Volvo is the official Automotive Sponsor of this year’s Grand Designs Live at London’s ExCeL taking place from 25th April – 4th May. Grand Designs Live is the UK’s number one consumer show for design and innovation, and showcases the very best in cutting-edge contemporary design, inspiring ideas and green living, making it the perfect place to demonstrate both the low CO2-emitting DRIVe range and the innovative City Safety technology.
The striking Volvo C30 DRIVe will be the star of the Volvo stand. With its unique 16-inch aerodynamic Diamond Cut Libra alloy wheels, sporting roof spoiler and rear bumper with integrated rear diffuser, it is the embodiment of the Volvo DRIVe principle – great design and performance need not be sacrificed in an environmentally conscientious car. The equally distinguished Volvo S40 and V50 DRIVe vehicles will also be at the show for visitors to experience.
Volvo City Safety Driving Experience
Visitors to Grand Designs Live will also have the chance get behind the wheel of the new Volvo XC60 to experience and test Volvo’s City Safety technology for themselves in a unique indoor driving experience.
City Safety is a unique innovation that can help the driver avoid, or reduce the effects of, low-speed impacts that are common in city traffic and traffic tailbacks. If the car is about to drive into the vehicle in front and the driver does not react, the car brakes itself. This reduces the risks of low-speed collisions and thus reduces injury (especially whiplash), with the added benefit of cutting repair costs.
The driving dynamics and ride of the new Volvo S80 have been updated and improved by the introduction of two new chassis – the Lowered Dynamic Chassis and the Comfort Chassis.
At the Geneva motor show, Volvo Cars is presenting no less than seven fuel-efficient DRIVe models. All with best-in-class CO2 emission levels. The extremely low figures for the C30, S40 and V50 have been achieved thanks to an advanced Start/Stop system. 
All new models are verified as if they were parked in Mediterranean sun, to measure the interior emissions in 65º Centigrade. 
To alleviate for nickel allergy-sufferers, all nickel containing parts are tested to ensure nickel leakage meats the requirements set by Volvo. 
The 10th annual Burton European Open (BEO) is gearing up to be one of the season’s most exciting snowboard events as many of the world’s best riders get ready to compete in LAAX, Switzerland from Jan. 9-16, 2009. 
EuroNCAP has instituted a new assessment protocol for evaluating the degree of whiplash protection offered by passenger cars in rear-end collisions. The Volvo XC60 was one of the few models to receive the highest rating.