If you think car safety is just about airbags, seatbelts, and driving assistants, Swedish brand Volvo is ready to break that stereotype. At first glance, it may seem like a small detail: a new typeface. But behind it lies an entire philosophy aimed at improving driver safety.
Volvo, in collaboration with type studio Dalton Maag, created Volvo Centum — the official typeface for displays inside the brand’s vehicles. Its main goal is to be instantly readable in all conditions. Yes, even when driving on the highway in bright daylight or at dusk.
“For almost a hundred years, safety has been our guiding principle,” says Matthew Hall, UX Creative Director at Volvo. “Volvo Centum was designed with safety in mind: it simplifies complexity, is easily absorbed at a glance, reduces visual clutter, and supports intuitive interaction with the car.”
The idea is simple but brilliant: every character of the typeface is crafted to be read instantly, meaning the driver’s brain spends less time interpreting information and more attention stays on the road.
The typeface is designed according to the principles of cognitive psychology and visual perception: open counters, legible letterforms, carefully chosen character pairings — all of this speeds up reading and makes the interface extremely clear.
Volvo Centum is not only safe but also visually reflects the brand’s heritage. Inspiration comes from classic models like the 1990s Volvo 850, vertical tail lights, and the diagonal safety belt. “Boxy curves, clean horizontal lines, and confident straight segments make the typeface expressive yet functional,” explains Hall.
Volvo plans to debut the new typeface in the Volvo EX60 in early 2026, and its name — Volvo Centum — symbolizes the brand’s upcoming 100th anniversary in 2027.
What matters for a real man behind the wheel: every detail of the interface now helps drivers perceive information clearly without being distracted from the road, while keeping the character and style of Swedish cars intact. Volvo Centum is not just letters on a screen: it represents a new level of comfort, safety, and aesthetics, making every drive confident and secure.
