hide random home http://www.hotwired.com/Coin/Spnsrs/Volvo/Safety/cage.html (The Risc Disc Volume 2, 10/1995)

Volvo - Building a Reputation of Safety

Safety Cage

Body Construction
The visible exterior of a Volvo body conceals the strength of a powerful inner skeleton. But unlike traditional automobile skeletons, the basic Volvo body and frame are designed as a single unit. This unitized construction creates a "safety cage" of structural steel profiles that surround the passenger cabin and help to protect the passengers inside. The Volvo 850, for example, has a safety cage of High Strength Steel which is stronger than ordinary sheet steel. Unitized construction also gives every Volvo a more rigid suspension platform.

Body Panels
Surrounding the passenger safety cage is a series of pressed steel body panels for strength and durability. The Volvo 850's use of larger panels provides accuracy with fewer joints and seams. Reducing the number of joints reduces the opportunities for vibration, friction, or rust.

Reinforcement
The Volvo safety cage is further reinforced at critical points. Underneath and across the floor, steel reinforcing profiles and cross members are incorporated. Doors are strengthened with structural members and reinforced sills. Reinforcement sections are also positioned at all wheel housings. Strong supports strengthen the attachment points of the suspension system and drivetrains.

Roof Pillars
Normally, a car's roof provides protection against sun, wind, and rain. But in a severe collision, the roof can play a key role in helping to protect the passengers. That's why Volvo connects the roof to the lower body with six strong steel pillars. Across the roof, box-shaped steel profiles act as roll bars: three for Volvo sedans, five for Volvo wagons. In our sedans, the front windshield and rear windows are attached to the body with tough polyurethane adhesive; in case of a rollover, the steel roof plating, windshield, and rear window combine their strength in a single unit for maximum support. Volvo wagons have rear window glass bonded to the tailgate for added rigidity.

Welding
Precision welding is accomplished by both manual and robotic techniques. The Volvo 850 uses a continuous laser welding process to join body to roof - a sophisticated process that creates a smooth strong seam while reducing heat in the surrounding metal to preserve its strength. The result is a strong, solid body structure that resists vibration, helps guard against rust, and minimizes the effects that can cause squeaks or rattles.

Models Dealers Safety Options Email European Delivery Program Questionnaire Volvo Home Page

Problems, Questions or Comments, contact:

www@organic.com
(c) Copyright 1994 Organic Online, All Rights Reserved
(c) Copyright 1994 Volvo, All Rights Reserved