Best December Ever Leads to Best Year Ever
Irvine, CA (January 4, 2005) – Volvo Cars of North America, LLC (VCNA) closed out 2004 with sales of 12,236 units for December, which propelled the brand 3.2 percent ahead of last year's record year in the United States*. Volvo has produced sales records in five of the last six years.
"Continuous growth has been our goal," says Vic Doolan, VCNA President and CEO. "Our achievements are particular gratifying in one of the most competitive business environments the industry has ever experienced."
Sales for the month were the best December on record for Volvo, and the sixth consecutive monthly increase.
The award-winning XC90 maintained its winning ways as the leading seller among all European SUVs. For December, the XC90 turned in its best selling month since its introduction with 5,023 units. During the first quarter of '05, the XC90 will be available with Volvo's first-ever V8 powertrain, further expanding its appeal in the segment.
The new S40 and V50, both introduced in 2004, continued to gain momentum, while leading the way in sales. As a new entry to the segment, the class-leading Volvos have recorded triple digit sales increases in the segment during the last six months.
"Volvo has remained true to its core values of safety and environment, and these Volvo values are truly resonating with customers," said Doolan. We are seeing more customers that are new to Volvo than ever before."
Doolan maintains that keys to success continue to be: the right vehicles; the right positioning; and, the right pricing.
For the year, Volvo Cars of North America sold: 139,384 units in the United States* (up 3.2 percent); 11,135 units in Canada (up 3.6 percent); and 3,356 units in Mexico (up 23.3 percent). Total sales for VCNA during 2004 were 153,875, which represents a increase of 3.6 percent.
VCNA, part of the Volvo Car Corporation of Gothenburg, Sweden, provides marketing, sales, parts, service, technology and training support to Volvo automobile retailers in the United States, and oversees Volvo operations in Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico.
Volvo has been building cars with Safety in mind for over 75 years. The 2005 Volvo Cars model line-up includes: the award-winning new S40 and its wagon counterpart the all-new V50; the award-winning XC90; the sporty S60 sedan – including the award-winning performance sedan – S60 R and the performance wagon version – V70 R; the flagship S80 luxury sedan; versatile V70 wagon and rugged XC70 (Cross Country); and, the C70 convertible.
* U.S. results include Puerto Rico
For More Information:
Roger Ormisher - 800.970.0888
Volvo Cars of North America, LLC
Volvo Media Website: www.volvocars-pr.com
For Sales Report:
http://www.volvocars-pr.com/index.asp?par=company&pag=sales&lang=1&flash=1&year=2004&month=12
