Volvo

Volvo’s story began in a small workshop in Gothenburg on April 14, 1927. Engineers Assar Gabrielsson and Gustaf Larson set out to build a car for Sweden’s rough roads and freezing winters. Their first model, the ÖV 4, rolled out that summer and proved its mettle by tackling muddy tracks that left rivals stranded. That early resilience set a tone. Within five years the company delivered its 10,000th car. A milestone that cemented Volvo as a brand known for toughness and reliability. Volvo introduced the three-point safety belt in 1959 and opened the patent for free public use, transforming global auto safety standards. Later innovations include side-impact protection systems and driver assistance features. In the 21st century Volvo shifted toward electrification. Today its lineup spans from the compact EX30 electric SUV to the luxury EX90 electric SUV. The brand has pledged that by 2030 all sales will be electric. It continues to focus on safety, reducing environmental impact and intuitive controls.