Gustaf Larson and Assar Gabrielsson founded AB Volvo. "Volvo" means "I roll" in Latin. First car rolled off production on April 14, 1927. Bus production followed almost immediately as Volvo recognised the enormous commercial vehicle potential in a rapidly industrialising Europe.

Volvo's first bus chassis, the LV Series, was designed for coachbuilders to fit bodies on top. Rugged, reliable, immediately popular across Scandinavia. These launched Volvo's identity as a serious commercial vehicle manufacturer.

The B Series marked purpose-built bus manufacturing. Dedicated chassis, improved suspension, engines designed specifically for passenger loads. The "B" prefix became the legendary Volvo bus naming convention still used today — B7R, B9R, B11R all trace back here.

Volvo B Series buses dominated Scandinavia, Britain and Europe. Underfloor engines gave designers freedom to build full-width flat-floor bodies. Safety innovations including improved disc braking appeared during this era.

The B58 became one of the most widely sold bus chassis in history — exported to over 60 countries. Many early Indian operators had their first Volvo experience through B58 derivatives in city services.

The B10M became one of the world's most successful coach chassis ever produced. Mid-mounted engine, low step entry, extraordinary reliability. Produced until 2001 and still running in many parts of the world. Some B10M coaches have clocked over 1 million kilometres.

Volvo Buses India Pvt Ltd established in Bangalore. The B7R model launched with KSRTC Karnataka — India's first high-quality AC inter-city coach. This moment revolutionised Indian travel forever. Passengers who had never experienced cushioned AC seats with individual reading lights were astonished.

B7R and B9R models transformed inter-city travel across South India then nationwide. KSRTC, TNSTC, APSRTC, MSRTC, TSRTC all adopted Volvo fleets. Private operators VRL Travels, SRS Travels, Orange Tours followed. Push-back seats, AC, onboard TV permanently changed passenger expectations.

B9R became the definitive Indian premium inter-city coach. The Volvo 9400 multi-axle (triaxle) with 3-axle configuration offered higher capacity and unmatched ride comfort on NH44 (Bangalore–Hyderabad) and Expressway routes.

Volvo expanded into city bus contracts across India. BMTC Bangalore, DTC Delhi, multiple city corporations adopted Volvo AC city buses. Low-floor variants with kneeling function made boarding easier for elderly and differently-abled passengers.

Zero emissions, silent operation, 250km range per charge. Operating in Bangalore (BMTC) and Delhi (DTC) as pilot programs. Volvo has pledged a 100% electric bus range globally by 2030. India's green transport transition is underway — and Volvo is leading it.