Press releases 1998

The Volvo S80 is the first car model to be equipped with a fully-integrated GSM telephone. This integrated phone is one of the new features to result from Volvo's systematic development of technology to produce smooth and safe interplay between man and machine.

The Volvo S80 is equipped with new, sophisticated technology which helps the driver to drive safely on roads of all types in weather conditions of every type. The new active chassis systems, STC (Stability and Traction Control) and DTSC (Dynamic Stability and Traction Control), increase the level of safety in difficult road conditions.

The Volvo S80 is the safest car Volvo has ever built.

Correction: In this pressrelease, it was mentioned that the order book of Volvo Trucks' increased by 25 per cent during January-April 1998 compared to the same period the previous year. This figure is incorrect. The right figure is 70 per cent.

Volvo Construction Equipment, VCE, and Samsung Heavy Industries, SHI, have signed an agreement in Seoul, South Korea whereby Volvo will acquire the assets in Samsung's construction equipment business for USD 572 M. In the new company that will be established, Volvo will own around 90% and after an investment of USD 24 M, Samsung will own the remaining 10%.

Volvo Trucks has received an order for 120 Volvo FH12 trucks from the Ukraine.

On Thursday 7 May Volvo Cars Europe Industry, Volvo's car factory in Ghent, received the Flanders ?98 Quality Award from the hands of Employment Minister Miet Smet. The fact that the company was represented at the award ceremony by three Volvo Cars workers shows that quality is the concern for everyone in the company.

The Volvo Ocean Race will be the new name for the globe-spanning yacht race Whitbread Round the World Race when Volvo takes over as the new owner in June this year. This was announced at a press conference in Baltimore, Maryland today when Volvo reported on some of the company's plans for future races.

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