For Release - April 1, 2003
...strong showing by XC90 leads the way for increase in the United States
IRVINE, CA (April 1, 2003) - For the fifth consecutive month, Volvo Cars of North America, LLC (VCNA) reports a sales increase in the US despite soft industry sales overall. For March the sales increase is 25.8 percent over the previous year with a near-record total of 12,245 units sold.
Overall, Volvo's NAFTA nations recorded 13,553 unit sales for the month, representing an increase of 25.6 percent.
Says Vic Doolan, President and CEO of Volvo Cars of North America: "Our award winning new SUV - the Volvo XC90 - has helped to deliver this superb March result, rounding up a significant first quarter for us in the North American market."
Volvo's first SUV continues to be in great demand, with pre-orders extending through the summer.
"In addition to XC90 sales, the S40, V40 and V70 have all contributed to our March result," said Doolan. "We are also in the enviable position that our demand for all-wheel-drive versions of the S60 and XC70 ranges, exceeds supply."
Elsewhere in North America, total sales in Canada were 1,125 - a 31.4 percent increase for March.
Looking ahead, Doolan noted, "Strong wholesales during the month indicate that our dealers too are confident that our product range is in demand. We aim to continue this growth throughout the remainder of 2003."
VCNA is part of the Volvo Car Corporation of Göteborg, Sweden. The company provides marketing, sales, parts, service, technology and training support to Volvo automobile retailers in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico.
The 2003 Volvo automobile line includes the award-winning XC90, the sporty S60 sedan, the flagship S80 luxury sedan, versatile V70 wagon and rugged Cross Country, the C70 convertible, and the compact S40 and V40 models.
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For More Information, Contact:
Roger Ormisher - 800.970.0888
VP, Public Affairs, Volvo Cars of North America, LLC
Volvo Media Website: www.volvocars-pr.com
Sales Report:
http://www.volvocars-pr.com/index.asp?par=company&pag=sales&lang=1&flash=0&year=2003&month=3
