Volvo's Foray into Armoured Vehicles: The 2020 Volvo XC90 Armoured
As a staple of automotive safety, Volvo has unveiled the XC90 Armoured, demonstrating their initiative to branch out into the manufacture of armoured vehicles. This new armoured vehicle aims to provide its occupants with not only a comfortable ride but also a higher level of personal protection. A result of increasing demand for armoured vehicles globally, Volvo's move toward this niche is in line with the brand's ethos of prioritizing safety.
Armoured Vehicle Market and Volvo's History
The global market for armoured vehicles has seen a significant upsurge in recent years, with vehicles being produced at varying protection ratings to suit different needs. Responding to this growing demand, and building on its decades-long experience in manufacturing special vehicles like police cars and fire engines, Volvo has developed the armoured XC90. This move is also a nod to Volvo's history, as the company's first police car dates back to 1929.
Protection Ratings and Specifications
The XC90 Armoured features a VR8 protection rating (VPAM BRV 2009/ERV 2010), ensuring a robust 360-degree ballistic resistance and impressive explosive resistance. As expected from Volvo, the high level of protection does not compromise the vehicle's essential properties. This makes it an appealing option for security services that cater to high-profile individuals.
Production and Design
The armoured vehicle, based on the Volvo XC90 T6 AWD Inscription, is initially produced at the Torslanda plant in Sweden. It's then sent to TRASCO Bremen GmbH in Germany for further modification. TRASCO, renowned for building high-quality vehicles with high protection ratings, adds stringent procedures and tight oversight to ensure the finished product meets the required ballistic specifications. One unique aspect of this production process is the 10mm-thick high-strength steel armour and up to 50mm-thick glass. This armouring significantly increases the vehicle's weight by around 1,400 kg, making the total weight of the car, with five occupants, 4,490 kg. To accommodate the additional weight, the XC90 Armoured is fitted with an uprated suspension and new brakes.
Customisation and Discretion
The XC90 Armoured is designed with a subtle discretion in mind. Its armour is fitted in such a way that it's almost indistinguishable from a standard XC90. Despite the significant armouring, Volvo has managed to maintain the fundamental properties of the original car. To cater to different clientele, the Swedish automaker provides a customised production to meet each customer's unique requirements.
Volvo's Light Armoured Vehicles
In addition to the heavy-armoured XC90, Volvo is also developing lighter versions based on the XC60 T6 AWD Inscription and XC90 T6 AWD Inscription. Designed to provide a higher level of protection in response to geographical risks or heightened personal threats, these vehicles are built for a different customer base. However, their protective qualities also attract security services, the police, the diplomatic corps, and private individuals.
Global Reach and Future Plans
The heavy and light armoured vehicles are primarily aimed at the Latin American and European markets. After their initial construction in Sweden, these cars are retrofitted in Brazil, a country known for its demand for and experience in building armoured vehicles. These vehicles are subjected to a series of ballistic tests to ensure they meet the necessary protection ratings. The light-armoured vehicles primarily provide protection against handguns and their weight is increased by around 250 kilograms, compensated by upgrading the brakes and suspension to retain the car's fundamental properties.
Final Thoughts
Volvo's endeavour into the armoured vehicle market is an ambitious and logical extension of their long-standing commitment to safety. The 2020 Volvo XC90 Armoured, with its high level of protection and comfort, could potentially set a new standard in the armoured vehicle sector. As the market for these vehicles continues to grow, it will be interesting to watch Volvo's impact in this niche. The brand's reputation for safety and quality might just be the key to their success in the world of armoured vehicles.
-Ed
2020 Volvo XC90 Armoured
