Volvo to Cut Down its U.S. Lineup, V50 Among the First to go

With its U.S. sales steadily declining for 7 years now, Volvo has no choice but to radically rethink its strategy. The Swedish automaker is currently offering nine models in the States or about as many as Volkswagen does, but it sold almost five times fewer cars than the Germans in 2010.

Consequently, the Swedish brand, which is now owned by China's Geely, has decided to significantly reduce the number of models in its North American lineup and concentrate on best-selling vehicles in an effort to increase sales.

“Five or six is probably a good number”, said Doug Speck, head of Volvo’s operations in the U.S., in a telephone interview for Bloomberg. “We have to focus on the key segments with significant volume potential”.

Mr. Speck confirmed that the V50 estate is sure to go, although didn’t specify exactly when, saying that dealers will be notified first. The manufacturer hasn’t decided yet which other models will be phased out, but it will definitely keep the S60 sedan and the XC60 and XC90 crossovers, he added.

Volvo will also try to boost sales with more advertising and expects “double-digit” percentage growth in the U.S in 2011.

As for the near future, Mr. Speck said that Volvo will introduce hybrids and all-electric cars, but declined to say if it will bring diesels to America.

By Csaba Daradics

Source: Bloomberg

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Volvo V60 Diesel-Electric Plug-in Hybrid Returns 125 MPG, will Debut at Geneva Show

* Standard 2011 Volvo V60 shown in photos

The 2011 Geneva Motor Show will host the world premiere of the Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid, a near production-ready model that is said to return a very impressive 125 mpg US (1.9 lt/100 km), with CO2 emissions under 50 g/km. In order to achieve this, engineers entered a new variable into the plug-in hybrid equation: a diesel engine.

The V60’s front wheels are driven by a 2.4-liter 5-cylinder turbo diesel powerplant capable of 215HP and 440 Nm (325 lb-ft) of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. At the back, there's a 70HP electric motor that powers the rear wheels and a 12kWh lithium-ion battery pack.

According to Volvo, the V60 Plug-in Hybrid “features the very best properties from three different car types in one sports wagon”, including an all-electric driving mode with a range of up to 32 miles (52 km).

“In order to get true car enthusiasts to think green, you have to offer them the opportunity to drive with low carbon dioxide emissions without taking away the adrenaline rush that promotes genuine driving pleasure. The V60 Plug-in Hybrid has all the traditional properties of a genuine sports wagon. What we've done is to spice it up with spearhead technology”, said Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO of Volvo Cars.

Jointly developed by Volvo and Swedish energy supplier Vattenfall, the V60 Plug-in Hybrid is scheduled to enter series production in 2012.

By Csaba Daradics

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U.S.-spec 2012 Volvo S60 T5 Gets Lower Base Price, Special Introductory Lease Rate

Volvo's US division has dropped prices for the S60 T5 FWD model, which starts at $30,795, excluding an $875 destination fee. That’s $450 less than the previous base price. The updated offer is also accompanied by a special introductory lease rate plan of $299/month, available until February 28, 2011.

The T5’s standard equipment includes among other things, power driver seat with memory, power folding rear head restraints, front and rear sport seats, leather steering wheel with metal inlays, dual-zone air conditioning, infotainment and 8-speaker sound system, Bluetooth hands-free phone interface, T-Tec textile upholstery and 17-inch alloys.

There’s no shortage of safety systems as well, such as Corner Traction Control by torque vectoring, Advanced Stability Control, Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC), Whiplash Protection Seating System (WHIPS) and a host of airbags.

Furthermore, the S60 includes Volvo’s Safe+Secure Coverage Plan, which means owners pay nothing to repair or maintain their vehicles for 5 year or 60,000 miles, minus when replacing the tires.

The coverage plan specifically comprises:

5 years/60,000 miles of New Car Warranty

5 years/60,000 miles of Complimentary Factory Scheduled Maintenance

5 years/60,000 miles of Wear and Tear Coverage

5 years/Unlimited miles of Volvo On Call Roadside Assistance

The S60 T5 is motivated by a turbocharged 2.5-liter 5-cylinder engine, delivering 250HP and 266 lb-ft (361 Nm) of torque – or 295 lb-ft (401 Nm) in “over boost” mode. Power is sent to the front wheels through Volvo’s second-generation 6-speed automatic Geartronic transmission. The 0-to-60 mph (96 km/h) sprint takes just 6.8 seconds, while the top speed is electronically limited to 130 mph (209 km/h).

By Csaba Daradics

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2012 Tesla Model S 【Video】

Tesla has released a new video that shows the Model S in action.

The North American company has divided its vehicle testing stage into two phases, Alpha and Beta, and this next video shows the Tesla Model S, which as you can notice, features a slightly modified front fascia, during the Alpha phase which began in 2010. 

The 2012 Model S is rear drive. The compact electric motor and transmission assembly — much smaller than a conventional internal combustion engine and gearbox — is mounted behind the rear axle line and under the trunk floor. More than 7,000 lithium ion battery cells are packaged in a reinforced structure that helps comprise the vehicle's floorpan. Cargo volume exceeds 30 cubic feet thanks to functional front and rear luggage areas.

As we have previously reported, the Model S is motivated by an electric motor that is powered by a 42 kWh lithium-ion battery. It enables the car to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 5.6 seconds, hit a top speed of 120 mph (193 km/h), and travel up to 300 miles (483 km) on a single charge.

Vehicle Platooning Could be the Future of Commuting [with Video]

Imagine safely enjoying your morning coffee and reading the newspaper behind the steering wheel, while your car is traveling at highway speeds. Well, this could be a reality in as little as ten years time, thanks (or no thanks...) to the European Union-funded SARTRE (Safe Road Trains for the Environment) project, which successfully tested the concept of vehicle platooning at the Volvo Proving Ground close to Gothenburg, Sweden.

The idea was to create intelligent convoys of vehicles with a professional driver in the lead vehicle leading the rest of the cars. Each car measures distance, speed and direction and adjusts to the car in front, while being totally detached. Vehicles can leave the platoon at any time, but once in, drivers can relax and do other things, without having to worry about actually driving their cars.

Tests carried out involved a lead vehicle and single car that was able to steer itself as it was trailing the lead truck around the test track.

According to SARTRE, platooning is designed to improve a number of things, such as road safety and fuel consumption. It also allows drivers to concentrate on other matters than driving and, since vehicles in a platoon travel just a few meters apart, it may relieve traffic congestion.

The program is lead by Ricardo UK with other six companies contributing, including Volvo Car Corporation. The technology development is said to be well underway and could go into production in a few years. However, public acceptance and legislation issues will prolong the process, thus the announced 10-year timeframe.

“We are very pleased to see that the various systems work so well together already the first time”, said Erik Coelingh, engineering specialist at Volvo Cars. “After all, the systems come from seven SARTRE-member companies in four countries. The winter weather provided some extra testing of cameras and communication equipment”.

“This is a major milestone for this important European research program”, said Tom Robinson, SARTRE project coordinator, of Ricardo UK. “Platooning offers the prospect of improved road safety, better road space utilization, improved driver comfort on long journeys and reduced fuel consumption and hence CO2 emissions. With the combined skills of its participating companies, SARTRE is making tangible progress towards the realization of safe and effective road train technology”.

For a more in-depth look at the SARTRE project check out the video below.

By Csaba Daradics

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Fenice Gold And Diamonds Fiat 500C【Video】

A Chinese businessman, who wants to remain anonymous, commissioned the Italian coach Fenice Milano a Fiat Abarth 500 C, with various elements in gold and diamonds, inspired by the prototype ‘La Dolce Vita’, presented last October.

The model was commissioned from Italian design house Fenice Milano which has labelled it "La Dolce Vita Gold and Diamonds 200hp". Even the outside of the car features 24K gold particles in the golden pearlescent white paint and there's a gold thread finish to the hood too. But that's just the beginning.

This Fenice Fiat 500C uses 24K gold on everything, from the instrument panel, to the dashboard and other trim parts.

The interior of the Fenice Fiat 500 Convertible Abarth has been decked out with teak inserts, special leather and diamonds. The console is embellished with a gold framed instrument panel and teak and 24K gold inserts dashboard, whose profiles are hand-shaped by Fenice Milano’s artisans.





Press Release

€ 500,000 for a gold and diamonds 500C commissioned to Fenice Milan and Stuart Hughes

After the great interest achieved from the presentation on the market in September 2010, Fenice Milano (www.fenicemilano.com) receives a commission from a wealthy Chinese businessman to build a special version of its "little one", which adds exclusivity and determination to the retro charm of the initial project. The new, unique model was named "La Dolce Vita Gold and Diamonds 200hp". A name that, by itself, sais it all and briefly describes the extraordinary budget that justifies a price of almost €500,000.

Further improved in performance thanks to the recently established partnership with the famous car technician Romeo Ferraris (www.romeoferraris.com) - specialized in car engine modifications and road racing since 1959 - and enriched by the installation of new electronic devices such as the prestigious "Supreme gold and diamonds Ipad" produced by the English Atelier of Stuart Hughes (www.stuarthughes.com).

The starting point for this event is the 500C Abarth, fully mechanically revised, to reach the extraordinary level of 200Hp, and whose precious finishes result in a real jewel of style and Made in Italy workmanship.

Thanks to its compact size (355cm long, 165cm wide and 149cm in height), this little jewel is ideal to comfortably move in the city, without sacrificing the luxury and exclusivity guaranteed by several inserts of precious materials, such as 24K gold and quality woods such as teak, entirely handmade by Fenice Milano's artisans. Pleasure and excitement in driving are guaranteed, due to an increase of 68hp from the original, permitted by the new ECU and exclusive use of an increased turbine entirely developed by Romeo Ferraris' Factory, combined with pipes and fittings made from scratch, as well as the complete exhaust system with 200-cells catalytic converter designed to improve engine performance. To add security, the brake system has also been completely revised, in order to balance the increased power obtained. The front axle has in fact been provided with an improved kit by Brembo equipped with adjustable dampers able to tame the exuberance of 'La Dolce Vita' and making it both safe and fun.

Inside, the redesigned steering wheel has the outer ring made of the teak and the interior one made in leather with controls in 24K gold, even the original carpet floor was replaced with teak. The console is embellished with a gold framed instrument panel and teak and 24K gold inserts dashboard, whose profiles are handshaped by Fenice Milano's artisans.

The last major innovation provided in "La Dolce Vita Gold and Diamonds 200hp" is in fact the placing in central position of an Ipad Supreme Edition made in 24k gold and diamonds by English designer Stuart Hughes, specialized in developing technological applications in precious materials. Especially designed for those who want to make the most of innovation and exclusivity in the onboard control instruments, the space for the Ipad provides a complete interaction of the device with the car, which is fitted with a GPS navigation system, a last generation hi-fi that can handle MP3 and all Ipod features and also an internet connection run by wi-fi and a appropriate sim card.

The golden pearlescent white painting includes 24K gold particles. The electric hood is provided in technical natural colored fabric with gold thread finished. The redesigned seats are also sewn with the precious material, the interior elements are full grain leather and natural-colored Alcantara with handmade on sight stitching.

Curiositiy:
The future owner wants the delivery of its new "little treat" to be made in absolute concealment, in a jewelry shop owned by a friend, as depicted in the animation video.

Volvo Mean Green – World’s Fastest Hybrid Truck

Volvo Trucks has produced a unique hybrid truck powered by a standard 16-litre 700 hp engine with twin turbos, an automated I-Shift gearbox and of course an electric motor. All this adds an additional 200 horsepower and 1100 Newton metres of torque- it’s quick!

Apart from the combustion engine, the Volvo Mean Green truck also has an electric motor, which adds 200 hp and 1100 Nm to the total output of the vehicle. The massive powerplant of the Volvo Mean Green truck sends its power to the wheels via a automated I-Shift gearbox.
The Volvo Mean Green truck has to beat a world record of a 166.7 km/h two-way average speed and a top speed of 260 km/h.

Aerodynamic improvements were made using a CAD simulated wind tunnel. Designer Jonas Sandstrom spent countless our doing this, together with his very dedicated team. “The absolute elite among Volvo’s hybrid technology experts are the driving force behind the project. They are true enthusiasts, every last one of them. I’d go so far as to say that ‘Mean Green’ is the world’s fastest hybrid truck.”




Press Release

"MEAN GREEN' – THE WORLD'S FASTEST HYBRID TRUCK
Mean Green is a unique hybrid truck built by an enthusiastic team at Volvo Trucks. They plan to use it next spring to beat the world speed record for the standing kilometer and behind the wheel is Swedish truck racing ace, Boije Ovebrink.

“The absolute elite among Volvo’s hybrid technology experts are the driving force behind the project. They are true enthusiasts, every last one of them. I’d go so far as to say that ‘Mean Green’ is the world’s fastest hybrid truck,” says Ovebrink.

To understand how he can make this claim with such confidence, we need to rewind to November 2007. Ovebrink had just beaten his own standing kilometre record from 2001 for trucks with a maximum displacement of 16 litres. He achieved this by reaching an average speed of 158.829 km/h with his red Volvo NH16 - a.k.a. ‘The Wild Viking’. After winning he met Staffan Jufors, President and CEO of Volvo Trucks, who asked him, “Do you plan to sit down and twiddle your thumbs now, enjoying the fame that comes with being world champion or do you have any new ideas?” Ovebrink replied: “I’d like to build the world’s fastest hybrid truck.”

“The idea met with approval, but at the time I had no idea about the fantastic technology Volvo had in the pipeline,” he recalls.

Planning for the hybrid got under way, but suddenly, however, a Czech truck racing team claimed they had beaten Ovebrink’s record. Order had to be restored, so that spring, Volvo engineer Olof Johansson got down to some serious work. He started building a truck that could retake the record, but that could also be reconfigured for the planned racing hybrid driveline. That truck is now called ‘Mean Green’. But the team decided not to install the hybrid driveline straight away.

“I started building the truck from two half frames that had been earmarked for the scrap yard and the American VN cab came from a crash-tested chassis whose cab was totally intact,” he explains.

Weight reduction was absolutely crucial to setting new records. For example, the front axle was milled by experts from Volvo’s engine factory in Skövde, Sweden and reduced from 100 kgs to 57 kgs. Then the gear set for first gear was removed from the gearbox, shaving another seven kgs off.

“I slit open the wiring harnesses and removed unnecessary wiring. That slashed almost six kilos,” says Johansson.

Ovebrink was also ordered to lose weight, as he recalls, “They made me promise to lose 20 kilos and, so fa,r I’m half-way to my target.”

Designer Jonas Sandström at Volvo put in many hours with his CAD program to come up with the optimal aerodynamic shape.

“It’s important that the wind breaks away from the bodywork in the right way. Our truck differs from a Formula 1 car, for instance, in that the aerodynamic properties allow the truck to slice through the air rather than be pressed down onto the road surface,” he explains.

Just a few days before the assault on the record, it was announced that FIA, the international motorsport organisation, had disallowed the Czech team’s result. Still, there was no need to cancel the planned attempt on the record. Ovebrink and the Volvo team were aiming to further improve on the 2007 record - and on June 9th 2010 they did just that. The new world record for the standing kilometre was set at a two-way average speed of 166.7 km/h. Top speed was in the region of 260 km/h.

Once this was achieved, focus reverted to what the entire project had been about from the very outset.

“Olof immediately went on the offensive. The very same day the new record was set; he pulled out his toolbox and started modifying the truck to build what we see today – a thoroughbred hybrid.”

The truck already had a standard Volvo 16-litre 700 hp engine with equipment including twin turbos from Volvo Penta. It was a powerplant delivering a massive 1900 horsepower. The truck retained that unit. However, the lightened Powertronic auto-shifter was replaced with a modified version of Volvo’s automated I-Shift gearbox so that the transmission could interact with the component that makes ‘Mean Green’ a hybrid – its electric motor.

“This gives an additional 200 horsepower and 1100 Newton metres of torque. The result is a lightning-speed boost from start-off without any of the customary diesel-engine ‘lag’. It’s like a champagne cork, but without the sound effects. For the first couple of seconds, the truck just makes a slight whistle until the diesel engine, which runs on renewable liquid rosin diesel, starts delivering with explosive force – by which time the truck is already doing 60 km/h and I can engage ninth gear,” explains Ovebrink.

So, when is ‘Mean Green’ going to make its bid for the standing kilometre record ? “This November we’ll test race it at Volvo’s Hällered proving ground to see what it’s capable of. Then, as soon as the winter snows disappear early next spring, we’ll set our record.” says Ovebrink, confidently.