For immediate release
TORONTO (October 19, 2005) – The ultra thin, free floating centre stack first introduced in the Volvo S40 sports sedan and V50 sportswagon was presented as a means to simply and easily operate the audio and climate control systems. But it can also be the gateway to customizing an array of clever functions in the two newest Volvo models – functions that go far beyond controlling the radio station and the temperature.
“The centre stack is a gateway that allows customers to manipulate features such as the remote entry system, power door locks, lights, fan speeds and even obtain information about the vehicle itself. Of course you can use it to customize the audio system’s sound,” says Bryan Lamontagne, National Retailer Training Manager for Volvo Cars of Canada Ltd., “but this lets you do so much more.”
The display in the centre stack offers an in-car menu system that will allow users to program how the power door locks will operate. For example, the user can program the doors and trunk to lock as soon as the car starts to move. It also lets the owner dictate, with one press of the “unlock” button on the remote, whether all four doors or only the driver’s door should unlock.
The vehicles’ external lighting system can also be programmed from the same display. As part of Volvo Cars’ safety commitment, all Volvo vehicles are equipped with Approach and Home Safe lighting for personal security. The lights on the S40 and V50 can be programmed through the centre stack to stay on for 30, 60 or 90 seconds after the customer closes the door. Home Safe lighting is activated by a pull of the high beam lever. The headlights stay on to illuminate the driver’s path to their destination. The turn indicators can also be programmed to react to when the car is locked and unlocked. Approach lighting illuminates the turn indicators so the driver can look for puddles or ice, and turns on the interior dome light.
Through the in-car menu, owners can program the electronic climate control system’s blower speed to low, normal or high while the system is in AUTO mode. It will also allow the user to turn the recirculation timer on or off. When the timer is active, air will be recirculated in the car for 3-12 minutes (depending on the ambient temperature).
Finally, should the driver need to contact Volvo On Call roadside assistance service from the safety of inside their S40 or V50, they can access the car’s Vehicle Identification Number from the same display.
“It’s important to many buyers to be able to customize their new cars in ways beyond what’s visible from the outside. Tailoring the convenience functions of the S40 and V50 to the tastes of discriminating buyers is part of the appeal of these cars,” Lamontagne says.
Volvo Cars of Canada Ltd. is part of the Volvo Car Corporation of Göteborg, Sweden. The company provides marketing, sales, parts, service, technology and training support to the 43 Volvo automobile retailers across the country. The company’s product range includes the flagship S80 luxury sedan, the versatile V70 wagon, the S60 sports sedan, and the completely redesigned S40 sports sedan and V50 sportswagon. For buyers looking for more rugged versatility, the Volvo XC-line of vehicles that includes the XC70 and the award-winning XC90 sport utility vehicle.
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Contact:
Doug Mepham
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doug.mepham@bellnet.ca
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