[10] Autoliv's name combines auto for automobiles, and "liv" {‘li:v} the Swedish word for "life".

[14][15] The group is among the largest Tier 1 automotive suppliers in the world, with annual revenues exceeding US$8 billion,[16] and is part of the Fortune 500, ranking #289 in 2018.

[17] The company's shares are listed on the New York Stock Exchange and its Swedish Depository Receipts on the Nasdaq Stockholm.

[18][19] Autoliv was founded in Vårgårda, Sweden in the form of Auto Service AB in 1953 by Lennart Lindblad.

[26] In November 2019, Autoliv selected Fredrik Westin as Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President, succeeding Interim CFO Christian Hanke.