Few things come off best in a collision with a Volvo, it seems. When a locomotive fell off a lorry into a Volvo's path on the A59, the car survived with a few dents. This became the subject of a press advertisement.

Perhaps bosses should run some more ads on the same theme. After all it was a Volvo that was in collision with Rocking Rudolph, and he is still nursing his bruises. And it was a Volvo that bent York's controversial traffic bollard.

This robust car is the peace-loving Swedes' very own tank.