Volvo Cars AB Sweden has recently entered into an agreement with Genuine Classic Parts AB (G.C.P.) also of Sweden to manage the manufacturing and global distribution of replacement parts for the 444, 544, 122 and 1800. It is likely that the 140 and 160 series will also be included at a later date. This program was successfully implemented in Europe over the past 12 months and Volvo Cars North America recently began sourcing parts from G.C.P. to continue supplying Volvo dealers in North America. Volvo has authorized G.C.P. to produce and distribute replacement parts for the above models using the original production tooling, engineering drawings and specifications. Most parts will to be manufactured by companies that originally supplied Volvo. An ipd source recently toured G.C.P. warehouses in Sweden and was impressed by what he saw. For example, brand new 544 exhaust systems in aluminized steel which is much more corrosion resistant than the original carbon steel. New UV resistant silicone rubber door and window moldings. New B-18 & B-20 fiber timing gear sets which were discontinued several years ago, but are now available again. These parts are not N.O.S. (new old stock) they are all new production made from the original Volvo tooling.  These are just a few examples of what to look forward to.

   G.C.P. has been in the Volvo parts business for years as a leader in the recycling of Volvo cars and parts.  Strict government regulations in Sweden and most other European countries control the salvage business.  Vehicle recycling in Europe is quite a bit more advanced than here in the states.  Volvo Cars AB was so impressed with the efficiency and organization of the G.C.P. operation that they awarded them the opportunity to take over management and distribution of new classic parts. Our source indicated that G.C.P. will be opening a facility here in the states this spring and will have on staff a former Volvo Cars North America employee with 30 years experience in the North American market. G.C.P. plans to supply independent repair shops, parts : retailers and Volvo owners. G.C.P. will produce its own catalog and web site for reference and ordering.

   Volvo Cars AB has stated that the changes are necessary to make room for an increasing range of parts to support new models. The high cost and low volume associated with classic parts was also a consideration. Volvo feared that classic parts distribution would suffer if it continued to be managed internally.  After much research G.C.P. was chosen as the best solution to maintain parts availability along with the quality that owners of classic Volvos currently enjoy. Most parts will benefit from advances in materials and manufacturing technologies meaning better pars at lower prices while some parts will cost more.

Is the end near?
    Since G.C.P. is dedicated solely to the classic market, in self interest they will most likely help keep these cars on the road much longer than Volvo Cars AB would choose to. Not to slight Volvo AB, as they have done an admirable job in supporting older models when compared to any other car manufacturer.  If you own one of the models mentioned above, you should be able to reasonably maintain it for the next 6-10 years and possibly longer.