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There are few car models that got off to such a bad start as the Volvo 440 and Volvo 460 and, at the same time, managed to boost sales figures to relatively fine heights within a couple of production years. Below, you can read all about the models that went from nightmare to relative success for the Swedish carmaker. Do you own one of these models and need a windscreen replacement? Then you will find quality automotive glass at competitive prices with us. Before we surprise you with our low price, let's take a look at the Volvo 440, Volvo 460 and the Volvo 480.
The year is 1978. The Volvo tradesmen sit down together and decide to launch the Galaxy Project, which is supposed to ensure that the Swedish car brand gains market share in a semi-aggressive way. Ironically, the main intention was to knock the 200- and 300-series off the market by offering better models that were more modern and had front-wheel drive. Fortunately, Volvo did not turn its back on the Volvo 240 at that time, as it would become the biggest sales success of all time for Volvo.
The Galaxy Project led to the birth of the Volvo 440/460/480 (the G1 series) and the Volvo 850 (the G2 series). Volvo decided, as usual, to market the most expensive version first in the form of the Volvo 480 to get teething problems out of the model before offering models for the larger market. However, the 480 became a complete disaster for Volvo. The idea was that the models would be built in the Netherlands, but capacity in Born was too low and the project was outsourced to two English companies, which were then unable to overcome all the delays.
When the Volvo 440 could finally be built in 1988 (model year 1989), there were so many delays that the model was already old-fashioned when introduced and, compared to its competitors, had too solid, boring a design. What was perhaps most striking here was that the new designers had in fact reinvented Jan Wilsgaard's 1980 design (G1). This made the Volvo 440 and 460 primarily a logical continuation of the Volvo 480 rather than a unique, attractive model that Volvo wanted to develop with the Galaxy Project.
Still, the Volvo 440 and 460 were not models that could go straight to the scrapyard. On the engine front (the standard 1,721 cc), the Volvo had much better performance than the Volkswagen Passat and Opel Vectra, as the 440 clocked a top speed of 185 kilometres per hour. The ratio of the models' price to the huge number of features (both standard and optional) was also stunning, allowing the Swedes to compete with models like the Volkswagen Jetta. As the Volvo 440 and 460 also came on the market in numerous versions (GL, GLE, GLT and Turbo to name a few), it was clear that Volvo did have a strong idea behind production.
Incidentally, Volvo worked with numerous partners on these models. For instance, engines from Renault were used (the same as for the Volvo 340) and the models made in the Netherlands were made in 'cooperation' with Mitsubishi, which was part-owner of the Born plant. The successors (Volvo S40 and Volvo V40), incidentally, were made in genuine cooperation with the Japanese.
The 460 offered considerably more space than the Volvo 440, but there never came a combi version of the 460. Not because Volvo couldn't do it, but because the Swedes decided they didn't want to give the Volvo 240 and Volvo 740 their own competition. That Volvo regretted this is clear from the S40/V40 duel that would later follow with the new models.
Start-up problems, a Dutch factory having to outsource production to Britain ánd a shortage of replacement parts meant that both the Volvo 440, 460 and 480 got off to a false start, especially when, in retrospect, the designers appeared to have fallen back on the design that had been on the table for years. As you can imagine, Volvo does not think back with pleasure on the start of these models that were supposed to make the big difference for the Swedish carmaker.
At the same time, the models did sell reasonably well. In the Netherlands, the Volvo 440 was even a resounding success, selling nearly 100,000 units, putting it firmly in the top three, just above the Volvo V70. The Volvo 480, which was supposed to start the revolution, incidentally dangles lost at the bottom of the list of Volvo model sales figures in the Netherlands.
The windscreen of your Volvo 440/460 needs to be replaced in case of glass damage in the driver's field of vision involving a branched crack or a chip with a diameter of at least 20 millimetres. In such cases, your Volvo will no longer pass the MOT and windscreen replacement is unavoidable.
If you choose us, you will already have a new Volvo 440/460 windscreen for just €299. These are after market windscreens for your Volvo, which are much cheaper than the ones at your dealer while the quality is identical. The big difference is that our automotive glass has no brand logo and is therefore not unnecessarily exclusive.
Do you want the best value for money for your automotive glass as well as the best service? Then you will always come to us. Because you choose whether you order automotive glass including or excluding on-site car window replacement. In the overview on the order page, you can directly indicate your preferences, after which the page itself immediately adjusts the price for each choice you make.
That means you can also choose to order the new windscreen for your Volvo 440 or 460 without fitting. This can be practical if you have a garage or know someone who can replace the windscreen for you. If you have little or no experience with windscreen replacement, then we recommend you opt for on-site windscreen replacement by our certified fitting partners who will be happy to arrange this for you, anywhere in the Netherlands and Belgium.
Do you have a Volvo 440 or Volvo 460 whose windscreen needs replacing or do you have your eye on a second-hand model with a chipped windscreen? Then with us you will always find high-quality new windscreens at competitive prices, where you can also arrange the windscreen replacement directly so that you do not have to worry about it yourself. Can't find the right windscreen or do you have any questions for us? Please contact us so we can help you further in person.
