History
Volvo, a Swedish automaker, is currently a division of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, which is based in China. Volvo made its first car in 1927 with a production volume of 280 units. Swedish domestic sales increased rapidly thereafter, and the company was soon making cars, buses and trucks. Outboard and aircraft engines would soon follow. It wasn't until after World War II that Volvo became known outside its domestic market.

Over the following decades, the automaker became famous for its safety advancements. Volvo introduced laminated safety glass in 1944, and is credited with the invention of the 3-point safety belt shortly thereafter (it became standard in all of its models as of 1959). The company also developed padded dashboards and rear-facing child seats. The automaker also claims that it was the first to offer side air bags and head-protecting air bags. Volvo Cars, the automotive division, was sold to Ford Motor Company in 1999. It was then acquired by Geely Holding Group in 2010.

Today, Volvo manufactures a full range of passenger automobiles. They include compact hatchbacks, 4-door sedans, station wagons, and sport utility vehicles with up to 7-passenger seating capacities. All models are fitted with standard front-wheel drive, but many also offer the option of all-wheel drive. Volvo vehicles are manufactured and sold worldwide.

2011 Volvo Models at a Glance:

• C30-The front fascia is restyled and the R-Design model is enhanced
• C70-A minor facelift, inside and out, and more options for the new year
• S40-The entry-level model is dropped, along with the all-wheel-drive option
• S60-All-new redesign for 2011
• S80-The flagship V-8 model disappears
• V50-The base model is eliminated, and the turbocharged engine becomes standard
• XC60-A new R-Design model is launched
• XC70-With the departure of the V70, the XC70 takes on a broader role
• XC90-Mostly a carryover

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• 2010 Volvo Model Information
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