UBER and Volvo collaborate to utilise driverless cars in San Francisco, USA.

Uber, the ride-sharing technology company, is expanding its self-driving pilot to San Francisco, California, using specially converted self-driving Volvo XC90 premium SUVs.

The move marks the next phase in a deepening alliance between Volvo and Uber after the two companies signed an agreement in August 2016 to establish a jointly owned project to build base vehicles that can be used to develop fully autonomous driverless cars. These cars were initially tested in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

The latest cars to be used in San Francisco have been built by Volvo and sold to Uber, after which Uber’s own self-driving hardware and software package has been added, most visibly in the roof-mounted control apparatus.

These cars will drive around the streets of San Francisco autonomously, but as part of the pilot programme they will at all times have an Uber technician on board to supervise the car’s operation.

“The promise of self-driving ride sharing is becoming a reality,” said Mårten Levenstam, vice president product planning at Volvo Cars. “Volvo is proud to be at the forefront of the latest developments in the automotive world alongside our partners at Uber.”

The alliance with Uber forms one part of Volvo’s three-part plan to develop autonomous driving (AD) technologies.

In January 2017, Volvo will begin a project entitled Drive Me, which will be the world’s largest autonomous driving test in which up to 100 AD cars will be given to members of the public to be driven on real roads around Gothenburg, Sweden. Their experiences will be used to co-develop Volvo’s AD cars.

The second part is a joint venture with Autoliv, the leading automotive safety technology company, to set up a new jointly owned company to design and manufacture separately branded AD and driver-assistance software technology packages for sale to third-party OEMs. The new company will have its headquarters in Gothenburg, Sweden, and an initial workforce taken from both companies of around 200, increasing to more than 600 in the medium term. The company is expected to start operations in the beginning of 2017.

The third part is the ongoing relationship with Uber to build and co-develop base vehicles for AD cars. This deal reduces Volvo’s development costs, gives it a chance to develop cutting-edge technology and could ultimately boost sales significantly.

The base vehicles are manufactured by Volvo and then purchased from Volvo by Uber. Volvo Cars and Uber are contributing a combined USD300m to the project. Both Uber and Volvo will use the same base vehicle for the next stage of their own autonomous car strategies.

The cars to be used in San Francisco are developed on Volvo Cars’ fully modular Scalable Product Architecture (SPA). SPA is one of the most advanced car architectures in the world and is currently used on Volvo Cars’ top-of-the-line multiple-award-winning XC90 SUV, as well as the S90 premium saloon and V90 premium estate.

SPA has been developed as part of Volvo Cars’ USD11bn global industrial transformation programme, which started in 2010, and has been prepared from the outset for the latest autonomous drive technologies as well as next-generation electrification and connectivity developments. It is these capabilities that attracted Uber to Volvo.

Volvo Cars, the premium car maker, is to begin the UK's most ambitious autonomous driving trial next year.

Volvo Cars, the premium car maker, is to begin the UK's most ambitious autonomous driving trial next year to speed up the introduction of a technology that promises to massively reduce car accidents as well as free up congested roads and save drivers valuable time.

The Swedish company, whose name has been synonymous with automotive safety ever since it invented the three-point seatbelt in 1959, is pioneering the development of autonomous driving (AD) systems globally as part of its commitment that no one will be seriously injured or killed in a new Volvo by the year 2020.

"Autonomous driving represents a leap forward in car safety," said Håkan Samuelsson, president and chief executive of Volvo Cars. "The sooner AD cars are on the roads, the sooner lives will start being saved."

Mr Samuelsson will make his comments at a seminar sponsored by Volvo and Thatcham, the insurance industry's research organisation, in London on May 3 entitled 'A Future with Autonomous Driving Cars – Implications for the Insurance Industry' at the America Conference Centre in London.

Volvo's UK-based test will be called 'Drive Me London' and will differentiate itself from other AD programmes by using real families driving AD cars on public roads.  

Volvo will source its data from these everyday users and use this data to develop AD cars that are suitable for real-world driving conditions, rather than the more unrealistic conditions found on test tracks. Thatcham Research will be providing the technical data analysis and any professional test drivers needed as part of the trial.  

Drive Me London will begin in early 2017 with a limited number of semi-autonomous driving cars and expand in 2018 to include up to 100 AD cars, making it the largest and most extensive AD testing programme on Britain's streets.  

The introduction of AD cars promises to revolutionise Britain's roads in four main areas – safety, congestion, pollution and time saving.  

Independent research has revealed that AD has the potential to reduce the number of car accidents significantly, in some cases by up to 30 per cent. Up to 90 per cent of all accidents are presently caused by driver error or distraction, something that should largely disappear with AD cars.  

"Vehicle manufacturers are predicting that highly autonomous vehicles, capable of allowing the driver to drop 'out of the loop' for certain sections of their journey, will be available from around 2021. Without doubt, crash frequency will also dramatically reduce. We've already seen this with the adoption of Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) on many new cars. Research in the US by NHTSA predicts that by 2035, as a result of autonomous and connected cars, crashes will be reduced by 80%. Additionally, if a crash unfortunately can't be avoided, then the impact speed will also drop as a result of the system's performance – reducing the severity of the crash," said Peter Shaw, chief executive of Thatcham Research.  

In terms of congestion, AD cars allow traffic to move more smoothly, reducing traffic jams and by extension cutting dangerous emissions and associated pollution. Lastly, reduced congestion saves drivers valuable time.  

"There are multiple benefits to AD cars," said Mr Samuelsson. "That is why governments globally need to put in place the legislation and infrastructure to allow AD cars onto the streets as soon as possible. The car industry cannot do it all by itself. We need governmental help."

The all-new Volvo XC90 has earned a spot among the 2016 Wards 10 Best Interiors awards

The all-new Volvo XC90 has earned a spot among the 2016 Wards 10 Best Interiors awards, which recognizes new or significantly improved passenger vehicle interiors. The Volvo XC90’s interior is designed to make occupants feel better when they arrive at their destination than they did when they set out. 

Natural materials such as Nappa leather and open pore wood skillfully highlighted by faceted rotary controls and polished trim provide a clean, crisp, calming environment worthy of any modern Scandinavian home.

“The XC90 interior arguably makes the most dramatic styling statement in this year’s competition, leveraging a uniquely Scandinavian-sensibility,” said WardsAuto Senior Editor Tom Murphy. “From the diagonal grain of the Linear Walnut wood inlays and Oreffors crystal gear shifter to the user-friendly tablet-shaped display screen and gleaming brightwork, the XC90’s cabin is a credit to all things Swedish.”

“The interior of the all-new XC90 sets new standards for the segment, if not the industry,” said Robin Page, Head of Interior Design at Volvo Car Group. “I am proud of the many talented Volvo designers and engineers who executed flawlessly to create something XC90 drivers can be deeply proud of.”

Eight editors at WardsAuto, a leading trade publication for the global automotive industry, selected the XC90’s interior after evaluating 47 vehicles -- including 18 utility vehicles -- for interior materials, ergonomics, driver information, safety, comfort, fit-and-finish and aesthetics.

Page will accept the trophy at the Wards Interiors Conference May 11 in the Grand Riverview Ballroom at Detroit’s Cobo Center. He will also be a keynote speaker.

Volvo Car UK is enhancing the performance of its award-winning XC90 with a series of Polestar-developed upgrades.

• Increased power and torque for D5 diesel and T6 petrol Drive-E engines
• Performance boost for D4 and T5 Drive-E engines in other Volvo models
• Upgrades available now, priced at £835

Volvo Car UK is enhancing the performance of its award-winning XC90 with a series of Polestar-developed upgrades. This is the first time that Polestar, Volvo’s performance brand, has focussed its attention on the new seven-seat SUV.

Known as Polestar Performance Optimisation, the upgrades improve the power and torque figures of both the D5 diesel and T6 petrol Drive-E engines, particularly at medium revs where it’s most effective. 

They also make the accelerator responses even quicker, and alter the settings of the automatic gearbox to provide faster gearchanges and prevent gearshifts during rapid cornering, which could unsettle the car. 

These quicker and more precise responses to driver commands not only make the driving experience more dynamic, they ensure the car responds predictably during high-speed driving.

The upgrades have been developed and designed by the engineers of Polestar and the racing drivers of Polestar Cyan Racing, the official motorsport partner to Polestar.

Thed Björk, reigning Scandinavian Touring Car Championship (STCC) champion and Polestar Cyan Racing driver, said: “The new Polestar optimisation is about making the car more dynamic and responsive to drive. We use the same philosophy as when optimising our race cars, to create a completely balanced package. And this is exactly what we have focussed on with the new-generation optimisations for Volvo cars: powertrain optimisation for real-life driving.”

The maximum output of the D5 Drive-E engine is increased to 233 hp and 500 Nm of torque (up from 225 hp and 470 Nm), while the T6 Drive-E is boosted to 334 hp and 440 Nm (from 320 hp and 400 Nm).

Polestar Performance Optimisations have also been released for the D4 diesel and T5 petrol Drive-E engines in other Volvo models. Like the upgrades to the D5 and T6 engines in the XC90, the aim is to boost medium-rev performance and to make the car’s entire drivetrain react more quickly and accurately to driver commands.

With the Polestar Performance Optimisation, the D4 Drive-E offers 200 hp and 440 Nm (up from 190 hp and 400 Nm), while the output of the T5 Drive-E is raised to 253 hp and 400 Nm (from 245 hp and 350 Nm).

The D4 Drive-E upgrades are available in the S60, V40, V40 Cross Country, V60 and XC60, and the T5 Drive-E enhancements are offered in the V40 and V40 Cross Country.

The price of the D4, D5*, T5 and T6 Polestar upgrades is £835, including VAT and fitting. The work can be carried out at any authorised Volvo dealer, and should take about 30 minutes to complete.

Nick Connor, Managing Director of Volvo Car UK, said: “These new Polestar Performance Optimisations make our cars and Drive-E engines even more dynamic and desirable. The combination of increased power and torque – especially at medium revs – and the changes to make the entire drivetrain more responsive ensure that owners will really feel the difference these optimisations make.”

Finally, until the end of December 2015, all model-year 2005 to model-year 2015 all-wheel-drive Volvos can be upgraded with the Polestar Performance Optimisation at the discounted price of £620, saving £215.

The Polestar upgrades do not affect the certified emissions and fuel consumption figures, service intervals or Volvo warranty cover.

All-New Volvo XC-90 T8 Twin Engine receives approval for Plug-In Car grant.

Volvo’s first ever petrol plug-in hybrid, the XC90 T8 Twin Engine, has qualified for the UK Plug-in Car Grant (PICG) scheme from the Office of Low Emissions (OLEV). The new XC90 T8 Twin engine is now available with an on-road price of £54,955 (including PICG).

The award-winning XC90 is the first car to be built on Volvo’s first in-house designed and built platform (SPA – Scalable Product Architecture), powered by Volvo’s new Drive-E powertrains.

  

The SPA platform is designed to incorporate electrification without encroaching on interior space, with the necessary battery pack being neatly concealed within the centre console. The Drive-E powertrain, from its initial concept, was designed to include electrification, with the new XC90 utilising both a 320hp petrol engine and 87hp electric motor.

With a combined output of 407hp, this 7-seat SUV emits an impressively low figure of just 49g/km of CO₂, at the same time being able to go from stand still to 60mph in only 5.3 seconds.

The XC90 T8 Twin engine allows the driver to choose multiple drive modes:

• Pure – allows drivers to use electric energy for up to 28 miles with zero exhaust emissions
• Hybrid – uses a combination of the electrical and petrol motors to achieve reduced CO₂ exhaust emissions
• Power – utilises the full power from both the petrol and electric motors allowing the driver to use the full 407hp available

The Plug in Car Grant (PICG) has a designed criteria to encourage manufactures to decrease the level of outputted CO₂ exhaust emissions. To achieve this, hybrid vehicles must emit less than 75g/km, a minimal travelling range of 10 miles and must reach a speed of at least 60mph.

Companies choosing the XC90 T8 Twin Engine can benefit by writing down as much as 100% of the cost against their income tax liability. Driver who choose the XC90 T8 Momentum pay as little as £99.83 BIK a month (40% tax payer) whilst enjoying a full 7-seat SUV with 407hp.

The XC90 T8 is available in three designs: Momentum, R-Design and Inscription.

USA - Volvo Cars announces a progressive renewal of its entire range, and improved marketing.

• Complete renewal of entire model range in five years
• Targets sales of over 100,000 in the medium term
• Volvo CEO: “We will not only stay in the US, we will prosper”

Volvo Cars today revealed full details of its plan to revive sales in the US, which will be led by a complete renewal of its entire product range in the next five years, a renewed focus on its dealer network, world first engine and safety technologies, a new management team and increased marketing spending.

The announcement of the plan comes at the LA Auto Show, where Volvo will introduce the all-new XC90 seven seater SUV to the US and also reveal the new V60 Cross Country wagon.

The Swedish company is confident that it can reverse a 10-year trend of falling sales in the US to sell around 100,000 cars a year in the medium term, compared to around 60,000 forecast sales this year. This will bring the company's performance in the US into line with the strong sales growth it has generated in Western Europe and China.

“Volvo is in the US to stay. Not only will we stay, we will prosper,” said Håkan Samuelsson, President and Chief Executive of Volvo Cars. “We have a plan and we are implementing it. We sold over 100,000 cars a year in the US in the past. Our initial aim is to get back to that level and in the longer term surpass it.”

Volvo's US Revival Plan has five elements. They are:

• The complete renewal of the product range in the next five years which begins with the all-new XC90 and V60 Cross Country
• A full scale strengthening of the brand with a marketing budget set to double in the next year
• A focus on developing the dealer network to ensure the infrastructure is in place to support brand development and new products
• A focus on managing residual values to ensure that the company’s premium position is reflected in the long term value of its products
• A drive to improve service operations and deliver real profit opportunities to the dealer network as well as an uncompromising approach to service quality

This revival plan will be implemented by a new management team, which is already in place. It will also be underpinned by several new technologies. These include Drive-E, the most powerful and environmentally friendly engines on the market, world beating safety technologies and the latest connectivity capabilities.

The all new XC90 in LA

The US public is being offered its first look at the all new XC90 at the LA Auto Show.

The XC90 is a visually striking, premium quality seven seat SUV with world leading safety features, new powertrain technologies, an unrivalled combination of power and fuel efficiency and a superlative interior finish.

The new XC90 marks the beginning of a new chapter in Volvo’s history, capturing its future design direction, incorporating its own range of new technologies and utilising its new Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) technology.

The First Edition of the all-new Volvo XC90, 1,927 individually numbered cars only available for sale via digital commerce, sold out in 47 hours after it was released in early September 2014.

World premiere in Los Angeles: the Volvo V60 Cross Country 

In Los Angeles, Volvo Cars also showcases the long-awaited Cross Country version of its successful V60 sports wagon.

Compared to the regular V60, the V60 Cross Country has an increased ground clearance of 65 mm. Furthermore, offering new Cross Country 18” and 19” wheels, the V60 Cross Country comes with high profile tyres, adding comfort and off-road aesthetics, reducing road noise and providing added wheel protection whether climbing kerbs or negotiating rocky roads.

The US and Canada will get the first V60 Cross Country cars, and they will launch with Volvo’s iconic five cylinder 250 hp petrol engine with All-Wheel Drive coupled to an automatic transmission delivering a highly competitive 23 mpg.

Volvo’s new class-leading Drive-E four-cylinder petrol engines, which will be available in the V60 Cross Country globally in early 2015, will be the base for the Front-Wheel Drive variant, while the proven five-cylinder D4 powertrain will provide the power for the All-Wheel Drive variant.

The Cross Country brand has a long and distinguished heritage. Volvo Cars was the first premium brand to offer increased all-road capability and styling on its wagons as far back as 1997 when it introduced the V70 Cross Country, creating a whole new type of car experience that has since captured the imagination of the motoring public.

USA - L.A. AUTO SHOW - Volvo launches XC-90 and V60 Cross Country.

• Volvo Car Group President and CEO, Håkan Samuelsson, to speak during Connected Car Expo on Tuesday, November 18^th at 11:05 a.m. PT
• Volvo press conference to be held on Wednesday, November 19^th at 2:10 p.m. PT

Volvo will introduce two brand new vehicles to U.S. customers at the Los Angeles Auto Show (LAAS) this week: The all-new 2016 XC90 will make it U.S. debut, and the show marks the global unveil of the new 2015.5 V60 Cross Country.

To kick off Volvo’s presence at the show, Samuelsson will be the headline speaker at the Connected Car Expo on Tuesday, November 18 (11:05 a.m. PT), where he will discuss how the connected car will define and shape the future of transportation, as well as how we live and interact with the world around us. 

He will explore the Drive Me autonomous driving program, featuring 100 self-driving Volvos on public roads in everyday driving conditions. Samuelsson will also share his vision for both the future of Volvo and the entire automotive industry in an exclusive interview with CNET’s Brian Cooley (4:50 p.m. PT).

On November 19, Samuelsson, along with Senior Vice President of Design, Thomas Ingenlath and Vice President of Vehicle Line Management, Dennis Nobelius, will reveal the latest details about the all-new XC90 and V60 Cross Country at Volvo’s LAAS stand. They will also discuss the company’s latest efforts in the U.S. and share updates on Vision 2020: Volvo’s commitment that no one will be killed or seriously injured in a new Volvo by 2020.

The All-New Volvo XC90

The start of a new chapter for the iconic Swedish brand, the Volvo XC90 is a visually striking, luxury, seven seat SUV. The car boasts world-leading safety features, new powertrain technologies that provide an unrivalled combination of power and fuel efficiency, and a superlative interior finish.

With forward-thinking design inside and out, incorporating Volvo’s own range of new technologies, including the Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) and the latest Drive-E powertrains, the all-new XC90 gives customers a thoroughly modern, luxury driving experience.

The New Volvo V60 Cross Country

As part of Volvo’s renowned Cross Country brand, the new V60 Cross Country aims to carry on the company’s Scandinavian heritage and love of nature and adventure. Offering increased all-road capability and styling to match, the V60 Cross Country brings together a sporty, connected, and comfortable driving experience with the freedom to explore new horizons.

With a long list of standard features including navigation, leather, sunroof, Sensus Connect, Volvo’s connected car platform and Volvo On Call, Volvo’s telematics solution, the V60 Cross Country five-cylinder 250 hp with All Wheel Drive will start at $41,000 and will be in dealerships the first quarter of 2015.

USA - XC90 T6 AWD Momentum and Inscription deliver a true next-generation, luxury SUV experience

Volvo Cars, as part of the reveal of the all-new XC90, recently announced its new trim level structure – Momentum, Inscription and R-Design –offering a tailored experience at every level. Momentum provides a well-appointed vehicle designed to meet and exceed the needs of most customers. Inscription is crafted specifically for customers that hold an additional appreciation for craftsmanship, and desire increased comfort with exclusive features. R-Design rounds out the group and delivers a sporty and dynamic aura.

Both the XC90 T6 AWD Momentum and XC90 T6 AWD Inscription will feature an extensive list of standard elements that will revolutionize the luxury SUV segment. Standard feature highlights include:

Interior – less clutter with intuitive interactions

• Revolutionary HMI user experience with 9” Sensus touch screen center display in portrait orientation with natural speech voice control
• Best-in-class cargo capacity at 85.7 cu.ft.
• 7 passenger seating with spacious, class-leading 3^rd row legroom

Exterior – Scandinavian luxury and design

• Panoramic sunroof
• 19” 10-Spoke alloy wheels (Momentum)
• LED Fog Lamp with Corner Illumination

Safety – advancements from the industry’s leader

• Collision avoidance with Volvo’s renowned latest City Safety package, including pedestrian and cyclist detection (day and night)
• Road edge detection
• Lane departure warning
• Roll Stability Control with inflatable curtain airbags
• Next-generation Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS)
• Volvo On Call, including remote lock/unlock, send to car and vehicle tracking, with smartphone app

Versatility – effortless and uncomplicated functionality

• Keyless entry and drive
• Rear park assist camera
• Hands-free, power tailgate

In addition to the above, the T6 Inscription carries a set of distinctive standard features including:

• LED headlights with active bending lights, auto high-beam and the iconic Thor’s hammer daytime running lights
• Front grille in silver matte
• Fine Nappa leather upholstery, dash top and upper door panels
• Exclusive Linear Walnut inlays
• 20” 10-spoke alloy wheels
• Ventilated and heated front seating
• 12.3” digital instrument display

A number of luxury add-ons are available for an upgraded experience, including:

• LED headlights (standard in Inscription, optional package on Momentum)
• 12.3” digital instrument display (standard in Inscription, optional package on Momentum)
• 360 degree surround view camera
• Park assist pilot
• Adaptive cruise control with pilot assist
• Bowers & Wilkins state-of-the-art sound system (1400 watts, 19 speakers including integrated subwoofer)
• 20” 5-spoke alloy wheels (Momentum)
• 21” 8-spoke alloy wheels diamond cut (Inscription)

Pricing

The T6 AWD Momentum starts at $48,900. The T6 AWD Inscription carries a MSRP of $54,500. Additional details and pricing will follow on other announced variants including the T6 R-Design and T8 twin engine plug-in hybrid.

Pre-orders open

Volvo dealers are taking pre-orders on the all-new XC90 now. Volvo’s release of 1,927 First Edition XC90s, which were offered for sale exclusively online, sold out in 47 hours, with the U.S. selling the most of any market.