Autoblog

Volvo Concept You is a giant blue Wallace looking for Gromit [w/video]

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 12:32:00 EST

Filed under: Concept Cars, Frankfurt Motor Show, Sedan, Volvo, Luxury

Volvo's Concept You is long, low and wide, three of our favorite flavors when it comes to sedans. Especially of late, long-hooded four-doors with sweeping greenhouses have been hits on concept and production stages, and we're fans. The Autoblog team is somewhat split on the nose, though, as some feel the toothy grille stretched across its width makes it look like a certain claymation character. Other AB staffers who don't find the You's face as objectionable are content to say it looks a bit inspired by Volvo's long-running PV models of the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s. For its part, Volvo says the concept's styling is inspired by Georg Jensen, a leading Danish design firm.

Otherwise, this is acres of hot blue Scandinavian design, and the You's interior clearly raises the marque's aspirations in the interior game in both craftsmanship and technology. If this is really what Volvo plans to do, then their recent talk of moving into the luxury ranks might not be misplaced. Could - and should - this be a precursor to the next S80? Decide for yourself by checking out our high-res gallery, then pour over the official videos and details in the press release after the jump.

Continue reading Volvo Concept You is a giant blue Wallace looking for Gromit [w/video]

Volvo Concept You is a giant blue Wallace looking for Gromit [w/video] originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 14 Sep 2011 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volvo to gun for top-tier luxury brand status after all

Zach Bowman — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 08:28:00 EST

Filed under: China, Europe, Volvo, Luxury

Word has it that Volvo is once again aiming for top-tier status. Automotive News China is reporting that the Swedish automaker has outlined a slew of new goals that include hitting annual sales of around 800,000 units, becoming the best employer worldwide and doing battle with the likes of BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz. If that's not ambitious enough for you, the brand wants to make it all happen by 2020. The news came courtesy of Freeman Shen, Volvo senior vice president, who made the comments in a speech about the company's future.

Volvo has adopted the new global brand tag line, "Designed Around You," as a step toward its ambitious targets. As Automotive News China points out, the company has some serious ground to cover. For starters, its current line lacks a legitimate flagship to compete with the BMW 7 Series or the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Even so, sales in China are now favoring the XC60 SUV and S80 instead of the smaller S40; a sign that the brand is already inching its way up the food chain in that country.

Volvo to gun for top-tier luxury brand status after all originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Sep 2011 08:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2007 Volvo S80 sedan recalled over steering concern

Steven J. Ewing — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Recalls, Safety, Volvo

If you're one of the 8,406 people who bought a 2007 Volvo S80 between March of 2006 and May of 2007, be prepared to make a service appointment at your local dealership. S80 sedans manufactured during this time period are being recalled due to power steering reservoir return hoses that may have been incorrectly routed.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an incorrectly routed hose can result in increased pressure within the power steering system. If this happens, it's possible for the hose to burst, resulting in a loss of power steering capability for the car.

Volvo will begin contacting owners starting in August, and any necessary repairs will be performed free of charge. Follow the jump to read NHTSA's official recall statement.

Continue reading 2007 Volvo S80 sedan recalled over steering concern

2007 Volvo S80 sedan recalled over steering concern originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 29 Jul 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volvo announces new S80 Executive and V70 R-Design

Noah Joseph — Wed, 04 May 2011 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Wagon, Volvo, Luxury

2012 Volvo S80 Executive (above) and V70 R-Design (below right) - Click for high-res image galleries

Hot on the heels of the upgraded S60 and XC60 R-Design models, Volvo has announced two new editions of its top-of-the-line sedan and station wagon.

First up is the S80 Executive, which enhances the Swedish flagship's interior with such touches as ventilated, massaging leather seats, an analog clock, plush carpeting and leather on the door panels and instrument cluster - the latter a first for Volvo. In a particularly aspirational touch, Volvo is also offering an optional mini fridge in the back with a pair of crystal drinking glasses.

Meanwhile the V70 R-Design doesn't get the upgraded engine from its aforementioned stablemates - buyers can choose from a range of powertrain options - but does benefit from a number of cosmetic enhancements. Satin-finish door mirrors house LED turning indicators, new 18-inch wheels are installed, while the interior is swaddled in two-tone, high-contrast black and white leather.

Both models come equipped with Volvo's Sensus infotainment system, which places the touchscreen display high up on the dashboard to help the driver keep his or her eyes on the road. Follow the jump for the full press release and check out the high-res images in the galleries below.

Gallery: 2012 Volvo S80 Executive

Gallery: 2012 Volvo V70 R-Design

Continue reading Volvo announces new S80 Executive and V70 R-Design

Volvo announces new S80 Executive and V70 R-Design originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 May 2011 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volvo XC70 and S80 get refresh, tech upgrades for 2012

Jeff Glucker — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Wagon, Crossover, Volvo

2012 Volvo S80 - Click above for high-res image gallery

On the outside, the changes to the 2012 Volvo S80 and XC70 aren't immediately noticeable. The headlamps have been redesigned, the S80 gets LED turn signals in the side mirrors and each model gets a new exterior color choice. Underneath the skin, however, these two Volvos have received a handful of new tricks.

Volvo's Sensus infotainment system, which made its debut with the 2011 S60, has found its way into the 2012 S80 and XC70, allowing the driver to easily operate audio, video, Bluetooth and navigational controls. It also provides information and setting adjustment for safety features such as City Safety, Collision Warning and Active Cruise Control.

The City Safety system is now a standard feature on both of these 2012 models. The automaker has also added Pedestrian Detection, which keeps an eye out for foot traffic and provides an audible warning if it feels a collision is imminent. Should the driver fail to heed that warning, the S80 or XC70 can fully engage the brake automatically.

Check out the updated 2012 Volvo XC70 and S80 in the galleries below. Also, be sure to take a look at the full press released posted after the jump.

Gallery: 2012 Volvo S80

Gallery: 2012 Volvo XC70

[Source: Volvo]

Continue reading Volvo XC70 and S80 get refresh, tech upgrades for 2012

Volvo XC70 and S80 get refresh, tech upgrades for 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Apr 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volvo recalls various 2011 models over fuel cutoff calibration fears

Zach Bowman — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Recalls, Safety, Crossover, Volvo

Volvo fuel shutoff recall models - Click above for high-res image gallery

Volvo and the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration have announced that the Swedish automaker will recall some 6,046 vehicles from the 2011 model year due to a possible flaw in the engine control module. According to NHTSA, a fuel shut-off parameter in the software is too sensitive, and under certain conditions, the engine may stall. Volvo is concerned that the problem may lead to an accident. A total of four models are covered in the recall, including the 2011 S60 and S80 sedans along with the XC60 and XC70 softroaders.

Volvo is scheduled to begin the recall on or before December 10, and owners will have their vehicle's software updated free of charge to fix the problem. Concerned drivers may contact Volvo directly at 1.800.458.1552 or at customercare@volvoforlife.com.

Gallery: Volvo Fuel Cut-Off Recall

[Source: NHTSA]

Continue reading Volvo recalls various 2011 models over fuel cutoff calibration fears

Volvo recalls various 2011 models over fuel cutoff calibration fears originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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2007-2010 Volvo S80 recalled for tire-pressure monitoring system

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 16:31:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Recalls, Safety, Volvo

The ever-conscious safety fanatics at Volvo have realized it's unwittingly made a mistake on their 2007-2010 S80 sedans. It seems that the maximum permissible tire pressure information was printed incorrectly in the owner's manuals and on the sticker pasted to the vehicles' door jams. Worse, that same incorrect inflation data is hard-coded into the cars' tire-pressure monitoring systems.

Volvo claims that it has never received any complaints on the issue and that it found the problem on its own. Naturally, though, the Swedish automaker is keenly interested in getting the problem rectified and will replace the incorrect manuals and stickers, and update the S80's software to correct the tire-pressure monitoring system.

We've posted the recall information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration after the break. Owners are urged to call Volvo at 1-800-458-1552 or email customercare -at- volvoforlife.com for further information.

[Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration via Kicking Tires]

Continue reading 2007-2010 Volvo S80 recalled for tire-pressure monitoring system

2007-2010 Volvo S80 recalled for tire-pressure monitoring system originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Aug 2010 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volvo recalls over 140K 2001-2005 and 2010 MY vehicles over fuel system issues

Michael Harley — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 09:57:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety

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

Vehicles manufactured by Volvo are the subject of two different recalls newly announced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA). The recalls, both involving problems with fuel systems, cover more than 140,000 vehicles manufactured within the past decade.

The first recall is directed at 136,100 2001-2005 model year S60, S80, V70, XC70, and XC90 vehicles sold and operated in warmer climates. According to NHTSA, the fuel pump can develop cracks in its flange when exposed to hot temperatures (and thermal cycling) combined with varying fuel quality. A compromised flange may leak fuel and/or result in a fire. Owners are instructed to bring their vehicles into the dealer for inspection. If the part is defective, Volvo will replaced it with modified flange at no charge. The recall campaign is scheduled to begin in January 2010.

The second recall is directed at 5,253 2010 model year XC60 vehicles. According to NHTSA, a fuel line rail cover designed to protect the fuel lines on the XC60 may be improperly attached, thus exposing the lines to damage. The damaged pieces may leak, possibly resulting in a fire. Owners of the affected models are asked to bring their vehicles to the dealer for inspection and/or a repair at no charge. The recall campaign is scheduled to begin in January 2010.

Owners are asked to contact NHTSA at 1-888-327-4236 or visit www.safercar.gov for more information. The full text from both recall notices is after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Volvo XC60

[Source: NHTSA]

Continue reading Volvo recalls over 140K 2001-2005 and 2010 MY vehicles over fuel system issues

Volvo recalls over 140K 2001-2005 and 2010 MY vehicles over fuel system issues originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 09:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nearly 12,000 Volvo S80, XC60, and XC70 models recalled over stall concerns

Michael Harley — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Recalls, Safety, Volvo

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

A software glitch is responsible for 11,993 Volvo models being recalled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The campaign includes model year 2008-2010 S80 models, 2010 S60 models, 2009-2010 XC70 models, and the 2010 XC60, all running faulty software in their central electronic modules (CEM). According to NHTSA, the signal from the CEM may fail to reach the fuel pump electronic module (PEM), inhibiting the fuel from reaching the engine even as the vehicle's throttle is depressed.

Normally, this would just result in an engine that fails to start. However, residual pressure in the system may allow the vehicles in question to drive a short distance before the engine quits... and if the vehicle stalls in certain conditions, a crash could occur. Affected owners are asked to contact NHTSA (888-327-4236 ) or Volvo (800-458-1552), to see if their vehicle requires a free software update to remedy the problem. Full press release after the jump.

Gallery: 2010 Volvo XC60

[Source: NHTSA]

Continue reading Nearly 12,000 Volvo S80, XC60, and XC70 models recalled over stall concerns

Nearly 12,000 Volvo S80, XC60, and XC70 models recalled over stall concerns originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 Sep 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Geneva Preview: Volvo readies updated S80 for Swiss debut

Damon Lavrinc — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 15:59:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Geneva Motor Show, Europe, Volvo

Click above for a high-res gallery of the 2010 Volvo S80

Amidst the turmoil surrounding the future of Volvo, the Swedish automaker is plugging away on refreshing its current line-up and offering an updated range of start-stop-equipped models. Joining the new DRIVE models at the Geneva Motor Show will be a reworked version of the automaker's flagship, the 2010 Volvo S80 sedan.

The exterior benefits from a new grille featuring an up-sized emblem, along with a splash of chrome on the lower front fascia, side skirts and underneath the rear tail lamps. A new steering wheel is fitted inside, joining a set of redesigned, XC60-inspired gauges and brushed faux-metal trim surrounding the start button and shifter.

For the U.S., the engine options remain the same, with buyers able to choose from a 235-horsepower, 3.2-liter inline-six, a 281-hp, turbocharged 3.0-liter straight six or a 311-hp, 4.4-liter V8, the latter two equipped with standard all-wheel-drive. Across the pond, a new 2.4-liter twin-turbo five-cylinder diesel putting out 175 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque will be made available, along with a choice of comfort or sport suspension setups.

The 2010 Volvo S80 will hit dealers in the U.S. this summer and is expected to carry a slight bump in its base price.

Gallery: 2010 Volvo S80

[Source: Volvo]

Continue reading Geneva Preview: Volvo readies updated S80 for Swiss debut

Geneva Preview: Volvo readies updated S80 for Swiss debut originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 26 Feb 2009 15:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Attractive in aluminum: Heico Sportiv S80 shines at 2007 SEMA show

Drew Phillips — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 18:23:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Sedan, Volvo

Click above image for a high resolution gallery of photos

German Volvo tuner Heico Sportiv brought the goods to the 2007 SEMA Show with its S80 T6 HPC Concept. The car has been more than a year in the making and features a 7-layer "aluminum effect" paint job that looks absolutely stunning in person and pretty darn good in pics, too. This Swedish beauty also packs a serious punch, with a 350-horsepower inline-6 that has been tuned to run on E85 ethanol. Because the original show car was based on the front-wheel-drive S80, Heico converted the car to Volvo's AWD system so that it could put the power down more efficiently. Other hi-po parts include 13.9-inch big brake kit with 6-piston calipers, a sport-tuned suspension system that rides 1.5-inches lower than stock, and lightweight forged wheels wrapped with Continental tires.

The inside of the car looks just as good as the outside with a carbon fiber-look silver aluminum console and leather covering the headliner, instrument panel and door panels. The rear seats have been exchanged with separate bucket seats, and the front seats also have thicker side and thigh bolsters.

For more details, follow the jump for the press release and click on the gallery for more than 15 high resolution shots of the car.

Gallery: Heico Sportiv Volvo S80 T6 HPC

Continue reading Attractive in aluminum: Heico Sportiv S80 shines at 2007 SEMA show

Attractive in aluminum: Heico Sportiv S80 shines at 2007 SEMA show originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Oct 2007 18:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volvo doubles award money for Hometown Heroes

Chris Shunk — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 08:26:00 EST

Filed under: Contests, Green, Safety, Volvo

Volvo has one of the coolest contests going right now: the Volvo for Life campaign. The grand prize winner gets a brand new, Swedish-built, rolling tribute to safety every three years for the rest of his or her life. In our book, the coolest part of the contest is how one actually wins the prize. Friends and family nominate potential winners based on their contributions in the fields of safety, quality of life, or environment, and now Volvo is rewarding these pioneers with additional cash to distribute to their favorite charities. The three grand prize winners (one from each category) now get $100,000 for the charity of their choice, and the 2nd and 3rd runners up in each category receive $25,000. That's a lot of cash, which can help a lot of people.

It's nice to see a contest that doesn't rely solely on ridiculous odds to pick a winner. A Volvo every three years and $100,000 for charity is proof that sometimes it pays to do for others. Between this and the quest for buried treasure, the marketing folks at Volvo sure can whip up a contest.

[Source: Volvo]

Continue reading Volvo doubles award money for Hometown Heroes

Volvo doubles award money for Hometown Heroes originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 26 Sep 2007 08:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volvo planning major lineup changes

Dan Roth — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 10:01:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Wagon, Europe, Crossover, Volvo

Automotive News is dishing on Volvo's product lineup plans between now and 2010. The newly released second-generation S80 won't see any major changes, nor will the new 70-series wagons, the C70, or the C30. The S40's going to bid us adieu, as there's price overlap with the S60, and the S60's not much larger than the S40. The C30's going to serve as the entry-level Volvo, while also angling at MINI's territory of cutieified premium small cars. The S60, while handsomely drawn, is becoming long in the tooth. A redesigned S60 will bow in 2010, and it will be smaller than the current model in an effort to differentiate it from the S80, as well as still serve those customers who would have gone for the S40.

While Gothenburg's losing a sedan offering, it'll be adding a CUV in early 2009 when the XC60 hits the streets. With the CUV market currently on fire, a smaller Volvo 'ute to go after X3 shoppers is a shrewd move. The basic hardware's already been piled together as the Land Rover LR2, which we suspect offers a decent preview of the XC60 experience. Basically, what we see happening is the phasing out of the P2 platform that Volvo developed in the '90s for the original S80, and a migration of all vehicles to some flavor of the EUCD platform.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub Req'd]

Volvo planning major lineup changes originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 04 Sep 2007 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 Volvo S80 V8 AWD

Chris Shunk — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Safety, Volvo, First Drives

Click the image to view the high-resolution gallery

Even before safety was such a critical part of the buying process, Volvo had pushed the envelope by offering cutting-edge technology and cold, hard steel to protect its vehicles' occupants. Today, everything from luxury BMWs to basic Hyundais have five star crash protection, but Volvo is doing what it can to raise the safety bar even higher. The new-for-2007 Volvo S80 is the Swedish automaker's flagship sedan, with amenities like a V8 engine, all-wheel drive, an upscale interior, and classy yet understated looks.

Where the S80 really makes its impression with Volvo faithful, however, is how far the automaker has gone to make its full-size sedan a safety flagship. Volvo has billed the S80 as having the latest safety advancements, while also packing the luxury amenities customers want, so we decided to put the S80 through the wringer in the Autoblog Garage. Hit the jump for impressions from our one-week test of the 2007 Volvo S80 V8 AWD.

Gallery: Volvo S80 AWD V8

Continue reading In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 Volvo S80 V8 AWD

In the Autoblog Garage: 2007 Volvo S80 V8 AWD originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 29 Aug 2007 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volvo aims for BMW

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 19:05:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Hatchback, Volvo

As long as BMW doesn't own Volvo, then the Swede is allowed to target the roundel's cars as competitors. Autocar reports that Volvo is shaking up the lowest two rungs on its sedan line to put more space between them, and to better compete with the 3 Series.

The smallest sedan, the S40, will be be made over from a 4-door sedan into a 5-door hatchback along the lines of the A3 and BMW 1-series. The very name S40 might also be sacrificed, changed instead to V40. The S60, instead of disappearing entirely, will get a longer wheelbase, a better interior, shared tech from the S80 and Mondeo, and a chassis that does a better job at challenging 3 Series dynamics. Part of that redesign, if the renderings are accurate, will be a flared three-section front bumper that is the new hotness in car design. Regarding the car's sporting aspirations, engineers are said to be battling accountants for funds to design a more sporting chassis. Engines for the S60 will include a 2-liter and 2.2-liter 4-cylinder diesels, the D5 5-cylinder diesels, as well as a 2-liter gas turbo.

It is claimed also that the Volvo logo will also be altered, losing the diagonal bar that spans the grill. Only the circle and arrow -- a stylization of the chemical symbol for iron -- will remain. All of these changes are slated to appear in 2009-10.

[Source: Autocar]

Volvo aims for BMW originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 09 Aug 2007 19:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volvo adds T6 Turbo AWD to S80 line

Chris Shunk — Tue, 08 May 2007 20:06:00 EST

Filed under: Sedan, Volvo

click above image to view high-res pics of the 2008 Volvo S80 T6 Turbo AWD

Volvo has given the S80 line a little more power and traction with the introduction of the T6 Turbo AWD edition. The T6 utilizes a twin-scroll turbo unit to provide the extra power, and the velvety-smooth 3.2L inline six has been down-sized to 3.0L due to a narrower cylinder bore and shorter stroke. Don't let the reduction in displacement fool you, though. The turbocharged S80 will unleash 285 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque at a very low 1500rpm, which Volvo says will result in smooth, linear power delivery. That's 50 horsepower more than the normally asipirated 3.2L inline-six and only 26 ponies short of the top-end V8 model.

All that power going to the front wheels means that the T6 needs all-wheel drive, which was previously only available with the high-end V8. Thus, you have the T6 Turbo AWD. Pricing and availability of the T6 Turbo AWD have not yet been announced, but we're betting that it will be a few thousand dollars south of the V8 model's $47,350 price tag, and availability should be soon.

Volvo's press release is available after the jump.

[Source: Volvo]

Gallery: 2008 Volvo S80 T6 Turbo AWD

Continue reading Volvo adds T6 Turbo AWD to S80 line

Volvo adds T6 Turbo AWD to S80 line originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 May 2007 20:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Whiplash a serious problem with many vehicles, says IIHS

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 06 Apr 2007 09:05:00 EST

Filed under: Safety

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in Arlington, Va. has just concluded testing on some 75 vehicles' head restraint systems and after performing a simulated rear-end impact of 20 MPH, only 22 of the systems received the top score of "good."

At the head of the class was Audi's A4, S4 and A6, along with the Chevy Cobalt, Ford Five Hundred (Taurus, whatever) and its Mercury counterpart, Honda's Civic, Hyundai Sonata, Jag S-Type, Kia Optima, Merc E-class, Nissan Sentra and its lesser sibling the Versa, Subaru's Impreza, Legacy and Outback, as well as Volvo's S40, S60 and S80 (no surprise).

The flunkees included the Acura TSX, BMW 5-series, Buick LaCrosse and Lucerne, Caddy CTS, DTS and STS, Chevy's Aveo, the Honda Fit and Accord, Infiniti's M35, the Jaguar X-Type, Kia Rio, Mitsubishi Galant, Pontiac's Grand Prix, plus the Toyota Avalon and Corrolla.

Considering that the IIHS estimates that the injuries sustained to the back and neck in these types of collisions costs insurance companies around $8 mbillion dollars per year, their interest in the matter is obvious. Whether or not consumers will include this in their purchasing criteria is another matter however.

[Source: IIHS]

Whiplash a serious problem with many vehicles, says IIHS originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 06 Apr 2007 09:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volvo, Ford, Chrysler recalling thousands

Chris Tutor — Thu, 23 Nov 2006 12:05:00 EST

Filed under: Recalls, Safety, Chrysler, Ford, Volvo

The NHTSA says Ford, Volvo and Chrysler are recalling a total of about 300,600 vehicles.

Ford gets off relatively light and is bringing in 422 Crown Vics and Mercury Grand Marquis to replace improperly secured windshields.

Volvo, however, will install new software to fix speed controls on more than 170,000 cars. Models affected include the 1999-2000 C70 coupes and convertibles, S60, S70, S80, V70, V70XC and XC70.

And just as Chrysler is getting rid of the Pacifica, it'll be seeing 127,928 of them coming back for new fuel pumps and powertrain control module software. The affected crossovers were built from Aug. 1 to Sept. 30, 2004. DaimlerChrysler is also sending Jeep Compass owners updates to their cars' manuals. NHTSA said the books omitted a required rollover warning. We imagine the folks over at TTAC could think of a few more warnings NHTSA could have included in the Compass manual.

[Source: NHTSA via The Associated Press via Yahoo Finance]

Volvo, Ford, Chrysler recalling thousands originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 23 Nov 2006 12:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volvo slaps sticker on new S80

John Neff — Tue, 10 Oct 2006 12:26:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Volvo

Volvo has seen fit to finally price the S80, its flagship sedan, for the U.S. market. The S80 3.2 I6 will start at $38,705 and the S80 V8 will begin at $47,350. The 3.2 I6 model features the Scandinavian brand's new in-line six-cylinder engine that develops 235 horsepower and 236 ft-lbs. or torque and is available only in front-wheel drive, while the V8 model packs a 4.4-liter eight-cylinder producing 311 horsepower and 325 ft-lbs of torque with all-wheel drive standard. Both cars shift via a 6-speed auto with Geartronic sequential shifting.

Volvo is expecting about 45% of S80 sales to come from the U.S. and Canada, which sounds about right to us as this sedan is shaping up to be a worhty contender. It's also worthy to note that while it's true the S80 desperately needed a more robust powerplant in the form of a V8 to compete in this segment, the price of the top-end model is now nearly $8,000 more than the outgoing model that was powered by a 208-hp, turbocharged inline five-cylinder. Of course, the new, less expensive 3.2 I6 model easily outguns that old five-banger in every category for nearly the same price (MSRP of 2006 Volvo S80 2.5T AWD is $39,360). The price of the S80 V8 also comes in far below the base sticker of other import V8 luxury sedans like the Audi A6 4.2, BMW 5-Series with the 4.8-liter V8 and Lexus GS430.

Read Volvo's press release after the jump...

[Source: Volvo]

Continue reading Volvo slaps sticker on new S80

Volvo slaps sticker on new S80 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Oct 2006 12:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Volvo's profitablity waning

Damon Lavrinc — Mon, 31 Jul 2006 17:01:00 EST

Filed under: Ford, Volvo, Earnings/Financials

In Ford's Premier Auto Group (PAG) one manufacturer has stood alone, sustaining a high degree of prosperity in the past. However, in the last two years, Volvo has seen a decline in its new vehicle sales and judging by figures from the first half of 2006, those numbers seem to be dwindling even more.

As far as dollars and cents are concerned, PAG condenses all of its manufacturers' earnings into one lump, so the ability to parse out who is losing what is a task reserved for only the geekiest of accounting wizards. What we do know is that PAG, as a whole, had broken even last year, while the second quarter of 2006 shows a loss of $162 million. Not massive, but worrisome.

Analysts are pointing to a number of factors leading to Volvo's decline and at the forefront of those issues is an aging product line. Thankfully, Volvo is addressing this issue head-on, granting the S80 with a thoughtful redesign, as well as bringing the new C70 into the marketplace. The entrance of the C30 hatchback, which fills a niche previously untouched by the Swedish manufacturer, may give Volvo the added boost it needs, especially if it is well received here in the States in 2008.

[Source: Automotive News - sub required]

Volvo's profitablity waning originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 31 Jul 2006 17:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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