It is no secret that Volvo is a pioneer in the world’s automotive industry. Its long list of contributions—from the invention of the three-point safety belt to the introduction of the Blind Spot Information System—has forever changed the game in that safety and style are expected to go hand in hand.
Volvo’s legacy has benefitted many and Malaysians are no exception. The luxury carmaker has been making its presence felt since the country was still in her stage of infancy. It set up its assembly plant in Shah Alam, its first outside of Sweden, less than a decade after the land gained its independence, in 1966.
The years went by and as the country grows with the booming of technology and epiphany of sustainability, so does Volvo. After all, it is the first luxury car brand in the country to locally assemble plug-in hybrid and pure electric vehicles, in 2016 and 2022, respectively.
The intertwined paths of the two were recently commemorated with Volvo Car Malaysia’s Makers of Tomorrow exhibition where a fleet of locally produced classic and modern Volvo cars were put on display. The showcase attracted car enthusiasts from all walks of life, proving its omnipresent influence.
It was a remarkable sight that had us thinking: What is it about Volvo cars that transcend generational gaps? What came next was a rather simple solution. We brought in a Volvo classic car owner and a Volvo electric car owner to share the thought process behind them procuring or preserving their cars.
Amaresh, who is the proud proprietor of the Volvo 144, coincidentally the first Volvo car model to be assembled in the country since 1967, shared what it felt like driving a historical vehicle in the modern world. In fact, the car is older than he is—he inherited the family car that his father bought even before he was born. The focus then shifted to Karrie, whose Volvo C40 was one of the first full-electric cars built domestically.
As the two drove past iconic buildings in old-town Kuala Lumpur and the city’s modern-day hotspots, they exchanged stories and anecdotes about each other’s cars. Amaresh, for instance, praised the safety features of Volvo cars to high heaven as he recalled a horrific accident in his previously owned Volvo 940 that left the car totalled but him walking away without a single scratch.
He went as far as saying: “I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for Volvo. The single, most important safety feature that saved my life was the 3-point seat belt (that a Volvo engineer invented). Coupled with the crumple zones, safety cage, and SIPS, I was uninjured.” On this, Karrie pondered on the similarities and differences between the Volvo 144 and her Volvo C40 before mapping the evolution of safety features in Volvo cars. The conversation naturally steered into the subject of sustainability and the future of greener mobility.
Watch their full conversation, which we shot alongside Volvo Car Malaysia below:
Caught the Volvo bug? We don’t blame you. The good news is that Volvo Car Malaysia is having special promotional offers from now until 30th September. If you’re thinking of getting your hands on a new Volvo Recharge Pure Electric Model (Volvo XC40 Recharge Pure Electric or Volvo C40 Recharge Pure Electric) with Volvo Car Financial Services, you’re qualified for some attractive benefits.
The entitlements here comprise RM20,000 off your loan principal and financing amount reduction when you pay extra on monthly instalments; eligibility check for special rates; and shorter tenure on your financing by paying on time with no exit fees on early settlement.
Similarly striking rewards await those who opt for Volvo’s hybrid electric vehicles. So, if you’re angling for the Volvo XC60 Recharge or the Volvo XC90 Recharge, you may claim a five-year Volvo Service Plan—a comprehensive car service package that covers your first five car services such as wear-and-tear items and labour costs, free software updates, and vehicle health checks—worth RM12,900. Oh, and there’s the complimentary car insurance for the first year worth RM7,000 too.