I was on the phone with one of Swedish customers today at work. Talking about our race team and other misc. stuff when I mentioned to him that I had recently purchased the used S80. He told me that he really liked that car and asked me if I knew what they called them over there in Sweden. I responed "no". He chuckled and said "Ford's". I assume since Ford had purchsed part of the company (or however that works / not sure what percentage or how all that corprate stuff goes). Like GM and Sabb (etc). Anyway, this may have been a pointless post and I'm sorry if I wasted your time but just thought I would share my "not-really-that-exciting" talk with one of my Swedish customers.

- Cameron

[sm=thanx.gif]

 

That is pretty funny.
When I see a Volvo and Ford badge mixed on the car I will know it is time to leave the Volvo repair business.

 

Other than the SUV's my understanding is that Ford is pretty much staying out of the business of making Volvos. I have hear that Ford has actually had Volvo help them in improving safety features of the Ford line. The S80 was the very first car from Volvo after Ford bought the company. I think Ford tried to influence Volvo in the first couple years and then backed off. Can't remember where I read that.

 

Jim, I had heard the same thing. Seem to remember that Ford didn't want to kill off one of the premier lines by messing with success tooo much.

 

Sounds like a smart idea to me! Kinda like how they killed Jaguar (IMO)

 

Ford didn't harm Jaguar one iota. The Ford company is in dire financial straights and needed money. Ford had no input in the big Jag............only the small one. They are selling Jag to the Indians and so far are keeping Volvo. Don't forget Mazda.............Ford still has a large interest there.

R.

 

Zoom zoom.....clunk.


JPN

 

I have two zoom zooms. one a new MX-5 and also a Millenia. I have had two Millenias and they are terrific autos that I am sad to see they stopped making. I also purchased an 02 Proto V ...............in fact I had the first one in town that I had ordered. That was one heck of a hot rod! Even 'though that auto was manufactured in Japan...........it rusted within two years!! Mazda was good about it and took great care of me. I certainly cannot say the same for BMW and Volvo............they are true rats when it comes to warranty!

r.

 

I was speaking of the smaller Jags as you mentioned. Again it's just my opinion as stated above but I felt that it was much less of a luxuary vehicle once Ford took over. Once again IMO. I'm not knocking Ford in any way. In fact I own two myself if you follow the link in my sig. As for Mazda, I have no idea becasue I have never owned one? Thanks for the replies everyone.

 

The majority of our domestic companies are in dire straits due to the quality, pricing and advertising of the newer imports.

 

And fuel consumption/gas mileage. Japanese cars are usually good on gas, because, well, the entire body is designed as a crumple zone hence the less weight[8D]. Not sure about recent models, though.


JPN

 

true true

 

Of course BMW beat all the MFG's when it came to crumple zones and deforming structual members way back in the 60's with the 1600, then 1800, continueing into the 2000, 2002, and 320's. The secret to BMW's performance was light weight, Mcpherson struts, high revving engines, breakaway motor mounts, collapsing steering columns, gas tanks under the rear seat, laying the spare tyre down in a depression in the trunk, collapsing "A" pillar, and the crumple zones through out the body. This was prior to Volvo 'getting' into the act. Datsun finally got the big picture re: light weight when the 510 came out. It was always a good race in SCCA ITB sedan racing between the 510 and 2002's/320's. I was quite successful with a 320I against the 510's but I had a magician who set up my 320 for each race.

r.