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