A few Volvo Chicago models are about to become a little more friendly to our precious environment.

The S80 and V70 are being set up with Volvo’s DRIVe technology, which helps reduce CO2 emissions.  These new options are a welcome change, since many countries around the world are cracking down on the amount of carbon dioxide a car can legally emit.

The DRIVe system works in the following way.  Unfortunately, this is not found in all Chicago used Volvo models.   In the S80 and V70, an intelligent battery charging feature allows the alternator to charge the battery when it’s operating at a lower load.  This happens when a car is traveling down a hill, for instance.    Furthermore, the belt that controls the alternator and air conditioning compressor gets less friction, which in turn lessens emissions and gives better fuel economy.  In fact, the cars emit around 119 g/km of CO2 and can get just under 63 mph.  Awesome!

The S80 has a lot of other great features too.  The designers for Volvo wanted to create a car that was “compact, but youthful and elegant.”  The interior has been redesigned, using what engineers call “Scandinavian Luxury”.  For example, the wood used to trim the interior of this Volvo Chicago has a matte finish.  It also comes with a variety of engines, including a “straight 6-cylinder”.

What’s on tap for the V70 DRIVe model?  The V70 is one of the larger cars for Volvo, categorized as a Sport Wagon.  A good option if you have several children to schlep around, or you like to take adventurous road trips complete with camping gear, etc.  Some features on the DRIVe  model include a lowered suspension and low-resistance tires.  You’ll also find electric rather than hydraulic steering assistance and a handy gearshift indicator.  The upgrades on the V70 I wish were on other Chicago Volvo used cars!

Kudos to Volvo for creating more environmentally friendly cars that are still stylish and contain that “Classic Volvo look and feel”.   Visit your Chicago used Volvo dealer soon to see a S80 or V70 DRIVe for yourself!

Turkish artist Esref Armagon isn’t like every other artist. Although he creates gorgeous masterpieces and has perfected self-expression, there’s a barrier between him and his visuals that most artists don’t have: the absence of sight.

In this video, he meets the all-new 2011 Volvo S60 and by touch, creates a vision of the shape, size and design of the automobile. Depicted is his experience in creating his Volvo masterpiece.

With a planned debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2010, the Chicago new Volvo S60 brings an all- new, unique element of driving. Known for having essentially the safest lineup of automobiles, Volvo has now upped the ante in its 2011 model. The new vehicles will feature a Collision Warning system with pedestrian detection and full auto-brake (in case the driver were not to stop for any reason). This innovative feature is the first of its kind in the automotive world. With this technology, Volvo specialists hinted that they have hopes in developing a system that makes it nearly impossible for vehicles to crash- at some point down the road.

Until then, stop in your local Chicago Volvo dealership, Patrick  Volvo, and test-drive any members of the 2010 lineup. Whether looking for a new or used Volvo Chicago, you’re sure to find your perfect match amongst the great selection Patrick has to offer. We’ll be here, waiting to serve you!

Volvo. for life.

The three-point seat belt that Volvo brought us has turned 50 years old. The most important invention in auto safety history was developed by Volvo engineer Nils Bohlin in 1958 and patented in 1959. By a conservative estimate, the three-point belt has saved over one million lives and is a feature in every car.Volvo was the first to make the three-point safety belt standard in its models.

The three-point belt is the most important of Volvo’s long list of auto safety innovations, including the use of different steel grades within a vehicle, electronic stability, smart airbags, blind spot warning systems, and adaptive cruis control with collision warning and automatic braking. Of course, this year we saw another inventive saftey feature show up on the Chicago Volvo XC60 when it hit Chicago Volvo dealer lots this year. Adding another chapter to its safety legacy, in 2009 Volvo introduced what might be termed the world’s safest passenger vehicle, the 2010 XC60 T6 AWD, which features City Safety, a low-speed collision avoidance system.