‘SPA’ or ‘Scalable Product Architecture’ was a platform created by Volvo back in 2014, the purpose of which was to underpin the second generation XC90. It effectively “laid the foundation” for the version of Volvo that we know today. SPA spurred a new generation of models, powertrains and technologies, all of which could be shared on an assembly line.
A Swedish led R & D project, SPA allowed for the creation of six different models which are now manufactured across Volvo’s plants in Belgium, China, Sweden and the US. The four millionth car in question was a Volvo XC90 that rolled off the plan in Sweden recently. The second generation family SUV saw the introduction of technologies like ‘run-off road protection’, ‘auto brake at intersections’ and also meant that the brand’s safety cage could be further strengthened, now made of boron steel.
Cars built on the SPA platform can be distinguished by the ‘Thor’s Hammer’ headlights on the exterior while on the inside, the ‘Twin Engine’ technology was a huge step forward for Volvo’s plug-in hybrids. From here, the Swedish brand are looking forward, carrying the best offerings from the platform into SPA2 and SPA3.
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Words by Matthew D’Souza, media courtesy of Volvo Cars Media.
