1905
Mack patented the selective feature that allowed drivers to immediately shift from high to low, and vice versa, without going through intermediate speeds.

1920
Mack pioneered the use of power brakes on trucks by using a vacuum-booster system.

1927
Volvo is founded.

1959
Volvo safety engineer Nils Bohlin invents the modern three point seat belt.

1960
A new Volvo Truck cab is introduced; this steel structure is unrivalled in safety and comfort.

1967
The rear-facing child seat is introduced. The child seat was developed by Volvo in collaboration with Associate Professor Bertil Aldman of the National Swedish Council for Road Safety Research.

1969
Reel belt added to the front seats of Volvo cars.

Another invention this year is a hydraulic attachment bracket for trucks, enabling the driver to change tools without leaving the cab.

1972
Seat belt reminder is invented.

Also in 1972, Volvo becomes the first car manufacturer in the world to present a real, rear-facing child seat that can be fitted easily in the front passenger seat.

1973
Bulb monitor is invented by Volvo. The bulb monitor is a lamp on the instrument panel that lights up when any of the car’s lamps that are important for safety are not working.

1976
Volvo becomes the first car manufacturer to introduce an effective system for exhaust gas cleansing, the three-way catalytic converter. The Lambda probe measures the oxygen content of the exhaust gases.

1978 
Volvo’s researchers construct a special belt cushion for children who have outgrown the child seat and are up to 12 years old.

1979
The wide-angle rear mirror is introduced to avoid accidents caused by the blind spot.

1981
Volvo BM invents the Automatic Power Shift.

1991
Volvo releases the Side Impact Protection System (SIPS).

Volvo Penta’s 42 series becomes the world’s first serial-produced turbo-diesel engine with charged air cooling and turbocharging.

1996
Volvo Trucks becomes the first manufacturer in the world to present a Front Under-run Protection System as an option for heavy trucks.

1997
Volvo Penta presents a patented concept cargo hull which reduces water resistance by 10%.

2001
Launch of the intelligent AMT gearbox which makes every driver shift like a pro, for improved fuel economy and superior ergonomics.

2002
Renault Trucks’ vehicle management system “Infomax” is awarded the Siemens Prize for Innovation.

Volvo Penta becomes the first company in the marine engine industry to launch telematic services.

2004
Volvo Penta IPS (Inboard Performance System) is introduced, delivering around 35% better efficiency at cruising speed than inboard shafts.

2007
The Volvo Group is the first vehicle manufacturer to produce seven CO2-neutral demonstration trucks.

In September, the company presents the world’s first CO2-neutral vehicle plant; Volvo Trucks’ plant in Ghent, Belgium.

2008
Volvo Group introduces a hybrid solution for buses, trucks and construction equipment that gives up to 30% lower fuel consumption.

2009
OptiShift for wheel loaders have sensors and automation that supports the driver, which gives faster and smother loading cycles and lower fuel consumption.

2012
I-See reduces fuel consumption for long-distance transport because it like an autopilot handles gear-changes, throttle and brakes on gradients very efficient.

2013
Volvo Dynamic Steering is an electronically controlled electric motor attached to the steering shaft that makes the truck driver’s job both safer and more comfortable. This is the technology behind the viral success “The Epic Split” with many millions of views on You Tube.

2014
Volvo Group launches the first transmission on the market with a dual clutch system for heavy vehicles. With dual clutches, gear changes take place without any interruption in power delivery.”