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