Volvo is famed for its focus on safety and, back in the day, for its sharp-edged set square styling, but what does its name mean?
Volvo was initially formed in 1926 as a subsidiary of SKF, a manufacturer of ball bearings, which provided initial funding for the company. Volvo means “I roll” in Latin, which, given the company’s genesis, isn’t all too surprising.
SKF and Volvo became completely separate entities in 1935. Although most of us think cars when we hear the Volvo name, it’s actually truck manufacturing side of Volvo that’s a larger and more successful business.
In 1999, Volvo actually sold its car making arm to Ford. When Ford divested itself of its luxury car brands, it sold Volvo to Chinese car maker Geely in 2009.
