Chicago stories
The connection between Chicago and Sweden runs deep. Like a brother and sister who have chosen different roads to follow but whose shared past forms an unbreakable bond. Follow us as we explore the Swedish side of the Windy City from the passenger seat of an XC90.
The Swedish side of Chicago
In the early 20th century, there were more Swedes living in Chicago than in any other city outside of Stockholm. Curious to see how much of Chicago’s Swedish heritage remains, we set out to explore the Windy City in a brand new Volvo XC90. Along the way, we met some of the locals and had the privilege of hearing their Chicago stories – while they had the privilege of trying out some of the functions in our XC90.
The largest city in the Midwest, Chicago is what you make it. You can choose to remain quietly anonymous or dive headlong into the fray. Look in any direction and you’ll find urban attractions that rival those of New York, but with a more down-to-earth attitude that can only be described as Midwestern. Vibrant and international, Chicago hosts a lifetime’s worth of world-class food, music and nightlife, all nestled on the shore of Lake Michigan. The many parks and miles of walking paths along the lake are fantastic for guests who want to be active, while the exclusive shops and restaurants downtown attract those with a taste for the refined.
Meet our new friends
Get a glimpse of the city, and get to know the XC90 even better, by watching our films where we meet some of Chicago’s residents. Watch Angela Carter-Rhoades guide us through the Chicago streets she calls home, meet Taylor and her dog Harlow who just loves life on the road and go on an urban adventure with Leah as she takes us for a quick course in bouldering.
Meet Angela Carter-Rhoades
Angela was raised on the west side of Chicago, but has lived in different parts of the city. Come along as she guides us through her Chicago, whilst simultaneously managing her business from the driver’s seat.
Meet Taylor and Harlow
Taylor is a dog-owner, blogger and comedian who moved to Chicago from Nebraska five years ago. If she doesn’t make it as a comedian Taylor says she’ll become a truck driver, as her dog Harlow loves life on the road. We meet up with Taylor and Harlow and head out to Montrose Harbor Dog Beach.
Meet Leah
“Although Chicago’s a big city, it offers so many great opportunities for outdoor activities. Mountain climbing, cycling, kayaking. It’s all possible here,” says outdoor enthusiast, Leah, as she shows us around the Chicago she calls home.
Lifestyle
Amanda Bergman
Amanda Bergman has been coming to Gotland since she was a child. This little white island provides the backdrop to so many childhood memories – from gravel-scraped knees to a pounding teenage heart. Now, Gotland has inspired Amanda’s latest song, ‘Falcons’.
Technology
Connectivity In Berlin
After travelling the world for 12 years, Cologne-born entrepreneur Gundula Cöllen decided it was time to return to Germany and reconnect with her homeland. And when it came to choosing a city in which to settle down in and start up a new business, she only had one place in mind – Berlin.
Lifestyle
Alchemy of leather
For more than thirty years, the interiors of Volvo cars have been graced with the finest leather from Bridge of Weir Leather Company in Scotland. Because behind every luxurious piece of Bridge of Weir leather, you’ll find over a century’s worth of craftsmanship, knowledge and expertise. In fact, many consider it to be the finest automotive leather in the world. Well, why else would it be in your Volvo?
