R&D milestones
The Volvo Group builds on 90 years of corporate history defined by value-led innovation. Our commitment to quality and safety is rooted in the visionary approach of our founding fathers, Assar Gabrielsson and Gustaf Larson and their aim to produce safe, high-quality vehicles.
1959
3-point safety belt
Volvo pioneered the 3-point safety belt that becomes an international life saver.
1972
Environmental care
In 1972, environmental care was added as a corporate core value. We acknowledged that our products had a negative environmental impact and we were determined to do something about it. By 1976, we had introduced the 3-way catalytic converter as an effective system for reducing exhaust emissions. In the 1990s, we launched the Environmental Concept Car, Bus and Truck and the Group’s first fleet management solution.
1981
Automatic Power Shift
Volvo BM invents the Automatic Power Shift (APS). APS saves fuel and boosts performance by constantly selecting the right gear for the job and the current operating conditions.
2001
Volvo I-Shift
Volvo Trucks launches a revolutionary new automated transmission, I-Shift, which was a huge success. It calculates several parameters to determine the best shift option.
2002
Renault Infomax
Renault Trucks’ vehicle management system Infomax is awarded the Siemens Prize for innovation. Infomax is a tool for measuring and analyzing fuel consumption.
2004
Penta IPS
A world first from Volvo Penta. The IPS, Inboard Performance System, propulsion system revolutionised the boating world. Volvo Penta IPS delivering around 35 % better efficiency at cruising speeds than inboard shafts.
2006
I-SAM hybrid concept
A commercially viable option for heavy vehicles such as trucks and buses on routes with frequent braking and acceleration. Delivers fuel savings of up to 35 %.
2007
CO2-neutral trucks and plant
We are the first vehicle manufacturer to produce seven CO2-neutral demonstration trucks. The Group also presents the world’s first CO2-neutral vehicle plant, Volvo Trucks plant in Ghent, Belgium. In addition, 2010, we were the first automotive manufacturer approved to participate in WWF’s Climate Savers program.
2012
I-See
I-See reduces fuel consumption for long-distance transport. Like an autopilot system, it handles gear changes, throttle and brakes on gradients very efficiently.
2013
Dynamic Steering
Volvo Dynamic Steering is an electronically controlled electric motor attached to the steering shaft that makes the truck driver’s job both safer and more comfortable. This is the technology behind the viral success “The Epic Split” with many millions of views on YouTube.
2014
Dual clutch
Volvo Group launches the first transmission on the market with a dual clutch system for heavy vehicles. With dual clutches; gear changes take place without any interruption in power delivery.
2015
Electric bus
Together with partners in different sectors, we develop buses and infrastructure, on the way to an electrified bus network in Gothenburg.
Benefits include low noise, no local emissions, 99 % reduction in CO2 emissions and 80 % energy savings.
2016
Automation
The development of autonomous vehicles is entering an exciting new phase. Volvo′s fully autonomous trucks are tested deep underground in the Kristineberg mine, as a refuse truck in the urban environment and in the sugar cane harvest in Brazil. Volvo CE presents its new concept HX1, an autonomous construction machine.
