| The Evolve, an enthusiast's company owned by Don | | | | appeal as early as possible," Arp noted. |
| Nicholson, 35, injects Volvo philosophy to pave way | | | | These reasons and more made Nicholson's pride as |
| for a distinct set of product lines. The company is | | | | an enthusiast soar to a new level. This sense of pride |
| now busy working on products for Volvo's newest | | | | is carried over to his company Evolve, which sells |
| pride - the C30. | | | | aftermarket high-performance parts through car |
| The Volvo C30, a three-door, four-seat hatchback | | | | dealerships. Evolve's Volvo products include engine |
| powered by I4 and I5 engines, was officially unveiled | | | | management software. |
| at the 2006 Paris Motor Show. It is specially designed | | | | Nicholson bought a Volvo, known for its safety |
| to cater to the demands of the young generation | | | | milestones, six years ago. However, he found out |
| drivers. The edgy design of the vehicle that features | | | | that there were no aftermarket performance parts |
| the interesting frameless glass tailgate, confident | | | | available for Volvos. "This (his S60 sedan) was a neat |
| stance and broad shoulders that eventually served as | | | | and exciting product, but there was nothing out |
| Volvo's design hallmark made it a stunner. | | | | there (in the aftermarket)," Nicholson said. This gave |
| "The new C30 is an ambitious new car for Volvo," | | | | him the idea to write a business plan and meet with |
| said Fredrik Arp, President and CEO of Volvo Car | | | | some Volvo executives at its headquarters. Volvo |
| Corporation. "It is a car that aims for a group of | | | | executives agreed to let him showcase his ideas by |
| young singles, or couples, with intense urban lifestyles. | | | | producing a car intended for the 2003 Specialty |
| These people prioritize excitement in design and | | | | Equipment Market Association Show. |
| driving characteristics, and this car should suit their | | | | Eventually, Nicholson decided to launch Evolve in |
| varied tastes perfectly." | | | | Monrovia, California. About three years after its |
| "The C30 has plenty of muscles in a sporty and | | | | launch, Evolve already has a full line of aftermarket |
| compact package. Anyone who recalls the Volvo | | | | products to enhance the appeal and performance of |
| SCC (Safety Concept Car) or the classic P1800ES will | | | | late model products. Evolve parts are sold through |
| recognize the exclusive and convenient rear tailgate. | | | | the parts department of Volvo dealerships. The |
| The distinctive tail lamps ensure that no one will be | | | | product lines include reprogrammed engine |
| uncertain about which car they are following," added | | | | management software that turns up the power of |
| Steve Mattin who is Volvo Car's design director. | | | | Volvo engines, a sport exhaust system, air |
| The hatchback also offers a bunch of legendary | | | | management components to improve airflow into the |
| heritage from Volvo - its groundbreaking safety | | | | engine, special turbocharger down pipes, and even |
| features. The Volvo C30 is equipped with the BLIS | | | | complete high-performance turbo charging systems. |
| (standing for Blind Spot Information System), which | | | | Nicholson's company also produces aerodynamic body |
| aids the driver in identifying another vehicle in the | | | | kits, wheels, brake components, lowering springs, |
| blind spot. As a true Volvo, the hatchback is also | | | | coil-over suspension kits, anti-sway bars and special |
| equipped with the Intelligent Driver Information | | | | seats, shifters, pedals and even custom steering |
| System (IDIS), WHIPS - Whiplash Protection System, | | | | wheels. |
| and a Side Impact Protection System with side | | | | The company's best customers include the owners |
| airbags and the Inflatable Curtain, IC. The Volvo C30 | | | | of the Volvo S60R. "They typically spend about |
| also features the patented front and rear structure | | | | $3,100 on aftermarket equipment," said Nicholson. A |
| to absorb and redistribute impact on the vehicle. In | | | | full aero body kit runs around $2,300. A set of |
| cases of accidents, the car also features seatbelts | | | | lowering springs is $389; an exhaust system is $950; |
| with unique pretensioners to safeguard occupants. | | | | and a full leather interior - seats and door panels - is |
| "The new Volvo C30 plays an important role in our | | | | $2,990 when installed. |
| push towards a volume of 600,000 cars a year. We | | | | Now, Volvo enthusiasts can explore their desires and |
| are broadening our model program to make it | | | | be secured that they could turn to reality. The |
| possible for new, younger customers with an intense, | | | | choices are not only limited to Volvo air filters, steps, |
| urban lifestyle to choose a Volvo with the right | | | | tail lights because they could go beyond. |