FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Irvine, CA (June 9, 2004) – Volvo's lineup of exciting cars grew by one today when Volvo Cars of North America, LLC (VCNA) announced its aggressive pricing strategy of the all-new Volvo V50 Sportswagon, a car that's destined to find its way into more than a few garages of today's active-lifestyle buyers. The all-new 2005 V50 carries a manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP)* of $25,660 for the normally aspirated front-wheel-drive 2.4i, and $27,260 for the front-wheel-drive turbocharged T5. An all-wheel-drive version of the T5 will also be offered for a base price of just $28,910.
Scheduled to go on sale in the U.S. this July, the 168-horsepower 2.4i will be available with a 5-speed "Geartronic" automatic transmission while the 218-horsepower T5 is offered with a choice of either a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission (late availability) or the automatic gearbox.
The 2005 Volvo V50 sets the safety standard in its class – both active and passive – and represents an evolution of the, "You think and then you build" theme that began with the award winning XC90 sport-utility vehicle. It's all part of Volvo's Intelligent Vehicle Architecture (VIVA), a unique approach to building a car that integrates everything from its crashworthiness, to its design and exciting driving characteristics. This is possible due to several interacting units, including an extremely stiff body, a new frontal structure and Volvo's Side Impact Protection System (SIPS).
"With the premium SUV segment up nearly 19 percent over last year, the introduction of the new V50 Sportswagen makes sense for Volvo. It's the perfect cross-over vehicle," commented VCNA President and CEO, Vic Doolan. "With its 218-horsepower engine, 6-speed manual transmission and available all-wheel drive, it's the kind of car that can be equipped for almost any lifestyle need."
The new V50 is the sportswagon version of the all-new Volvo S40 sports sedan that went on sale earlier this year. The V50's fully independent sport-tuned suspension and quick, precise steering offers an uncommonly comfortable yet athletic driving experience. Combined with the V50's large cargo area that features over 46 cubic-feet of space and it's easy to see why both the automotive press and consumers alike are praising the new Volvo.
"The amazing reaction to this vehicle at its North American debut at the Detroit auto show earlier this year indicated that we had something special with the V50," continued Doolan. "It appears to a variety of lifestyles. As such, we're offering a wide range of variants to help buyers personalize their V50 to their needs. Combined, the new V50 and S40 are available in 11 possible configurations."
Aside from the new V50 and S40, the 2004-2005 Volvo automobile line includes the award-winning XC90, sporty S60 sedan, the redesigned S80 luxury sedan, versatile V70 wagon and rugged Cross Country, and the beautiful C70 convertible.
VCNA provides marketing, sales, service, technology and training to Volvo automobile retailers in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico. For more information on specific option-package pricing please refer to the Volvo Cars of North America, LLC, public relations website at: www.volvocars-pr.com.
* Prices do not include destination charges of $685.
Contact:
James Hope or Daniel Johnston
Product Communications
Volvo Cars of North America
(800) 977-0888
www.volvocars-pr.com
