September 30th, 2009
Volvo introduces the world’s first pedestrian avoidance system.
Volvo’s new Collision Warning with Full Auto Brake and Pedestrian Detection may never be activated in most owners’ cars. It’s like airbags in that way. Also like them, if it is activated, it’s the sort of system that will make owners praise such advances in road safety.
Volvo’s pedestrian detection system is effectively an evolution of the Swedish brand’s impressive City Safety technology.
Except that where City Safety only detects other vehicles - applying the brakes to help reduce or avoid an impact - the Pedestrian Detection keeps an eye out or humans.
Then it can apply the brakes, avoiding the crash at below 25km/h and reducing speeds by 25km/h at higher speeds.
As Volvo rightfully points out, though, while it may not detect every pedestrian it will detect a lot, which has the potential to save plenty of lives.
Written by Mark Ronan, September 30th, 2009 in category Operations, Volvo |
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August 3rd, 2009
Coming out of this downturn, Volvo should lead the auto industry into an environmentally responsible future. Like “safety,” “environment” has been a Volvo corporate value for years. They could take a cue from GE and formalize it as their growth strategy. Safety and the environment are two sides of the bigger truth behind Volvo - genuine responsibility.
GE only had a modest environmental record in 2005 and many of their products were central to industries with the worst carbon footprints. With leadership commitment, excellent brand work, innovation and acquisitions, they are now an environmental leader in many ways.
Volvo is responsible, but responsibility hasn’t been the biggest growth driver in the past. In the future, the safety premium still has value. However, if Volvo’s positioning can be broadened to envelop environmental benefits and cost savings, they may find a much bigger market.
Ford’s heritage and compatibility with Volvo thus far make it a worthy owner in all but financial strength. If Ford sells Volvo, the new owner will be getting much more than a solid luxury car company.
Written by Mark Ronan, August 3rd, 2009 in category Volvo |
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July 23rd, 2009
In interviews and workshops we’ve conducted around the world, we’ve found that people have an intuitive sense for Volvo. There’s no doubt, Volvo has built strategic differentiation by making protecting human life the highest priority across its value chain. They drive volume and pricing of safety, influence safety trends and guide safety innovation internally and with partners. Although safety requires conservatism, Volvo also knows they need to try harder not to be boring.
Take a look at our interpretation of Volvo’s strategic differentiation below:
Written by Mark Ronan, July 23rd, 2009 in category Positioning Strategy, Volvo |
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