History
Volvo was the first to introduce many prominent features in its vehicles. It produced cars with padded dashboards in late 1956 with its Amazon model. The modern 3-Point Safety Belt was invented and patented by the Volvo and it became a standard part on all Volvo cars later. Also, Volvo was the first to introduce the first central high-mounted stoplight, which was later mandated in the US in 1986. Volvo introduced the Side Impact Protection System (SIPS) on the 940/960 and 850 models in 1991. Later in 1995, Volvo, for the first time, introduced side airbags and added it to the list of standard equipment in all models. Three years later, a head-protecting airbag was made standard in all new Volvo models, as well as some existing models. In the same year, Volvo installed its Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS), a safety device to prevent injury of front-seat users, during collisions. Volvo's BLIS system that detects vehicles entering the Volvo's blind spot with a side-view mirror-mounted sensor and alerts the driver with a light was introduced in 2004 . The second generation of Volvo C70 was introduced in the next year. This model came with extra stiff door-mounted inflatable side-curtains, the first-of-its-kind in a convertible. Volvo models are known for safety, quality, design and excitement. It introduced the popular in-line 5-cylinder engine to its vehicle line-up since its introduction in 1993 in the Volvo 850. Also it is one among a few automobile manufacturing companies that that use in-line or straight engines in their production vehicles. Today Volvo holds a major market share in Europe (60%) followed by America (30%) and the rest of the world (10%). Volvo has also already made its mark in Russia, and in countries like China and India (10%) in Asia.

Expansion
Volvo was originally started as a subsidiary company to ball-bearing maker SKF at Gothenburg in Sweden in 1927. Today Volvo is well known as a leading luxury automotive brand manufacturer of trucks, buses, SUVs, wagon, sedans, compact executive sedans and coupes.

Models

2009 Volvo S40
A premium compact sedan available in three trim levels - 2.4i, T5 R-Design and T5 AWD R-Design, the 2009 Volvo S40 gets Bluetooth compatibility, 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, a sunroof, a power driver seat and an eight-speaker stereo with a six-CD changer and satellite radio. The T5 and T5 AWD trims get some new features.
2009 Volvo S60
The 2009 Volvo S60 comes three trim levels 2.5T, 2.5T AWD and T5. A front- or all-wheel drive sharp handling comfortable sedan, the S60 gets the turbocharged inline-five-cylinder engines.
2009 Volvo S80
A flagship Volvo, the 200 Volvo S80 is a mid-size luxury sedan that blends the signature Volvo styling with the high-tech safety features and gets a turbocharged six-cylinder engine, the available V8 engine, AWD and many high-end safety features.
2009 Volvo V50
The 2009 Volvo V50 is a modern sports wagon available in 2.4i and T5 AWD R-Design trims. Front- or all-wheel drive configuration is available. It is a compact wagon with an impressive interior space, a number of safety features,blind-spot detection option and a versatile cargo hatch.
2009 Volvo V70
The 2009 Volvo V70 is versatile wagon available in a single trim only. It is a very safe wagon features like collision warning with brake support.
2009 Volvo XC70
The 2009 Volvo XC70, a crossover wagon, gets a T6 turbocharged engine and delivers a better fuel economy and is closely related to the Volvo V70.
2000 Volvo XC90
A dynamic mid-size seven-passenger SUV, the 2009 Volvo XC90 is available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel-drive configuration. It is practical, safe and comfortable vehicle with class-leading safety equipment.
2009 Volvo C30
A sporty four-seater, the 2009 Volvo C30 gets a R-Design package. It is the smallest, innovative, sporty two-door hatchback and the most athletic Volvo.
2009 Volvo C70
A four-seater convertible with brilliant styling, the 2009 Volvo C70 is available as a unique retractable-hardtop model with a five-cylinder turbo engine, six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission, emergency brake lights and blind-spot information system.