Are Volvo roof bars made by Thule?
Not exclusively. Thule has served as a supplier for Volvo roof rack components in some markets, but Volvo Genuine Accessories can be produced by multiple manufacturers depending on model and region.
In practice, the maker of Volvo roof bars can vary by year, market, and specific product line. To know who made your bars, check branding, packaging, and part numbers, and consult Volvo’s official catalogs or your dealer. This article explains how to identify the maker and what that means for fit and warranty.
Who makes Volvo roof bars?
Industry practice and regional arrangements mean Volvo roof bars can come from different manufacturers. Below are the typical possibilities you may encounter when shopping for Volvo roof bars.
- Volvo Genuine Accessories crossbars and feet, designed to fit Volvo rails and marketed with Volvo branding. In some regions these are produced under contract by Thule or other OEM manufacturers.
- Thule-branded crossbars marketed as compatible with Volvo rails (often labeled for Volvo or with Volvo compatibility notes). These are common in many markets and may be sold with Thule feet designed to clamp onto Volvo systems.
- Other third-party crossbars from brands such as Atera, Yakima, or similar that advertise compatibility with Volvo rails via standard clamp systems.
In short, the maker can vary by model and market. There isn’t a single, universal supplier for all Volvo roof bars.
How to identify the maker of your Volvo roof bars
To know who produced your specific set, look for branding, part numbers, and documentation that accompany the kit. The following steps help you verify the maker.
- Inspect the bars and feet for logos or model numbers such as THULE or VOLVO Genuine Accessories. Check near the clamps or underside of the crossbars for tiny stamping.
- Check the installation instructions or user manual that came with the kit; these documents typically name the supplier or provide a cross-reference to manufacturer catalogs.
- Review the packaging and purchase receipt. Volvo Genuine Accessories will often indicate the supplier, while Thule-branded items will display the Thule branding.
- Cross-check the part number in official catalogs from Volvo and the bar’s manufacturer to confirm compatibility and warranty coverage.
If in doubt, ask a Volvo dealer or the retailer for the exact maker and part number. Correct identification helps with compatibility and warranty support.
What this means for buyers
For shoppers, understanding who made the bars helps ensure proper fit, performance, and warranty. Consider the following guidance.
- Know your vehicle’s roof system (factory rails vs. fixed rails) and ensure the crossbars/feet match both the mounting system and model year.
- Check weight ratings and aerodynamics, as different manufacturers may have slightly different load limits and wind noise characteristics.
- Consider compatibility with accessories (bike racks, roof boxes) since some brands integrate more smoothly with others.
Bottom line: verify the maker, fit, and warranty before purchasing to avoid compatibility issues.
Summary
The answer is nuanced: Volvo roof bars are not universally made by Thule. Thule has historically supplied components for Volvo’s roof rack systems in some markets, but Volvo Genuine Accessories can be manufactured by multiple suppliers depending on the region and model. To know the exact maker of your bars, inspect branding and part numbers, consult official catalogs, and when in doubt, contact a Volvo dealer or the retailer for confirmation. This ensures correct fit, performance, and warranty coverage.
