alin89

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  3. Posted · Report post

    Volvo will be coming to the Paris Motor Show with three low-CO2 models that all beat the EU's important 120 grams per kilometer target. The new DRIVe (yes, the e is small) editions of the C30 SportsCoupe (53.4 mpg U.S.), the S40 saloon and the V50 Sportswagon (both at 52.3 mpg U.S.) make up what Volvo calls the "widest range of premium cars with low environmental footprint."

    The decrease in CO2 emissions comes from the by-now-pretty-typical eco-tweaks: a 10mm lowered ride height, a covered radiator grille for increased aerodynamics and "aerodynamically optimised wheels," higher gear ratios and underbody panels, among other changes. The fuel economy package will add between 150 and 450 Euros to the cost of the car. Full details are after the jump.

    Volvo said that production of these new eco-models will start in November and UK residents can expect to see the vehicles on dealer lots in January. Volvo will bring the DRIVe line to other countries in Europe following the UK debut and expects to sell over 20,000 of them in 2009.

    THE NEW VOLVO DRIVe SUB-120g/km RANGE

    * Efficiency enhancing features

    * C30 SportsCoupe, S40 saloon and V50 Sportswagon break into Band B

    * Widest range of premium cars with low environmental footprint

    Volvo will be unveiling the new economical, sub-120g/km diesel variants of the C30 SportsCoupe, S40 saloon and V50 Sportswagon at the Paris Motor Show in early October. All three models are equipped with a special set of efficiency-enhancing features and marked with the DRIVe emblem to signal their uprated environment properties. Production of these new models will start in mid-November with first UK customer deliveries in January.

    The new 1.6D DRIVe models will offer outstanding fuel consumption of 64.2mpg on the C30 and 62.8mpg in the S40 and V50, with VED Band B CO2 figures of just 115g/km for the C30 and 118g/km for the S40 and V50. These new low emissions mean that the Volvo C30 and V50 offer best-in-class CO2 in their segments1.

    "We wanted to demonstrate that low CO2 ratings are not solely the preserve of small diesel cars. By offering the Volvo V50 with emission levels below 120g/km, we are also making it possible for families and other customers who require extra space to make an active pro-environmental choice," says Volvo Cars President and CEO Fredrik Arp.

    Holistic approach to eco-performance

    The reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions was brought about by meticulously analysing the cars' total potential for more efficient, more economical driving. The cars were then optimised within four areas:

    1. Reduced air resistance:

    * Chassis height reduced by approximately 10mm to help reduce drag

    * A front spoiler on the S40 and V50 which is the same spoiler currently on T5 models.

    * Covered radiator grille. Behind the characteristic Volvo grille there is a wind-deflecting panel that provides better aerodynamics inside the engine compartment.

    * Wind deflectors in front of the front wheels to steer the airflow.

    * Aerodynamically optimised wheels with a unique 'Libra' rim. The diamond cut finish adds to the unique design and the large unobstructed area that goes all the way out to the tyre makes the rim look considerable larger than it actually is. The total drag reduction of 10-15% is due to the design of the Libra rim.

    * Underbody panels on the Volvo C30 for more efficient airflow under the car.

    * A unique rear spoiler has been developed for the Volvo C30 which adds both to the aerodynamics and to the visual appearance. The Volvo S40 features the same 'ducktail' spoiler as found on the current T5 and D5 models.

    * New rear bumper on the Volvo C30.

    2. Lower rolling resistance:

    * All the cars are equipped with a new generation of Michelin tyres with low rolling resistance.

    3. Higher ratios:

    * Gearbox with altered ratios for third, fourth and fifth gears. The longer gear ratios contribute to a 1.5% reduction in fuel consumption without affecting the drivability of the car.

    4. More efficient driveline:

    * Optimised engine cooling, engine management and power steering.

    * New transmission oil which creates much lower friction will be used in the gearbox.

    * Gearchange indicator in the information display to tell the driver the ideal time to change gears.

    "Changing the transmission oil gives us a 0.75 percent lower fuel consumption. Tyres with low rolling resistance save another 2 percent. Each of these measures may seem rather modest, but it is important to look at the whole picture. Taken together, all the small adjustments have helped us achieve our aim, with emissions below 120g/km for all three cars, without in any way compromising on either driving properties or comfort, which was an important requirement," says Magnus Jonsson, Senior Vice President, Research & Development at Volvo Cars.

    Volvo C30 best in the ECO test

    Volvo's DRIVe cars are all certified according to the mandatory European NEDC standard. In addition, the Volvo C30 has excelled in the ECO test, which carries out even more comprehensive measurements of CO2 and particulate emissions. This certification process relies on stars and points, in a similar way to the Euro NCAP programme for safety. The independent ECO test places the Volvo C30 at the top of its size category, with four stars and 76 points in the overall assessment of the car's total environmental performance.

    Benefits for the environment and economy

    Reducing fuel consumption and dropping below the 120g/km CO2 emission level offers a range of benefits, both for the environment and the buyer's pocket. With lower carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, these cars reduce the net contribution to global warming. All new diesel models from Volvo are also fitted with a maintenance-free particle filter that traps about 95 percent of all soot particles.

    With the cars' good environmental performance, the driver can count on various financial incentives in 13 European markets, including the UK, where CO2-based vehicle taxation systems, have been implemented; for instance a lower road tax, registration tax or other similar forms of financial encouragement.

    Rising fuel prices also make the Volvo 1.6D DRIVe offer very attractive as fuel consumption can reach 76.3mpg at motorway speeds.

    Sold throughout Europe

    "We will offer our diesel-powered DRIVe cars throughout Europe, even in countries that today do not offer any form of financial incentive. We are doing this to give everyone the opportunity to choose a pro-environmental alternative from Volvo. For us it is not simply a question of short-term sales - it also clearly shows how strongly Volvo prioritises environmental properties throughout the product range, both today and for the future," says Fredrik Arp.

    Volvo Cars expects to sell over 20,000 1.6D DRIVe cars next year in Europe. Sales are expected to spread fairly uniformly throughout the region, with France, Sweden and Spain accounting for most sales due to particularly favourable terms offered to buyers in these countries. The price supplement for the DRIVe package is estimated at between 150 and 450 euros depending on model and market. The DRIVe cars can be specified with most of the options and accessories that Volvo offer, apart from those that affect the cars' aerodynamic properties. Prices, specifications and volume forecasts for the UK will be announced closer to the start of production.

    "The higher price must be regarded as particularly modest bearing in mind the advantages the customer gains in the form of environmental incentives and reduced fuel consumption. We also believe customers will appreciate the opportunity to tailor their DRIVe car by choosing from the wide range of options available," adds Fredrik Arp.

    The most eco-friendly car range

    Apart from these three diesel-powered DRIVe cars, Volvo also offers a comprehensive Flexifuel range encompassing five car models and three bioethanol engines. All told, this means that Volvo Cars today offers the market's widest range of premium cars with a low environmental imprint.

    Volvo Cars is also conducting intensive research into hybrid technology and future alternative fuels. The attention-grabbing Volvo ReCharge Concept plug-in hybrid and Ford Motor Company's decision to establish its European hybrid centre in Volvo's home town of Gothenburg, clearly highlight the environment-technology potential there is within the company.

    Sursa: http://www.autobloggreen.com/2008/09/09/paris-preview-three-volvo-drive-models-with-co-sub-2-sub-emis/

  5. Posted · Report post

    Postati locuri de gratar frumoase cu aer curat pe langa un rau, lac etc.

    Incep eu...ultimul loc in care am fost e Obirsia Lotrului, un loc super misto...numai ca drumul e cam prost de la Voineasa pana la Obirsie.

    Drumul a fost Rm.Vl - Calimanesti - Brezoi - Obirsia Lotrului ( localitatiile mai importante ).

  6. Posted · Report post

    Success for Volvo XC Models in 4x4 Of The Year Awards

    The Volvo XC70 and XC90 competed with nearly 70 rivals to win two accolades at 2009 4x4 Magazine awards, the UK's biggest and most comprehensive annual 4x4 review.

    Up against the cream of the 4x4 crop, the rugged Volvo XC70 go-anywhere premium estate car beat the likes of the Audi Allroad and Jaguar X-TYPE AWD to take the top spot in the best 4x4 Estate category, while the Volvo XC90 received highly commended status in the family class.

    Volvo Car UK's product manager, Chris Wailes, said, “Volvo's philosophy is to produce cars that not only look and feel good to drive, but can be relied upon to live up to any challenge. It is great to see that this is being recognised.â€

    The all-new Volvo XC70 was launched in September last year with improved levels of all-road-all-weather ability and an engaging driving experience combined with class-leading safety features, load-carrying versatility and refined passenger comfort. The impressed 4x4 Magazine judges commented: “Hill descent control, a smooth, responsive D5 engine and gearbox, confident handling and a beautifully finished luxury interior take the estate to new levels of refinement and practicality.â€

    The Volvo XC90 revolutionised the premium SUV market when it was launched in 2003 and it continues to make a big impression in the industry with judges remarking on its ‘ground breaking safety developments' and 'the best foldaway seven-seat designs on the market,’ as well as 'a fabulously comfortable and relaxed interior’.

    The Volvo XC90 has received a number of awards since its launch and the latest accolade proves that it is still a great choice for families. The introduction of the new sporty R-DESIGN specification and lower CO2 emissions on the best-selling D5 Geartronic to just 224g/km further adds to its appeal.

    Sursa: http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2008/08/29/097980.html

  7. Posted · Report post

    Volvo designs special cabins for the allergy prone

    The German luxury car maker Volvo's  S80, V70 and XC70 models have been approved by the Swedish Asthma and Allergy Association for those suffering from allergies, as the cabins have been designed to provide a safe interior environment for them.

    To ensure the quality of the air in passenger car compartments, Volvo decided to establish specifications and institute testing for car interiors in the mid-1990s. The purpose was to create an environment inside the car that was also safe for those known to hypersensitive allergics. In 1998, Volvo S80 was the first model in which this work was incorporated.

    Up to 45 per cent of the population in the industrialy advanced nations are estimated to suffer from some form of allergy, of which over 10 per cent have asthma.

    One of the reasons for the dramatic increase in such ailments since the 1950s can be attributed to the rise in air pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, ground-level ozone, particulates and pollen.

    One of Volvo's objectives in designing vehicles with cabins for the hyper-alletrgics was to ensure that the air quality inside the cabin was cleaner than the air outside.

    What is often referred to as the "new car smell" is actually low levels of emissions from materials such as PVC plastics and certain metals. These emission  levels are so low that they do not present any health hazard, but when the car becomes warm, the emissions concentrations may increase, aggravating the hypersensitive. Though these substances are quickly vented out of the cabin, Volvo aimed at providing a completely odour-free environment.

    The automaker says that work on the interior environment can be divided into two main areas - air quality and contact allergies. To ensure that the air entering the cabin is as clean as possible, Volvo has developed two systems: IAQS (interior air quality system ) and CZIP (clean zone interior package).

    IAQS monitors the quality of the incoming air and automatically closes the air vents if the levels of harmful substances become too high. A multi-filter removes particulates and pollen but also uses a layer of active charcoal to remove odours and ground-level ozone.

    The air in a Volvo car fitted with IAQS is below the minimum limits stipulated by the World Health Organisation's limits for urban environments.CZIP ensures that the air in the car is automatically vented out within one minute from the time the car is unlocked with the remote control.

    In order to avoid emissions from materials in the cabin, a careful selection of materials is made at an early stage. Tests are conducted in which interior components are heated in ovens in order to measure the effect on air quality.

    Volvo conducts tests in three format comprising individual components, systems and entire car. Sun simulations are conducted on entire cars in which the car is heated to 65 degrees (149 degrees F) for several hours to make it possible to compare with an actual situation on a hot summer day.

    These tests are supplemented by Volvo Car Corporation's "nose team," whose members smell different objects to determine if their odour is acceptable or too strong.

    In the work to counteract contact allergies, the amount of nickel released from metallic surfaces is minimised and a natural plant extract is used instead of chrome for tanning leather. All textiles and leather in Volvo's cars meet the requirements in the Oeko-Tex Standard 100, an international institute that monitors harmful substances in textiles.

    Sursa: http://www.domainb.com/companies/companies_v/Volvo/20080828_special_cabins.html

  9. Posted · Report post

    Rusia daca vroia sa ocupe Georgia...o facea...puterea militara rusa este net superioara fata de cea a georgiei...

    Din declaratiile unu oficial georgian...acela se resemnase crezand ca Rusia vroia sa ocupe Georgia...

  11. Posted · Report post

    Din cate stiu, petrolul cel putin, la nivel mondial, va mai fi vreo 50 de ani...apoi tarile vor folosi alte surse alternative sau ce vor mai avea ei in rezerve...si incet incet tarile europene, majoritatea lor, nu vor mai fi asa dependente de rusia, care se va simti din ce in ce mai "singura"...  :D

  13. Posted · Report post

    Pai e regiunea lor, care se vrea separa de georgia...si acolo stagneaza de mult timp militari rusi...cu rol de ''mentinere a pacii"...si georgienilor nu le convine . De aceea au atacat acolo si rusii au trimis si ei tancuri gramada sa se lupte cu ei...

  14. Posted · Report post

    Georgia a atacat regiunea separatista Osetia de Sud, regiune aflata sub protectia Rusiei. Rusii au trimis si ei tancuri sa lupte cu Georgia...ce parere aveti? Inca un razboi in desfasurare...unul destul de interesant..avand in vedere ca Georgia e "suparata" rau...

  15. Posted · Report post

    Fiat vs Hyundai

    Deci nu aveti decat sa comentati cat vreti....Fiatul se pare ca e superior multor masini ...in caz de impact...Tipa din Hyundai este in Spital, cel din Fiat nu a avut nimic....Asa ca sa nu aud comentarii de genul "s-a comportat cum trebuie Hyundai"...ca nu tine!

    Prietenul tau cu volvo n-a patit nimic si nici nu i-au sarit airbagurile...e si asta o chestie...

  17. Posted · Report post

    China's Chery Automobile is reportedly studying the possibility of acquiring Volvo from Ford Motor, in a deal estimated to be worth more than $4.4 billion. Despite the Chinese automaker's ambitions, it may well find that its resources cannot accommodate such a takeover.

    Chery, which at 11 years old is the youngest and the most aggressive of China's carmakers, is undertaking a feasibility study on acquiring Volvo, according the Chinese business magazine Caijing. Its plans are still at a preliminary stage, and management has yet to submit a proposal to the relevant authorities.

    Chery, which is owned by the city of Wuhu in Anhui province, is seeking funding from local banks and private equity firms to back a bid of more than 30 billion yuan ($4.4 billion), Caijing reported on Sunday, citing unnamed market sources.

    Chery would need to rely heavily on outside financing since the company has been stymied in its plans to tap the equity markets for funds. Chery initially planned to float shares in Shanghai and Hong Kong simultaneously in the second half of this year. However, its capital structure failed to meet the requirements of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, and the 50% plunge of the Shanghai market over the past eight months has led Chery to postpone an A-shares listing until next year.

    Ford Motor (China) refused to comment on the news Monday, leaving its U.S. headquarters to give an official response later the day. Meanwhile, Chery's spokesperson could not be contacted to confirm the report.

    Zhang Xin, an auto analyst with Guotai Jun'an Securities in Shanghai, commented that Chery was unlikely to take over the Sweden-based carmaking company, part of Ford's Premier Automotive Group, for a consideration equivalent to Chery's total asset value. “How would it possible for Chery to purchase Volvo at 30 billion yuan given Chery’s total assets, including debt, are worth slightly less than that amount? I don’t see a reason why Chery has to spend that much to buy Volvo given Volvo’s brand value would be depreciated under new ownership,†he told Forbes.com over the phone.

    Zhang regarded it as unlikely that Ford Motor (nyse: F - news - people ) would sell Volvo to Chery because Ford Motor (China) has set up a joint venture--the Chang'an Ford Automobile Co. --with Chang’an Motors in Chongqing to produce the Volvo S40 family sedan in China. LOLZ

    "Besides, Chery has already clinched a … contract to produce vehicles for Chrysler Group for the U.S. market, so what’s the synergy for Chery to buy another foreign brand?" Zhang added. (See "Chrysler Inks Deal To Sell Chinese-Made Cars")

    Ford has repeatedly denied that it intends to put Volvo on the block, but with oil prices rising and the fall in popularity of gas-guzzling SUVs and pickup trucks hammering the American auto industry, divesting the Swedish carmaker would give it more cash for its turnaround program. (See "Ford Focuses On Smaller Cars")

    Ford bought Volvo Group's car unit for $6.45 billion in 1998, in the process of building up a portfolio of premium European car brands that at its fullest included Jaguar, Land Rover and Aston Martin. Volvo is the only one remaining after Ford sold off the other three in the past year and a half.

    The No. 2 U.S. automaker has said it wants to hold onto Volvo, which is more deeply integrated into Ford operations than the three U.K. luxury brands were, but there are rumors that CEO Alan Mulally would like to shed the unit, and major shareholder Kirk Kerkorian has called for it to be put up for sale.

    Volvo is hurting, having posted a loss of $151 million for the first quarter. Amid a deteriorating cost environment for all automakers, Volvo is worse off than others, given its dependence on its market in the United States and its lack of manufacturing facilities there--exporting cars across the Atlantic has become an increasingly expensive proposition. In late June, it announced plans to cut 2,000 jobs worldwide, about 8% of its 25,000 workers, and to reduce the production of its V70 and S80 passenger cars and XC70 and XC90 sport utility vehicles.

    Rumors have been circulating since last month that the ailing American auto giant would hive off the respected Swedish car brand to a Chinese carmaker in order to raise cash for its turnaround efforts. The Swedish newspaper Dagens Industri reported that Ford was in negotiations with an unnamed Chinese automaker. Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp., China's largest carmaker, is said to be interested in acquiring another European brand to go along with the failed MG Rover Group of the U.K.

  18. Posted · Report post

    Ford Motors subsidiary, Volvo was declared winner in three categories in the annual Ideal Vehicle Awards (IVA), conducted by the automotive research and consulting firm AutoPacific. In search of the ideal vehicle, AutoPacific asked owners to rate their model year 2008 cars and trucks using a measurement of 15 key vehicle attributes.

    According to AutoPacific results, the Volvo S40 was the clear winner in the luxury mid-size car category. With high rating for exterior size, visibility, ride, handling and safety the S40 was an unanimous choice foran ideal vehicle. Luxury Mid-Size car owners' ratings also prove that Volvo understands their buyers very well and the firm's engineers and designers definitely hit their target. Top marks were also given for seat firmness, interior lighting, wheels and tires, and exterior styling."

    In the Image Compact Car category the Volvo C30 was the winner as it seemed to appeal to Image Compact Car owners on both an emotional and rational level. Owners' preferences for the C30's exterior styling, ride, and safety blended well with the interior lighting, seat firmness, and level of technology.

    AutoPacific cited, "Image Compact Cars are products where style typically trumps absolute function."

    The Volvo C70 shared the top spot in the Aspirational Luxury Car category. AutoPacific summarised that, "Even though the Volvo 70 is only available in one trim level (T5) it seems as though the Swedes have packaged the vehicle just right.

    With the most modern convenience features, owners in the Aspirational Luxury Car segment found the C70 well-equipped, giving the C70 top honors as a 2008 ideal vehicle. Of course it comes standard with numerous safety features (it's a Volvo), sharp wheels and tires, excellent interior lighting and appreciate seat firmness."

    AutoPacific's IVAs are quantitative gauges measuring how closely a vehicle matches an owner's expectations. The buyers who are least likely to want to change their vehicle: they are driving their "ideal" vehicle.

    The AutoPacific report concludes, "The automakers that best understand their customers and create the vehicle their buyers demand come closest to the ideal."

    The results of the IVA were based on data collected from thousands of new car and truck buyers who rated 15 specific vehicle attributes: exterior styling, exterior size, passenger roominess, cargo space, driver's seat comfort, drivers seat visibility, interior technology, interior lighting, power and acceleration, ease of getting in and out, interior storage compartments, ride, handling, safety features and tires and wheels.

    Sursa: http://www.domainb.com/companies/companies_v/Volvo/20080701_vehicle_awards.html

  23. Posted · Report post

    Ca o constatare dupa cele citite...volvo e o masina sigura in care nu patesti mare lucru...drept pt care am inceput sa ne luam de masina in sine...de ce a ajuns asa rau dupa impact? de ce n-au iesit airbagurile cand ele nu trebuie sa iasa? de ce de ce de ce???

    La inceput cand am vazut pozele de la budulan am fost si eu nelamurit...dar acum e totul ok :P

    Volvo. For life

  25. Posted · Report post

    Ward's AutoWorld gives the Swedish sport hatch recognition for interior styling

    Ward's AutoWorld magazine recently acknowledged Volvo for its car interior design. The Volvo C30 earned Ward's Interior Design Award for Best Brand Reflection. Last year, Ward's named the Volvo S80 winner of the Best Interior Design of the Year Award.

    According to Eric Mayne, Ward's Editor of News Operations, "Marked by simplicity, grace and functionality, the C30's interior exemplifies this heritage. They not only defy the industry convention that mass ensures comfort, they contribute to a futuristic ambience usually reserved for concept cars."  Volvo interiors have always been ergonomically designed to bring forward in materials all that is reflected in Scandinavian design: where form and function combine to be aesthetically pleasing and easy to understand. In a complicated world, Volvo brings a sense of harmony and peace to the daily grind of driving.

    "With the C30, our goal was to bring a more youthful spirit and a refined Scandinavian flair to the interior," Steve Mattin, SVP Design, Volvo Cars said. "We wanted the best of our cultural design heritage in this car. Our design vision was to create an interior that could only be branded Volvo. We shied away from chrome, kept controls intuitive without adding more buttons or switches and looked for ways to express our feeling about harmony and softness. Our center stack console has become a signature element for all Volvo car models. Its outline brings a natural rhythm and functionality expressed in clean lines and soft curves."

    Volvo's legendary anatomically designed seats are upholstered in the unique T-Tec fabric specially developed for Volvo Cars and inspired by sportswear and modern travel accessories. T-Tec is soft, supple, elastic and comfortable. The contrast between T-Tec and textile - along with seams of a different, yet coordinating color - reinforces the dynamic appeal of the car.

    "We are pushing the edge with materials, visual sensations and tactile feelings," Steve Mattin said. "C30 is a reflection of our Scandinavian culture, feelings about our environment and our heritage."

    Sursa: http://www.conceptcar.co.uk/news/design/cardesignnews111.php