In the 1950s, Volvo entered the American market. The PV44 was an instant success in foreign markets. Continuing to innovate, Volvo also unveiled the first vehicles to feature the three-point safety belt. Throughout the 1960s and 70s, Volvo unveiled notable safety features like the padded dashboard, front and rear crumple-zones, childproof locks, and collapsible steering columns.
Throughout the 1980s and 90s, Volvo continued to push the technological envelope when they released their first turbocharged and front-wheel drive vehicles – all the while continuing to set the standard for safety features. In 1998, Volvo was sold to Ford, merging Volvo’s high standard for safety with Fords financial backing. Eventually, due to difficulties with the economy and failing auto sales, Ford sold Volvo to Greely, a Chinese automaker, in 2010.
Today Volvo offers drivers ten different vehicles. The Vovlo S-series (S40, S60, and S80) remains the company’s most popular seller. Prices remain typical of what one would expect to pay for a European import, though Volvo has made a concerted effort to offer several models in the mid $20,000 range – including the C30 hatchback and S40 sedan. Of course, all Volvo’s continue their long-standing tradition of offering some of the world’s safest vehicles.
