Tag: Volvo

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McDonald’s Canada to introduce the first EV to its distribution fleet

McDonald’s Canada will kickstart a trial run of integrating electric vehicles (EV) into its distribution fleet.

Working with supply chain distribution partner, Martin Brower, McDonald’s Canada will begin using the new Volvo VNR Electric Class 8 tractor in Montreal.

McDonald’s Canada aims to lower the emissions of its supply chain fleet through a transition period by using EVs. The fleet of McDonald’s Canada serves 1,400 restaurants across Canada, and a pivot to using the zero-tailpipe emission Volvo tractor is the first major step in the plan.

“This trial has the potential to influence a major shift in the way we approach supply chain distribution that will bring us closer to reaching McDonald’s net zero emissions goals,” said Jacques Mignault, President and CEO, McDonald’s Canada. “Considering the potential impact the trial could have on our business and our reduction commitments, this is an extremely significant moment for the company. We’re grateful to collaborate with partners like Martin Brower and Volvo Trucks North America who share our vision, and acknowledge the support from the Québec government on this initiative.”

Martin Brower will be leasing the Volve VNR and be based in Montréal’s Baie d’Urfé area. The tractor will pull McDonald’s trailers to various branded restaurants within a range of 150km. On top of the Montreal trial, McDonald’s Canada will run a similar test in Brampton, Ontario later in 2022.

The outcome of the trials will determine whether McDonald’s Canada pursues the use of additional EVs. This provides an alternative to the current diesel-powered vehicles used.

McDonald’s says its goal is to achieve zero emissions across its operations by 2050.

McDonald’s Canada isn’t the only one making investments in EVs. This week, Hertz announced plans to purchase up to 65,000 Polestar 2 vehicles for its rental fleet. Additionally, Canada is making its own strides to invest in the production of EVs as well.

Image credit: McDonald’s Canada

Source: McDonald’s Canada

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Volvo C40 Recharge pricing in Canada starts at $72,600

Volvo has confirmed that its pricing for the C40 Recharge electric vehicle (EV) starts at $72,600 CAD in Canada.

While it might not qualify for any rebates, this is the first EV that Volvo has designed from the ground up, showing the company’s strong push into the world of EVs.

It would have been nice for the company to aim a little lower to try and build something that would comply with any of the provincial or federal rebates in Canada. Still, I don’t really hold this again the automaker since its brand is typically priced a little higher.

The crossover is expected to start rolling off the line in the spring of 2022, and drivers who are hotly anticipating the car can check it out on Volvocars.ca.

There are a few reasons to be excited about the car, too. It’s packing an estimated range of 360km and Android Automotive, while the company says it can charge from 10-80 percent in around 30 minutes. Hopefully, once the car comes out and more drivers can go hands-on with it, Volvo can justify its extremely high cost. For example, Volvo’s sister brand Polestar also offers quite a nice crossover that costs less and has a longer range.

When I spent some time with the XC40 Recharge, I liked it a lot; it was a beautiful car, but its price-to-range value wasn’t really there for me. It seems like the same might be true of the C40, which looks like a very cool and stunning car, but is lagging technologically behind the competition.

Source: Volvo 

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The First Look at the Volvo S60

Sweden’s Volvo has provided two real images of the car intended to lead the brand.

The new S60 was completely inspired by the concept, though there are some variations.  First, the headlights are separated, marking a stylistic choice already employed by Mercedes with the E Class. 

However, the S60 stays true enough to Volvo’s conservative design. After getting over the intial surprise, we find shapes reminiscent of Volvo’s past models.

To see more of the S60, we will have to wait until the Geneva Motor Show, where the car will be revealed to the public.

 

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Ford Favours Geely for Volvo

On Wednesday (October 28), the American company revealed that they have a preferred bidder, which is the Chinese automaker Geely. However, this is only a declaration of good will, because the sale will only be made under certain conditions.

Ford wants to ensure that the buyer will be strong enough to provide the sustainability and development of Volvo at the financial level, as well as be a match in terms of values and creativity.

Geely would most likely profit from the European knowledge and expertise to improve the quality of the products and to sell internationally. We’ll soon find out Ford’s next step and whether the acquisition would fare as a win-win situation.

 

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An Artist’s Interpretation of the Volvo S60

After the S60 was sent to Copenhagen to test out its Pedestrian Detection system, Volvo brought the model back into the Swedish design studio to get an artist’s vision of the car.

The term "vision" is not truly suitable for Turkish artist Esref Armagan, because he was born blind. However, the artist was able to feel the car and all its angles, including the seats, the grille and centre console, and shared his impression of it through the sense of touch.

Drawn by hand, the Volvo S60 in Armagan’s interpretation does not delve into the technical aspects of it, and furthermore, will not reveal any big secrets.

Several other videos posted on Facebook allow us to discover how the artist "saw" the S60 through the strokes of his pencil. 

Videos released by the brand on the social networking site are beautiful, poetic moments, proving that Volvo can think outside the box and innovate new ways of marketing. 

 

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Road Trains Are Coming Soon

The Swedish car manufacturer is working on a project called SARTRE, which means Safe Road Trains for the Environment, and expects to have the system in place within ten years.

The operation would be based on a convoy of 6-8 cars driven by remote control.  The person in charge of the convoy would be an experienced driver who knows the route well, such as a bus or taxi driver.

The cars will follow the lead vehicle with only a few centimetres in between.  Thus, each vehicle receives the optimum aerodynamic drag, resulting in a 20% decrease in fuel consumption.

After breaking away from the train, the driver would regain control of the vehicle, while other drivers can fill the space left behind.

The idea is promising in that there is no specific infrastructure to build, although the cars themselves will need to be equipped with the appropriate system.  Science fiction may turn into fact in just 10 years!

 

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Volvo Introduces New Safety System

As its name indicates, the Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake and Pedestrian Detection system is capable of performing full braking power when a pedestrian enters its range.

The brand has been working on pedestrian detection for 10 years, and has collected data from more than 500 000 kilometres of testing.  The latest testing took place in Copenhagen with the S60 prototype.

The system works by using radar coupled with a camera.  First the radar detects objects and determines distance, while the camera analyzes the objects to determine their type.

In cases of imminent collision, an alarm sounds and a flashing brake light appears on the windshield.  If the driver does not react, the car is able to fully stop independently.

The goal is not to avoid every accident, but rather at the very least, to minimize velocity impact, which will lower mortality rates.

The system will be launched with the S60 in early 2010.

 

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A Sneak Peak at the Volvo S60

It was in Sweden where the S60 was spotted. Directly inspired by the prototype unveiled earlier this year at the Detroit Auto Show, the new S60 has more curves than its predecessor.

The newcomer has a 1.6-litre direct injection engine linked to a dual-clutch transmission, promising good fuel economy without compromising performance.

As always, Volvo vows not to neglect its security standards with this sedan. Among the standard features we find a pedestrian detection system that activates the brakes.

More information about the S60 will be revealed when the Swedish brand officially unveils its new model at the Detroit Auto Show this January.

 

 

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The C30 Gets an Update

Just like the cabrio, the C30’s changes are more noticeable at the front of the car.

The new look was obviously borrowed from the S60 Concept, which marked the range’s rebirth. The S60 will be making its way to the Geneva Motor Show in early 2010.

The rear of the Swedish compact car has also been updated, including the more obvious lettering on the glass hatch.

Another feature to note about the C30 is the new colour option, "Orange Flame Metallic", which guarantees it impossible to miss on the streets.

Though cosmetically, the car has has undergone changes in terms of its new colours, materials and lower body panel, the overall shape of the C30 has not changed.

Mechanically, the line has not evolved, with its 5 gas and 4 diesel models, ranging in output from 109 to 230 horsepower.

The new Volvo C30 will debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

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The New Volvo C70

Major changes were made to the front of the car, with inspiration coming from the S60 concept car, which was presented in Detroit earlier this year.  A new grille and softened corners give way to defined headlights.

The car’s rear and silhouette have not been drastically altered.  The car features LED taillights, which have become a favourite of car manufacturers these days.

The interior is slightly reworked to provide a more luxurious feel. 

The car will be presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show on September 15, and the new Volvo C70 will be sold in Europe beginning in January.  The US launch will take place later in 2010.