Dear loyal readers, ’twas the night before our departure, when all through the hotel. Not a student was sleeping, not even Niklas (Myhr). Today was a marathon, starting at the crack of dawn with a bus ride over to Volvo Cars Brand Experience and Production Center. As loyal Toyota and Kia owners, we were excited to broaden our vehicle knowledge and dive into the 96 year old Swedish company. From the Latin word ‘volvō’ translating to “I roll”, the company chose its name in reference to its original product, ball bearings. During the brand experience, we learned a multitude of fun facts about Volvo, the most interesting being their invention of the 3 point safety seatbelt. The company actually released their patent on the design so car producers everywhere could incorporate the safety belt into their products, ensuring the safety of riders everywhere, no matter what brand of vehicles they chose. The safety belt has saved over 1 million lives and counting, adding credibility to Volvo’s claim of being the safest car company in the world.
Next, we were able to tour the Volvo Cars factory. Before we entered the production site, we were presented the logistics and design of the plant and how Volvo emphasizes Just in Time delivery schemes. Within the body shop, Volvo has 1,400 robots working in various sections in order to increase efficiency and eliminate waste. Safety glasses on and cameras locked away, we loaded onto a guided trolley tour and entered the world of Volvo. Robots to our left, welding to our right, and full steam ahead, we wove our way through 3 stages of the factory. Unfortunately the paint shop is closed to outsiders due to dust contamination. Starting from a sheet of metal to a shiny mode of transportation, Volvo combines autonomous technology with human interaction to craft high-quality and safe vehicles. In all of their cars, the Volvo engineers actually include a hidden moose on the hardware, leaving the iconic Swedish animal for only the most dedicate customers to search out.
Moving on from Volvo Cars, we then drove out to visit the Volvo Group, a leader in truck, bus, construction equipment, and marine and industrial engine manufacturing, which split off from their car division into an entirely separate company in 1999. With long-term goals to be 100% safe, fossil-free, and overall more productive, they believe in orchestrating partnerships and collaborations for a more sustainable future. We spoke with Jenny Erneman, Director of Technology, Strategy, and Outlook, about the Volvo Group’s principles and future prospects, all of which has been picking up speed over the past few years. Kristina Nilsson, Head of Charging and Infrastructure Solutions, also gave us a rundown of the newly developed energy department and how she hopes to push Volvo to be the leading transportation service of the world.
With their prompts, we then split off into groups to brainstorm our own ideas for how the Volvo Group could continue to eliminate obstacles and take advantage of opportunities pertaining to infrastructure, business landscape, society, and products in various different environments. Off to save the world, we worked with our peers and came up with ideas ranging from autonomous cargo ships with ocean trash clean-ups, a Volvo Group sponsored education forum, and partnerships with existing firms in order to further their reach. Specifically within the Group, Volvo Energy looks to be first movers in the green transition initiative and has set high goals in reaching net zero carbon by 2040. We praise their enthusiasm and look to also think consciously about how to create a positive impact in the world.
And so loyal followers, we have reached the end of our final post. All good things must come to an end. There can be no rainbow without a little rain. And you sure know, the Dancing Queens will be singin’ in that rain. We truly appreciate all of the support we have received over this amazing Scandinavian journey. From starting in the northernmost part of Sweden, to lovely Stockholm, across the water to Denmark, and now back in Sweden’s southwest region, memories have been made and trinkets have been acquired. It’s not a goodbye, it’s a see you later (or vi ses senare!) Till next time… stay dancing, our friends!
xoxo, The Dancing Queens.
