For immediate release
DETROIT -- Volvo Car Corporation will capitalize on its world-wide leadership in the premium station wagon market with the introduction of two versions of its new, purpose-built V70 wagons, the head of Volvo Cars of North America announced here today.
"Safe, versatile and built without compromise as a wagon -- but with the dynamic driving characteristics of a fine European car -- the new Volvo V70 will expand our market leadership in this segment," declared Hans-Olov Olsson, president and chief executive officer of Volvo Cars of North America.*
Olsson unveiled the new Volvo V70 at the 2000 North American International Auto Show here. Designed exclusively as a spacious wagon, the new Volvo V70 is not a derivative of an existing sedan, Olsson said. A second version, the all-wheel-drive Volvo Cross Country, has a distinct, rugged appearance and all-road, all-weather capability.
The new V70 includes the most comprehensive list of standard safety equipment ever offered in a Volvo wagon, including dual-stage front passenger air bags, Side Impact Protection System (SIPS) side air bags, the Volvo-pioneered Inflatable Curtain (IC) side impact protection for front- and rear-seat occupants, Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS) seats and many other safety features. "The new V70 is the safest wagon Volvo Car Corporation has ever built, and likely the safest wagon anyone has ever built," said Olsson.
Premium wagons represent a significant proportion of Volvo automobile sales around the world. Wagon sales currently represent 30 per cent of the company's North American volume, where it dominates the market segment. Volvo wagons enjoy similar success in Europe.
Although it shares basic platform design and suspension components with the award-winning S80 luxury sedan, the new Volvo V70 is smaller than the sedan and slightly shorter than the V70 wagon it replaces. Improved interior space (vs the current V70) makes the new model the same size on the inside as the competitors in its class.
Despite its five-door configuration, the new V70 has exceptional torsional rigidity which permits the MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension to deliver remarkable and predictable handling, regardless of the load it carries. The Volvo-developed Dynamic Stability & Traction Control system is an available option.
One normally aspirated version and a proven pair of turbocharged five-cylinder engines, available five-speed automatic transmission, traction control system and multi-channel ABS brakes with Electronic Brake Distribution ensure the new wagons perform to a high standard, delivering both driving excitement and improved fuel economy.
The V70 features the PremAir™ system which helps reduce ground-level smog by using a catalytic coating on the car's radiator to convert ozone to oxygen as the car drives. Like the Volvo S80, the new V70 is built with an Environmental Product Declaration -- certification that the design, manufacture, operation and eventual recycling of the car meet stringent guidelines that respect the environment.
In keeping with its role as a family automobile, the new V70 features two-position rear seats for cargo versatility, interior air filtration system with available active carbon and gas sensor system, interior materials free of hazardous substances, a unique mounting system for rearward-facing child safety seat, and a host of clever details like a practical shopping bag holder, available rear seat table and waste basket.
"We know that many of our new customers are looking for an alternative to the mini-van, an alternative that is practical yet stylish, versatile but safe, efficient yet fun to drive. We'll be there with the Volvo V70," said Olsson. "The new Volvo Cross Country wagon will continue to pull customers from the SUV segment, where we offer ride, handling and performance with the benefits and security of all-wheel-drive."
The new Volvo V70 wagon and Volvo Cross Country will be built at Volvo Car Corporation's Torslanda plant near Göteborg, Sweden. The current V70 model will be phased out before the end of 2000. The company expects to sell about 24,000 units in North America from April 1 to the end of the calendar year. Manufacturer's suggested list prices in Canada for the new V70 start at $37,495.
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*Mr. Olsson has since been named president of Volvo Car Corporation.
Information:
Lisa Graham
Volvo Cars of Canada Ltd.
(416)490-5834
Doug Mepham
MacDonald & Co.
(416)975-1572
