lowered ride height and a monochromatic bodykit that makes the car look like it's hunkered way down over its new 18-inch wheels.

The best part of the R-Design package are the suspension tweaks. Volvo says the stiffer bushings make the steering more direct and the rack's ratio is faster, too. Spring rates are up, and both the dampers and the swaybars have been stiffened, as well. Sounds expensive, doesn't it? Not so much - $26,950 (plus $850 D&D) strikes us as a small bargain for the nattily styled Volvo hatch with sharpened teeth. Of course, that's before a visit to Ye Olde Options List, where the bottom line can get pretty daunting pretty quickly. Press release posted after the jump.


Gallery: 2011 Volvo C30 T5 R Design


Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Volvo C30


[Source: Volvo]

Continue reading Volvo prices 2011 C30 T5 from $24,600, C30 T5 R-Design at $26,950*

Volvo prices 2011 C30 T5 from $24,600, C30 T5 R-Design at $26,950* originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 volvo2011 volvo c302011Volvo2011VolvoC30volvovolvo c30Volvo C30 Hatchbackvolvo c30 pricevolvo c30 r-designvolvo pricingvolvo r-designVolvoC30VolvoC30HatchbackVolvoC30PriceVolvoC30R-designVolvoPricingVolvoR-designMon, 14 Dec 2009 16:01:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Former Volvo directors and politicians fear sale to BAIC]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/report-former-volvo-directors-and-politicians-fear-sale-to-baic/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/report-former-volvo-directors-and-politicians-fear-sale-to-baic/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/14/report-former-volvo-directors-and-politicians-fear-sale-to-baic/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Back in October, Ford anointed China's Geely Holding Group as its preferred bidder for Swedish Automaker Volvo. The move made perfect sense for Ford, simply because Geely was offering money and the recent happenings in the auto industry proved that, beyond the shadow of a doubt, you can never have too much money. But it should come as a surprise of nobody that there is a significant delegation of past and present members of Volvo management that aren't all that thrilled with being engulfed by an up and coming Chinese company.

Sweden news site The Local is reporting that eight former Volvo directors have collaborated on a letter to Ford Chairman Bill Ford Jr. asking the Blue Oval to reconsider a sale to Geely. The letter reportedly states that Geely doesn't have the technical competence to keep the Swedish automaker going. The letter also allegedly stated that Volvo is concerned about technical details being leaked to Geely -- a situation Ford likely wouldn't be too happy with.

While past Volvo directors appear to be very concerned about the prospect of Geely taking over the company, current Volvo management is speaking out in favor of the deal. That's probably a good idea considering the real possibility that the Chinese automaker could soon be the masters of the current management's future with the safety-oriented automaker. Politicians are getting in on the debate as well, as democrats are reportedly likening ceding control of Volvo to Geely to selling the company to China and to Communism.

[Source: The Local | Image: Olivier MorinN/Getty/AFP]

REPORT: Former Volvo directors and politicians fear sale to BAIC originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 08:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fordford geely volvoFordGeelyVolvogeelyVolvovolvo saleVolvoSaleMon, 14 Dec 2009 08:59:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Even while pursuing Volvo, Geely again mulling bid for Saab?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/report-even-while-pursuing-volvo-geely-again-mulling-bid-for-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/report-even-while-pursuing-volvo-geely-again-mulling-bid-for-s/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/07/report-even-while-pursuing-volvo-geely-again-mulling-bid-for-s/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Just about every time an automaker decides to sell one of its brands, Chinese automaker Geely comes up as one of the potential suitors. Geely executive Lawrence Ang has reportedly told Automotive News that the reason Geely has been present at a lot of negotiating tables is because it wants to grow in part through acquisitions. And while the Chinese automaker has yet to finalize any big-ticket buys, it appears to be the front-runner for Ford's Volvo unit.

Earlier in the year, Geely looked into purchasing the Saab brand, but talks reportedly broke down after Koenigsegg presented what appeared to be the winning bid. But now that Koenigsegg has dropped out of the Saab sweepstakes, the door is open again for Geely. Is the Chinese automaker interested? Ang reportedly gave reporters at a shareholder event the ambiguous "who knows?" as an answer, but he also acknowledged that the company is investigating buying opportunities which have presented themselves during the automotive industry downturns in Europe and the States. Geely is also reportedly interested in purchasing parts and engines, which could be possible if General Motors decides to disband Saab if an adequate bid doesn't present itself by year-end.

While Geely appears to be close to purchasing Volvo and is perhaps in a good position to pick up Saab for a song, the automaker is also looking to increase its presence in its home market. Automotive News is reporting that Geely will increase spending by up to 43% in hopes of increasing sales from 300,000 in 2009 to over 400,000 next year.

[Source: Automotive News - subs req'd | Image: AFP/Getty]

REPORT: Even while pursuing Volvo, Geely again mulling bid for Saab? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 Dec 2009 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinachinese automakerChineseAutomakergeelygeneral motorsGeneralMotorsgmgm saab saleGmSaabSalesaabsaab saleSaabSalevolvovolvo saleVolvoSaleMon, 07 Dec 2009 13:58:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: U.S consortium now in lead for Volvo purchase]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/report-u-s-consortium-now-in-lead-for-volvo-purchase/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/report-u-s-consortium-now-in-lead-for-volvo-purchase/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/12/03/report-u-s-consortium-now-in-lead-for-volvo-purchase/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Just about a month ago, news hit the interwebs that Chinese automaker Geely officially became Ford's preferred bidder for Volvo once concerns over intellectual property were sorted out. Today, though, we're hearing that Crown, a consortium led by former Ford director Michael Dingman, former Ford and Chrysler LLC executive Shamel Rushwin and ex-Volvo CEO Roger Holtback, is gaining momentum in its bid for the Swedish automaker after submitting a revised proposal.

If reports from The Wall Street Journal and Reuters are accurate, Crown's new bid is "on par" with Geely's $1.8 billion offer and is backed by both Swedish and Chinese investors and banks. Not surprisingly, Ford has yet to comment on the speculation, though it has said that talks with Geely are already at an advanced stage. Stay tuned.

[Sources: The Wall Street Journal; Reuters]

REPORT: U.S consortium now in lead for Volvo purchase originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blue ovalBlueOvalcrowncrown volvocrown volvo bidCrownVolvoCrownVolvoBidfordford motorford motor co.FordMotorFordMotorCo.geelygeely volvogeely volvo bidGeelyVolvoGeelyVolvoBidMichael DingmanMichaelDingmanroger holtbackRogerHoltbackShamel RushwinShamelRushwinvolvoThu, 03 Dec 2009 15:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Rendered Speculation: Return of the R for Volvo?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/rendered-speculation-return-of-the-r-for-volvo/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/rendered-speculation-return-of-the-r-for-volvo/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/16/rendered-speculation-return-of-the-r-for-volvo/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Swedespeed has asked the question that anyone who follows Volvo is thinking: Will R cars return? After a tumultuous last couple of years that saw the Swedish brand suffer falling sales amidst parent company Ford's effort to sell the brand to the highest bidder (it's looking like Chinese automaker Geely at the moment), Volvo has gotten as far away from producing performance automobiles as a brand can. All the while, its competition from Germany, Japan and the U.S. have augmented their luxury lines with mid-level or super high-performance cars like the BMW 335i/M3, Audi S4/RS4 and Cadillac CTS-V. Volvo, meanwhile, put all its egg into a basket that touted refined design and safety. Unfortunately, every player in these segments has upped the ante with their designs and superior safety is no longer an island on which Volvo finds itself alone.

So back to the R cars. Volvo had some success with the 850R in the mid-Nineties, which was a mildly hotter version than the standard box sedan on which it was based. After that, the P2-gen S60R and V70R were downright scorchers with a complex Haldex all-wheel-drive system, 300-hp motor, adjustable 4C suspension and Brembo brakes. But then the R cars disappeared and were replaced by "R Design" packages that offered all of the visual potential for high performance but little else.

Swedespeed decided that proper R cars should return with the arrival of the all-new S60, and rather than being blow-the-doors-off quick, should offer mid-level performance like the original 850R did. What you see above is their rendered speculation of a reborn S60R. Click here to read more about it and catch an extra view. We think they're spot on and would love to see Volvo return to building R cars that make us think of more than safety and design when we're behind the wheel.

[Source: Swedespeed]

Rendered Speculation: Return of the R for Volvo? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>s60s60rvolvovolvo s60volvo s60rVolvoS60VolvoS60rMon, 16 Nov 2009 18:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Geely looking for 1M units from Volvo, plans Chinese factory]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/15/report-geely-looking-for-1m-units-from-volvo-plans-chinese-fac/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/15/report-geely-looking-for-1m-units-from-volvo-plans-chinese-fac/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/15/report-geely-looking-for-1m-units-from-volvo-plans-chinese-fac/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Should Geely succeed in its bid to purchase Volvo, the Chinese automaker does not plan to spend any time playing in its new Swedish sandbox. Ford moved about 380,000 Volvos around the world last year; Geely wants to sell 2.5 times that amount within five years. How so? By injecting "two or three bigger, more luxurious cars" into the lineup and working its home market of China, which Geely feels could be unlocked for 200,000 vehicles alone. Those units could be supplied by a Chinese factory capable of making 300,000 cars per year and would presumably be larger than the upcoming redesigned S60 (above).

Ford has designated Geely its preferred bidder for Volvo. However, in an echo of the tensions between General Motors and Magna's Russian bidding partner Sberbank, Geely will need to address Ford's intellectual property concerns among other issues to complete a sale. Volvo's technologies and reputation for safety are probably worth as much as the company's physical assets, so it's not surprising that Ford wants to negotiate the technology transfer. Assuming they can come to terms, closing the deal is expected to cost Geely $2 billion.


Gallery: 2010 Volvo S60


[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd]

Geely looking for 1M units from Volvo, plans Chinese factory originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 15 Nov 2009 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acquisitionchinafordgeelyproductionvolvoSun, 15 Nov 2009 16:59:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Volvo goes after tween vampire demographic with <i>New Moon</i> promotion]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/video-volvo-goes-after-tween-vampire-demographic/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/video-volvo-goes-after-tween-vampire-demographic/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/11/video-volvo-goes-after-tween-vampire-demographic/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click above to watch the video after the jump

Paying for product placement for big-screen movies can be a pretty risky business. If the movie is a flop, doing so could be a big-time waste of ad dollars that could have been better spent elsewhere. But if the movie turns out to be a global blockbuster, it can look like a very wise move, indeed. Volvo struck such gold with the first Twilight movie, as millions of teens saw Edward Cullen (played by Robert Pattinson) prancing around town in his silver C30. And the safety-minded Swedish automaker is looking for lightning to strike twice by getting its products noticed in Twilight sequel New Moon.

Cullen is a little older and a bit wiser in the sequel, so he appears to be stepping up from the C30 to the family-friendly XC60, although both models feature in the film. If you're thinking a crossover isn't exactly cool for the typical 17 year-old, try to remember that Cullen is over 100 in human years. Volvo's newest crossover makes perfect sense given the fact that it's the Swedish automaker's newest and freshest product, but we're having a bit of trouble trying to understand pushing a Volvo crossover in a vampire flick that gears towards teenage movie-goers.

Hit the jump to watch the 1:30 commercial, which doesn't begin until about 10 seconds into the YouTube clip. Volvo wants you to know that its vehicles give you the power to stand up for you what you believe in while also keeping what you believe in safe. If you're not into people haulers from Volvo, there are also plenty of dialog-free scenes from New Moon.


Gallery: Review: 2009 Volvo XC60


[Source: Volvo via YouTube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Volvo goes after tween vampire demographic with New Moon promotion

VIDEO: Volvo goes after tween vampire demographic with New Moon promotion originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 volvo xc602010VolvoXc60CrossoverCUVEdward CullenEdwardCullennew moonNew Moon movieNewMoonNewMoonMovieproduct placementProductPlacementRobert PattinsonRobertPattinsontwilighttwilight new moonTwilightNewMoonvolvoVolvo CrossoverVolvo CUVvolvo xc60VolvoCrossoverVolvoCuvVolvoXc60XC-60XC60Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lookin' Swede: Volvo reveals Geneva-bound 2010 S60 sedan]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/10/lookin-swede-volvo-reveals-geneva-bound-2010-s60-sedan/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/10/lookin-swede-volvo-reveals-geneva-bound-2010-s60-sedan/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/11/10/lookin-swede-volvo-reveals-geneva-bound-2010-s60-sedan/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2010 Volvo S60 - Click above for high-res image gallery

A company's image can be a burden and a blessing. Volvo, for example, remains keen on ditching its image for boxy, lackluster automobiles, but it's eager to capitalize on its reputation for safety. With its sale from Ford's empire looming on the horizon, the Swedish automaker has been hard at work to spruce up its image, and this is the latest result.

Though predictably toned down for public consumption, the production-ready Volvo S60 sedan bears close resemblance to the stunning S60 Concept that debuted at the Detroit Auto Show nearly a year ago. Gone are the suicide rear doors and the flashy panoramic roof, and the shape of the headlights have been toned down just a touch, but the coupe-like roofline and the aggressive overall styling stay.

On the safety front, the new S60 features a new Pedestrian Detection system that - you guessed it - detects pedestrians and brakes the car to a full stop from up to 30 mph if the driver fails to react.

The new sedan will debut at the Geneva Motor Show next March, with production slated to begin at Volvo's plant in Belgium early next summer. Once out on the road, the new S60 will be gunning for the likes of the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, Acura TL and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, all of which comprise of the most competitive segments in the industry. In the meantime, Trollhattan has released a pair of images you can view in the gallery below and a short press release which we've posted after the jump. Thanks for the tips, everyone!


Gallery: 2010 Volvo S60


[Source: Volvo]

Continue reading Lookin' Swede: Volvo reveals Geneva-bound 2010 S60 sedan

Lookin' Swede: Volvo reveals Geneva-bound 2010 S60 sedan originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 volvo s602010VolvoS60c segmentC-SegmentCSegmententry-level luxuryEntry-levelLuxuryGeneva 2010Geneva Motor ShowGeneva2010GenevaMotorShowNAIASS 60s60trollhattenvolvovolvo s60VolvoS60Tue, 10 Nov 2009 09:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford officially confirms China's Geely as preferred bidder for Volvo]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/28/ford-officially-confirms-chinas-geely-as-preferred-bidder-for-v/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/28/ford-officially-confirms-chinas-geely-as-preferred-bidder-for-v/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/28/ford-officially-confirms-chinas-geely-as-preferred-bidder-for-v/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Volvo S60 concept - click above for high-res image gallery

It's been rumored for months Chinese automaker Geely had the best shot at picking up the Volvo brand from Ford, and today, Dearborn has finally confirmed it. Geely was named as the preferred bidder this morning and the Blue Oval is proceeding with negotiations. However, this is not going to be an easy deal to close. Ford doesn't want to keep any stake in the Swedish company, although it does hope to continue some product cooperation.

In spite of the lack of shareholding, Ford doesn't want Volvo to wither on the vine and wants whoever buys it to have the resources to make it a going concern - unlike what happened when BMW dumped Rover. Perhaps the toughest nut to crack will be intellectual property concerns. Any time a sale like this happens, the seller is be concerned about leaving too much information lying around, and that concern is understandably amplified when dealing with an up-and-coming Chinese company. There is no word on when a deal might be closed, so in the meantime, busy yourself with the official release after the jump.


Gallery: Detroit 2009: Volvo S60 Concept


[Source: Ford]

Continue reading Ford officially confirms China's Geely as preferred bidder for Volvo

Ford officially confirms China's Geely as preferred bidder for Volvo originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ford volvoford volvo geelyFord volvo saleFordVolvoFordVolvoGeelyFordVolvoSalegeelyVolvoVolvo salevolvo sale chinavolvo sale chinesevolvo sale geelyVolvoSaleVolvoSaleChinaVolvoSaleChineseVolvoSaleGeelyWed, 28 Oct 2009 12:58:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Volvo gives sneak preview of new S60 sedan... to a blind artist]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/26/video-volvo-gives-sneak-preview-of-new-s60-sedan-to-a-blind/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/26/video-volvo-gives-sneak-preview-of-new-s60-sedan-to-a-blind/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/26/video-volvo-gives-sneak-preview-of-new-s60-sedan-to-a-blind/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Click above to watch the video after the jump

With debuts for new vehicles scheduled months in advance, automakers like to keep us on our proverbial toes with sneak previews. Sometimes they give them to us, and we in turn pass them on to you. Sometimes they give previews to its top customers, who are sworn to secrecy. But whoever they want to show the car to in advance, those people need to, you know...actually see the car.

Volvo, on the other hand, has decided to do things a little differently. The Swedish automaker invited an artist by the name of Eşref Armağan to see the upcoming new S60 sedan, scheduled for its public debut at the Geneva Motor Show next March. The catch? Armağan is blind, and has been since birth.

In order to captivate our imaginations, Volvo's released a series of blurry videos chronicling Armağan's encounter with the S60, the first of which you can view after the jump with more available on Volvo's Facebook page. As far as social media campaigns go, they're worth a watch. And if you squint, you can almost make out what the sedan might look like.

[Source: Volvo via YouTube and Facebook]

Continue reading VIDEO: Volvo gives sneak preview of new S60 sedan... to a blind artist

VIDEO: Volvo gives sneak preview of new S60 sedan... to a blind artist originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blindEşref ArmağanEşrefArmağanesref armaganEsrefArmaganfacebookvideovolvovolvo s60volvo s60 conceptVolvoS60VolvoS60ConceptyoutubeMon, 26 Oct 2009 15:58:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Geely's plans to buy Volvo from Ford unravelling over intellectual property concerns?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/23/report-geelys-plans-to-buy-volvo-from-ford-unravelling-over-in/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/23/report-geelys-plans-to-buy-volvo-from-ford-unravelling-over-in/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/23/report-geelys-plans-to-buy-volvo-from-ford-unravelling-over-in/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Ford has been trying to offload the Volvo brand since December of 2008, but after years of rumors and speculation those 10 months feel more like a decade. China's Geely has been speculated as the number-one bidder for the Blue Oval's Swedish luxury brand, but a report by Bloomberg asserts that the long-awaited accord could be shelved due to concerns over Ford's intellectual property.

Because Volvo is so tightly integrated into Ford's product development, any buyer of the safety-minded car maker would have inside knowledge of the Blue Oval's future product plans and access to its latest and greatest technology. The buyer would also have direct access to Ford's vehicle architectures, since so many are shared between itself and Volvo. If Geely does in fact purchase Volvo, those platforms, which pass both European and U.S. crash test standards with flying colors, it could give China's largest automaker a better chance of entering the coveted U.S. market. And helping Chinese automakers enter the States probably isn't at the top of the list of things Ford wants to do right now.

U.S. and European automakers have had their hands full in attempting to curb China's lax intellectual property rules. Some vehicles built by Chinese automakers and sold in the land of the Great Wall are nothing more than carbon copies of vehicles from American., Japanese and European automakers... save for a new logo. Ford is also dealing with the case of Xiang Dong Yu, an ex Ford engineer who stole 4,000 sensitive and confidential documents from the Dearborn, MI-based automaker. The sticky-fingered engineer reportedly pilfered the documents in an effort to get a job at Shanghai Automotive but he was instead hired by Bejing Automotive.

The other issue Ford could be facing is the bargain-basement price tag Volvo is rumored to be offered at due to years of recessing sales volume and mounting losses. Ford purchased Volvo in 1999 for over $6 billion, but sources familiar with the brand's sale estimate that the Swedish automaker could now fetch as little as $2 billion. While that sum is nothing to sneeze at, Ford could be better off waiting until the automotive market heats back up gain. The new XC60 crossover has helped curb Volvo's sales woes here in the U.S. to the point that the Swedish Automaker realized a 16% sales climb versus last September. Next year's intro redesigned S60 coupled with several mid-cycle face lifts could continue to help Volvo's short-term prospects.

[Source: Bloomberg | Photo: Sven Nackstrand/AFP/Getty Images]

REPORT: Geely's plans to buy Volvo from Ford unravelling over intellectual property concerns? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinese automakersChineseAutomakersfordford volvoford volvo saleFordVolvoFordVolvoSalegeelygeely volvoGeelyVolvovolvovolvo geelyvolvo saleVolvoGeelyVolvoSaleFri, 23 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Autoblog tries out Volvo City Safety on boss's BMW]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/20/volvo-city-safety-boss-bmw-autoblog/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/20/volvo-city-safety-boss-bmw-autoblog/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/20/volvo-city-safety-boss-bmw-autoblog/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Autoblog tries Volvo City Safety on XC60 - Click above to watch video after the jump

A number of bloggers on our team actually have real jobs, those crazy 9-5 things we full-time bloggers hear so much about. Sure, an actual 40-hour work week can tie one arm behind your back when trying to be a power blogger, but our own Dan Roth gets around this by incorporating his two incomes to achieve a task we set out for him.

The charge was simple: Try out Volvo's City Safety technology that comes on the new XC60. City Safety is Volvo's new active safety technology that uses an optical radar mounted at the top of the windshield to measure the speed and distance of any objects in front of the car. It does these calculations around 50 times per second, and in the event of an imminent collision with said objects, will automatically apply the brakes. It only works when the XC60 is traveling between 2-18 mph, though.

Dan's response: "Great, I'll set up some cardboard boxes and we'll see if it stops."

Our response: "Lame."

Dan went back to the drawing board and wound up producing the video after the jump. We expected him to up the ante beyond sacrificial boxes somehow, but he gets our mad respect for going this far. Oh, and in case you think we set up multiple cameras to shoot all those angles, think again. Dan got so comfortable with this test that he ran it five times to get all the angles.

Continue reading VIDEO: Autoblog tries out Volvo City Safety on boss's BMW

VIDEO: Autoblog tries out Volvo City Safety on boss's BMW originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city safetyCitySafetyfeaturedvolvovolvo city safetyvolvo xc60VolvoCitySafetyVolvoXc60xc60Tue, 20 Oct 2009 14:58:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Next-gen Volvo S60 takes Active Safety to next level with people sensing?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/09/video-next-gen-volvo-s60-takes-active-safety-to-next-level-with/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/09/video-next-gen-volvo-s60-takes-active-safety-to-next-level-with/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/09/video-next-gen-volvo-s60-takes-active-safety-to-next-level-with/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above to view video after the jump

For decades now, Volvo has been staking its claim in the automotive landscape by being the safety brand. And honestly, that's smart marketing. When a family (especially a young family) goes car shopping and safety is high on their list of concerns, tying your product to their desire to see their children live is a good way to move metal. Problem is, the car world has changed considerably since Volvo first started making bones about being four-wheeled life preservers 25 years ago. All cars are pretty safe these days. Some are even safer than Volvos. So how do you stand out from the pack? Keep innovating.

Which is precisely what Volvo's doing with their new City Safety system. Essentially, using some fairly sophisticated radar technology (see above) Volvo is able to pick out pedestrians from other objects like cars and trees. Nifty, huh? And quite similar (and ironic) to how the the Terminator viewed his surroundings. Sadly, it would seem when the system encounters a mother pushing a baby carriage, it identifies the mother as more important. Though that's probably win-win as long as the car doesn't hit either. Point is, should the Volvo get too close to a human, on clamp the brakes for a full, computer-controlled stop.

This radar tech is actually very closely related to the system Ford is using for active cruise control, blind spot warning and parking lot avoidance alerts on the new 2010 Taurus (which, coincidentally, is based on a Volvo platform). We got to see a behind the scenes peak at the Taurus's radar system on the launch and what you're looking at is essentially what Ford showed us, though cranked up a notch. There's a video of the next S60 running the system after the jump, as well as a machine-translated story explaining it all (kinda). Tip of the hard hat to Joakim.

[Source: Teknikensvarld]

Continue reading VIDEO: Next-gen Volvo S60 takes Active Safety to next level with people sensing?

VIDEO: Next-gen Volvo S60 takes Active Safety to next level with people sensing? originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>active safetyActiveSafetyauto stopAutoStopCity SafetyCitySafetyFord TaurusFordTaurusRadarVolvoVolvo City SafetyVolvoCitySafetyFri, 09 Oct 2009 18:28:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: American-led consortium to bid against Geely for Volvo]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/05/report-american-led-consortium-to-bid-against-geely-for-volvo/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/05/report-american-led-consortium-to-bid-against-geely-for-volvo/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/10/05/report-american-led-consortium-to-bid-against-geely-for-volvo/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

With General Motors and Ford both trying to divest themselves of underperforming operations that aren't core to their U.S.-based businesses, the automakers are finding things tougher than simply locating someone willing to write a check. As automakers have rationalized their operations, they have done a lot of platform and technology sharing among the brands under their umbrellas, making extracting individual marques a difficult business. Because automakers around the world are struggling, finding buyers is even more problematic, and the world's most willing bidders seem to be in places like China and Russia - locales where respect for intellectual property rights is dubious.

The Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Co. bid for Opel was killed because of such concerns. Magna's bid has faced similar worries because much of the financing is coming from Russia.

The lead bidder for Ford's Volvo unit is currently Chinese automaker Geely, but Ford is apparently having second thoughts because it doesn't want to share too much of its technology with the potential buyer. A second potential purchaser has entered the picture, a U.S.-based group with backing from several private equity funds. The Crown consortium has reportedly offered less up-front money than Geely but made similar investment commitments to the Swedish brand. If things don't work out with Geely, Ford could turn to the American group, but no one is talking publicly right now.

[Source: Financial Times]

REPORT: American-led consortium to bid against Geely for Volvo originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crown consortiumCrownConsortiumfordgeelyvolvoVolvo saleVolvoSaleMon, 05 Oct 2009 09:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Volvo buys full-page ads to pledge support for distracted driving legislation]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/30/volvo-buying-full-page-ads-to-pledge-support-for-distracted-driv/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/30/volvo-buying-full-page-ads-to-pledge-support-for-distracted-driv/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/30/volvo-buying-full-page-ads-to-pledge-support-for-distracted-driv/#commentsFiled under: ,



Volvo has publicly stated that it would like to eradicate accident-related injuries and deaths per year by the year 2020; an extraordinarily lofty goal that would obviously save countless lives. But in the next ten years, hundreds of thousands of drivers will die in traffic accidents in the U.S. alone, and Volvo feels that anti-distracted driving legislation passing through Washington right now could save quite a few.

To support the legislation, Volvo took out full-page ads in yesterday's Washington Post and USA Today. Volvo points out in the ads that it has long been committed to avoiding distracted driving accidents, and safety tech like adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning are evidence of the Swedish automaker's track record. The ads are purposely being run at the same time law makers, safety advocates, law enforcement and transportation officials converge in Washington for a distracted driving summit.

Volvo Cars North America President and CEO Doug Speck underscores his company's commitment to distracted driving laws, stating the need for "reasonable laws that help focus a driver's attention on the road will help reduce collisions, just as laws to enforce seat belt use have helped save lives." And when Volvo is talking about distracted driving, it's not just worried about text messaging and cell phones. The Swedish automaker also counts passengers, rubbernecking, driver fatigue, reading newspapers, books, and maps, adjusting the radio and looking at scenery as potential driving hazards.

We're definitely with Volvo with the book reading and the rubbernecking, but we'll take majestic scenery wherever we can get it. And if Volvo wants to eradicate map reading in the car, it can start by improving its own cloyingly contrived navigation system interface. Hit the jump to read the Volvo press release.

[Source: Volvo]

Continue reading Volvo buys full-page ads to pledge support for distracted driving legislation

Volvo buys full-page ads to pledge support for distracted driving legislation originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2020cell phonesCellPhonesdistracted drivingDistractedDrivingsafetytext messagingTextMessagingvolvoWed, 30 Sep 2009 18:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Frankfurt 2009: Facelifted 2010 Volvo C30 gets it right]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/16/frankfurt-2009-facelifted-2010-volvo-c30-gets-it-right/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/16/frankfurt-2009-facelifted-2010-volvo-c30-gets-it-right/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/16/frankfurt-2009-facelifted-2010-volvo-c30-gets-it-right/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2010 Volvo C30 - Click above for high-res image gallery

When you're an auto journalist blogger, you're constantly, incessantly bombarded with a series of questions. Usually it's, "What's the best car you've ever driven?" (Personal answer: Superformance Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe, followed by blank stares.) The other question we get more frequently than, "How you doing?" is, "What car should I buy?" Sorta like the initial question, we have a a few boilerplate responses. One of them just happens to be the sadly invisible but highly desirable Volvo C30. Really, if you're in the market for a small, stylish car under $30K, you can't do much better. Usually, we're totally ignored. Though one friend did heed our advice -- she also happens to own a 1972 Datsun 240Z. In other words, a woman with taste.

For 2010 Volvo has updated the C30. The biggest change is that the small hatch's snout is now up to snuff with its rear. We especially dig the new grill (also seen on the 2010 C70). Kinda looks like an upside down Aston Martin front end, no? The long, arching headlights are major improvement, too. We even like the the mirrors. Inside, the song remains very much the same -- think icy, Scando fortress of solitude. And of course, the rear end is as killer looking as ever. Sure it harkens back to the P1800's stern, but the C30's isn't slavishly derivative. In fact, the 2010 model's reworked bumper makes it look even better. Long story short, as long as Volvo's around, we'll keep recommending the C30. Especially since it's as close to we can get to a shooting-brake.


Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Volvo C30


Frankfurt 2009: Facelifted 2010 Volvo C30 gets it right originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Volvo C302010VolvoC30C30FrankfurtFrankfurt 2009Frankfurt Auto ShowFrankfurt Motor ShowFrankfurt2009FrankfurtAutoShowFrankfurtMotorShowVolvoVolvo C30VolvoC30Wed, 16 Sep 2009 11:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Volvo C70 works best in San Diego]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/16/frankfurt-2009-2010-volvo-c70-works-best-in-san-diego/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/16/frankfurt-2009-2010-volvo-c70-works-best-in-san-diego/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/16/frankfurt-2009-2010-volvo-c70-works-best-in-san-diego/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2010 Volvo C70 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Why San Diego? That way you could maximize the amount of time your new C70 spends with its top down. More than three hundred days a year -- probably. We say this because we saw some leaked shots of Volvo's latest hardtop droptop a couple of weeks ago and it looked real nice with the roof stowed. Elegant even. But dude, is this Swede funny-looking with the top up. Viewed from the side, it's hard to tell which end is which. Only the arching, over-sized headlights lend a clue.

There are some good points, like those aforementioned headlamps. And we really dig the new grill. The mirrors, wheels and rear end treatment (check those LED lights) all pass the smell test, too. But what's up with those cheapo fog light surrounds? And you simply have to check out the thick rubber antennae to understand how awkwardly it's placed. And again, speaking of awkward, with the top up the C70's proportions are bizarre. We're talking Volkswagen Eos bizzare. Make of it what you will, but we're left with the impression that Volvo took a styling step backwards this time out.


Gallery: Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Volvo C70


Frankfurt 2009: 2010 Volvo C70 works best in San Diego originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 07:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 Volvo C702010VolvoC70C70FrankfurtFrankfurt 2009Frankfurt Auto ShowFrankfurt Motor ShowFrankfurt2009FrankfurtAutoShowFrankfurtMotorShowVolvoVolvo C70VolvoC70Wed, 16 Sep 2009 07:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Frankfurt Preview: Volvo C30 R-Design doesn't just look sporty]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/14/frankfurt-preview-volvo-c30-r-design-doesnt-just-look-sporty/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/14/frankfurt-preview-volvo-c30-r-design-doesnt-just-look-sporty/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/14/frankfurt-preview-volvo-c30-r-design-doesnt-just-look-sporty/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2010 Volvo C30 R-Design - Click above for high-res image gallery

There was a time when putting the words 'Volvo' and 'Design' in the same sentence was the punchline to a bad joke, but the Swedish automaker has come a long way since then. The C30 may be the best evidence to date that Volvo can make an attractive, sporty looking hatchback, and the little four-seater is about to get more interesting at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show.

Volvo has already released pics of the upgraded C30, complete with a more expressive front end and cleaner rear fascia, and the Swedish automaker is planning an R-Design variant of its funky little hatch that features R badges and a body kit treatment with front and rear spoilers. The C30 R-Design will also sport 17-inch Cratus aluminum wheels (18s optional) and chrome-plated sports tailpipes. On the inside, Volvo continues its tradition of going big on the R badging with R-Design emblems on the front seats, center stack, steering wheel and panel inserts. The gear level is now trimmed in aluminum and leather and the sports pedals get the aluminum treatment as well.

In the recent past, Volvo has veered away from providing more powerful powertrains for its R-badged vehicles, and the C30 is no different. The C30 does, however come with an upgraded steering and chassis package that Volvo says was tested on the twisty roads of England and the high-speed highways of the German Autobahn. Volvo engineers added stiffer bushings and quickened the steering ratio to provide 10% quicker responses. The R-Design C30 will also have 30% stiffer springs to give the Volvo hatch sportier driving characteristics. Hit the jump to read over the Volvo presser, and click on the gallery below to get a closer look at the Volvo C30 R-Design.


Gallery: Volvo C30 R-Design


[Source: Volvo]

Continue reading Frankfurt Preview: Volvo C30 R-Design doesn't just look sporty

Frankfurt Preview: Volvo C30 R-Design doesn't just look sporty originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Sep 2009 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 volvo c30 r-design2010VolvoC30R-designfrankfurt 2009frankfurt motor showFrankfurt2009FrankfurtMotorShowvolvovolvo c-30 r-designVolvoC-30R-designMon, 14 Sep 2009 13:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Next-gen Volvo S60 caught completely uncovered]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/09/spy-shots-next-gen-volvo-s60-caught-completely-uncovered/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/09/spy-shots-next-gen-volvo-s60-caught-completely-uncovered/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/09/09/spy-shots-next-gen-volvo-s60-caught-completely-uncovered/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The gestation period for a new Volvo model has always been rather languid. Back in the 1950s, when tailfins were making annual progress toward low earth orbit, Volvo was cranking out PV444 and 544s. Those cars spent a good part of a decade looking like 1940s Fords, and so it's gone with Volvo's models. The iconic 200 series was in production for nearly 20 years, so while the current S60 was first teased nearly ten years ago, the fact that it's still on sale isn't that surprising given the brand's history of model longevity.

All the way back to Volvo's original stylist Jan Wilsgaard, the Swedish automaker has had good looking cars that stand up over time. Of course, a glance at the latest S60 sales figures might indicate that the public is using the car as an illustration of "long in tooth." Most of Volvo's range has been recently refreshed, but its important bread and butter sedan has been soldiering on largely unchanged from its 2005 mid-cycle freshening. Until now, that is.

The next S60's production styling has been captured by spy photographers, and the new duds follow the styling themes laid out by the recent XC60. The front end is smoother and more chiseled at the same time, and the bodysides pick up a character line where the current car wears a smooth radius. We think it looks good, it's a nice evolution of the original S60's handsome and well-proven styling, and should make Volvo a more attractive purchase when Ford eventually relents and admits it's for sale. Follow the source to see the new S60 in full. Thanks for the tip, Casey!

[Source: Straightline, Photo: Brenda Priddy & Co.]


Spy Shots: Next-gen Volvo S60 caught completely uncovered originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 09 Sep 2009 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2011 s602011 volvo s602011S602011VolvoS60falses60spy photospy photographyspy photosspy picspy picsspy shotsSpyPhotoSpyPhotographySpyPhotosSpyPicSpyPicsSpyShotsvolvovolvo s60volvo s60 conceptvolvo s60 spyvolvo spyvolvo spy photovolvo spy photosvolvo spy shotsVolvoS60VolvoS60ConceptVolvoS60SpyVolvoSpyVolvoSpyPhotoVolvoSpyPhotosVolvoSpyShotsWed, 09 Sep 2009 10:57:00 EST