Where Is Volvo From?

Volvo vehicles are known for being sensible, reliable vehicles as well as luxurious cars and SUVs that come at affordable prices for Chandler drivers. Whether you’re interested in a Volvo SUV, sedan, or wagon, you’ll be making a solid choice and a smart investment. But many Mesa drivers wonder, where is Volvo from? Is Volvo German or Swedish? Learn what country makes Volvo, and a bit of the brand’s history with Volvo Cars Gilbert below.

Is Volvo German?

While many people might think it’s Germany, Volvo Cars began in Gothenburg, Sweden. Assar Gabrielsson and Gustaf Larson founded the company in 1927, and the first vehicle ever produced was the ÖV4.

The Ford Motor Company previously owned Volvo, but Geely Motors now owns it in China. That said, the Volvo headquarters still reside in Gothenburg, Sweden, and the company has manufacturing plants in Sweden, Belgium, China, and the United States.

A Brief Volvo History

We’ve answered, is Volvo German, it’s time to explore the brand’s history a little further. So, what country makes Volvo? Let’s look at how Volvo started from a small company in Sweden into the international luxury brand it is today:

• 1927: The first Volvo, the ÖV4, is produced.
• 1944: The “Little Volvo” rolls out onto the international market, with 2,300 people placing orders within the first two weeks.
• 1953: The Volvo Duett is launched, marketed as “two cars in one” thanks to the large, wagon-like rear compartment.
• 1955: Volvo begins exporting its vehicles to the United States.
• 1959: Volvo engineer Nils Bohlin invents the three-point safety belt, making it a standard feature in the PV 544. Volvo waives its patent on the innovative seatbelt, allowing everyone to benefit from the safety it provides.
• 1976: The U.S. government buys 24 Volvo 240 models for extensive crash testing, making Volvo the benchmark for safety standards in the country.
• 1991: Volvo unveils the Volvo 850, which features four unique innovations: the transverse five-cylinder engine, the Side Impact Protection System, self-adjusting belt reels for the front seats, and the Delta-link rear suspension.
• 2002: The first Volvo SUV, the Volvo XC90, is released.
• 2013: Volvo expands its manufacturing outside of Europe for the first time with a plant in Chengdu, China.
• 2017: Volvo releases its first compact SUV, the Volvo XC40.
• 2018: The first Volvo manufacturing plant in the U.S. begins operating in Charleston, South Carolina.
• 2019: Volvo rolls out its first all-electric SUV, the Volvo XC40 Recharge.

Find Your Next Volvo at Volvo Cars Gilbert!

It’s clear that Volvo has a long, celebrated history, and with so many options and price points, you’re sure to find a car, SUV, or wagon that fits both your wants and needs. Explore our inventory of new Volvo vehicles online before visiting the Volvo Cars Gilbert showroom to take a test drive and learn more about buying and leasing options. Contact us with questions at any time to learn more about the country that makes Volvo, what vehicles the brand has to offer, its innovative technologies, and more. Our team is happy to answer any questions you may have.