Volvo Cars AB has recently entered into an agreement with Genuine Classic Parts AB (GCP), 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 twelve months and Volvo Cars of North America recently began sourcing parts from GCP to continue supplying Volvo dealers in North America. Volvo has authorized GCP to produce and distribute replacement parts for the above models using the original production tooling, engineering drawings and specifications. Most parts will be manufactured by companies that originally supplied Volvo.

An ipd source recently toured 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 B18 and B20 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.

GCP 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 of the GCP operation that they awarded them the opportunity to take over management and distribution of new classic parts.

Our source indicated that GCP will be opening a facility here in the states this spring and will have on staff a former Volvo Cars of North America employee with thirty years experience in the North American market. GCP plans to supply independent repair shops, parts retailers and Volvo owners. GCP 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, GCP 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 parts at lower prices, while some parts will cost more.

Is the end near?
Since GCP 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 chose to. Not to slight Volvo Cars 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 six to ten years and possibly longer.

More good news
At a Volvo owners meet hosted by Volvo Sports America in Burlingame, California this past September, club members came up with a great idea which we will be implementing this spring. The group asked about the availability of discontinued vintage ipd performance parts such as air dams, sway bar packages, lowering springs, exhaust headers, cam shafts and alloy valve covers. Most of these parts had been discontinued due to reduced demand. The idea the group came up with was to offer the parts once or twice a year in limited quantities. We'll be doing this in conjunction with our annual Spring Open House event (mid-May). We will provide more details on products that will be available and how to order them in our March 1998 ipd newsletter.

As the Classic Parts Program is implemented, we will keep you posted as to which Volvo dealers have adopted the program. Stay tuned!

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This article originally appeared in the ipd newsletter, November / December 1997, and is published here by permission.