New models move Volvo closer to its mid-term objective of selling 100,000 cars a year in the US.
13 Jan 2015 | 5949 Views | By Autocar Professional Bureau
Volvo Cars reinforced its product offensive in the US by unveiling two new sedans at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, moving it a significant step closer towards its medium term goal of selling 100,000 cars a year in the US.
The Volvo S60 Inscription and the ...
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Volvo Cars reinforced its product offensive in the US by unveiling two new sedans at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, moving it a significant step closer towards its medium term goal of selling 100,000 cars a year in the US.
The Volvo S60 Inscription and the Volvo S60 Cross Country will boost Volvo’s presence in the important premium sedan market. Volvo is also introducing the all-new XC90 R Design in Detroit, the latest version of its seven seat SUV.
“These two new products, added to the all-new XC90 unveiled in LA, are a further statement of our commitment to turn around our performance in the US. Overall, we will launch seven new products in the US by 2018,” said Håkan Samuelsson, president and CEO of Volvo Cars.
The pace and depth of this transformation was underlined earlier this month after the company reported record full-year sales for 2014. Sales increased 8.9 percent in 2014 to a new record of 465,866 cars sold. December 2014 also marked the 18th month of consecutive sales increases. Volvo Cars forecasts sales will continue to expand in all global markets in 2015.
The S60 Inscription
The new Volvo S60 will be made at Volvo’s plant in Chengdu, China, and is on show for the first time at this year’s Detroit Motor Show.
Chengdu is Volvo’s main production facility in China and has been built in accordance with globally monitored quality standards. The levels of installed technology and equipment are the same as the company’s European facilities, as are the working environment, safety and environmental performance standards. Exports to the US will start in the second quarter of this year.
All-new S60 Cross Country
The S60 Cross Country is a premium sedan with the same level of capability and rugged design cues of the Cross Country wagons.
“We want to further explore the market with our Cross Country brand. We did this back in 1997 with the V70 Cross Country and it led to the birth of a whole new segment. We have included all the capability-driven benefits of the Cross Country brand in this new model, while offering a completely unique expression of adventure and all-road readiness in a distinctly sporty and stylish package,” said Lex Kerssemakers, senior vice-president (Product Strategy and Vehicle Line Management), Volvo Cars.
All-new XC90 R-Design
The XC90 is a visually striking, premium quality seven-seat SUV with updated safety features, new powertrain technologies and a combination of power and fuel efficiency. The R-Design version of the all-new XC90 is aimed at buyers looking for a head-turner with a sporty and dynamic look.
Launched in August last year and just ahead of the start of production, Volvo says it has already received orders for over 6,000 new XC90s.
“R-Design is created for people with a passion for things that add spice to life,” said Alain Visser, senior vice-president (Marketing, Sales and Customer Service), Volvo Cars. “It appeals to customers that love active driving and a personal, expressive design.”