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The Volvo Logo: A Historical Timeline & Evolution Of An Iconic Symbol
The Volvo logo was first introduced in 1927 in Gothenburg, Sweden. While the ÖV4 did not offer the automated safety features, cutting-edge infotainment, or heated comfort of the modern Volvo model, this open tourer boasted a four-cylinder engine and enough power to effortlessly navigate dirt roads. It was also built on an ash and beech frame and painted a rich, dark blue shade with black wings.
As it pulled out of Lundby factory on April 14th, 1927, the ÖV4 displayed the familiar circular symbol bisected by an arrow pointing up and to the right. This symbol would become a touchstone of the Volvo name and brand and a north star representing the company's mission and values that persist to this day. So, what does the logo mean?
Steadfast Fortitude: Volvo Symbol Meaning
Although many people mistake it for the symbol of masculinity, the Volvo insignia circle divided by an arrow pointing upward and diagonally to the right, known as the Volvo Iron Mark, is based on the ancient ideogram for iron. Iron is the ideal Volvo car symbol for the brand as a strong, unmovable element, universally known to represent fortitude, courage, and power. The old Volvo logo that appeared on the first automobile in 1927 was designed to represent these qualities as they appear in Swedish steel.
The heart of the Volvo meaning and brand is stability and reliability, which is why the color blue was selected as a backdrop for the text. Reminiscent of a serene sky or powerful ocean, the deep cobalt hue, almost dark enough to be regarded as navy, brings strength, peace, and resilience to mind. The chrome color letters and frame encircling the text represent class, highlighting the brand's emphasis on sophisticated craftsmanship.
The logotype for iron was originally designed with its diagonal arrow running across the front grille to secure it to the vehicle. Nowadays, the cross-grille line on the new Volvo logo is a stylistic choice, making a clear statement: Volvo values remain steadfast despite changing times. Indeed, every year that passes with this brand crafting cutting-edge, high-quality, reliable models, the Volvo logo relevance only seems to grow.
Volvo Logo History & Timeline
It all started in 1915 with a bearings manufacturing company with the Volvo name. The Latin word "Volvere," which turned into the first person singular form "Volvo," for "I roll," was easy to pronounce across the globe and the perfect title for the new car business. What began as a maker of ball bearings, roller bearings, machines, transmissions, automobiles, bicycles, and many more products that roll soon transformed into the refined Volvo brand we know and love.
By 1927, the ÖV4 appeared with the first sighting of the Volvo logo. 1944 brought "the little Volvo," a symbol for post-war material comforts, into the picture, and 1953 introduced the Volvo Duett, intended for leisurely drives and commuting. In 1959, after Volvo models arrived in America, engineer Nils Bohlin added three-point seatbelts and waived the patent for the greater good. This set off a chain reaction of safety innovations when the U.S. government decided Volvo Cars should be the gold standard after extensive crash tests in 1976. In 2002, the first Volvo SUV burst on the scene, inspiring other manufacturers to follow suit.
In 2019, Volvo Cars displayed its first fully electric SUV, setting a tone for a more efficient future for the brand and the automotive industry. For elevated efficiency, explore Volvo B Series engines, fuel-powered with an added boost from a gas/electric hybrid system.
Volvo Models for Sale at Johnson Volvo Cars Charlotte
From our sleek sedans to spacious SUVs, Volvo Cars prides itself on offering a range of models for every type of driver. Its series of electric, plug-in hybrid, and mild hybrid models are consistently raising the bar for the automotive industry as well. When you choose a Volvo sedan or SUV, you select a high-quality product thoughtfully crafted to optimize your comfort, convenience, and drive sensation.
Fulfilling their promise of smooth, assertive performance, Volvo models prove that beauty and power can coexist within one elegant vehicle. Claim your auto upgrade today from our our Volvo vehicle lineup, knowing you are selecting a brand that has been evolving for almost a century without losing sight of its integrity and original values. The meaning behind the Volvo logo tells the whole story in one single image.
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There you have it; the Volvo logo meaning represents the strength, fortitude, and reliability that appears in even the most recent models for sale. When you take the wheel of a car or SUV for sale today, remember the storied past and enduring values built into each thoughtful element of your auto investment. Although automotive technology has evolved, the Volvo Cars mission persists.
Join this long-lasting tradition by touring our new Volvo inventory at our Johnson Volvo Cars Charlotte showroom, and with knowledge of the past, take the first step toward your very own Volvo future today.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Volvo Cars start as a company?
The Volvo Cars brand was born in 1927 in Sweden and has evolved over the years to accommodate changing times, driver preferences, and technological advancements. However, the fact that the logo has barely changed since should tell you a little about the brand's commitment to its heritage. Volvo Cars has always been ahead of the curve, from the very first car released in 1927 to newer models.
What does the Volvo name mean?
"Volvo" is Latin for "I roll," which suggests the Volvo name is derived from the concept of forward movement. This won't come as a surprise to Volvo loyalists, who enjoy the smooth drive sensation and powerful performance that the brand is known for. Roll toward the future equipped with technology, driver assistance, and luxurious interior features designed to keep you safe and comfortable from point A to point B.
How does the overall logo design reflect the values of the Volvo brand?
Although it's easy to mistake the Volvo logo for the masculinity symbol, its roots reside elsewhere. The signature circle with an arrow pointing northeast is, in fact, the ancient symbol for iron. The blue color offsetting the Volvo moniker represents steadfastness, and the chrome accents symbolize class. This emblem is representative of the Volvo brand's dedication to safe, sturdy, reliable cars, a set of values they prioritize to this day.
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