While the 2000 model year is the first for the S40 in America, the compact Volvo has been on sale in Europe since 1995. The S40 combines the styling of older model Volvos like the PV 544 with Swedish automaker's ECC environmental concept car from 1992. Like its larger siblings, the S40 features all the latest safety equipment, including Volvo's Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS) and Side-Impact Protection System (SIPS). The newest Volvo in America went on sale in August.