For Immediate Release
Volvo Cross Country: The best of both worlds
ROCKLEIGH, NJ -- September 1, 2000 -- It has the comfort, safety engineering, handling and fuel economy of a sophisticated European wagon - but it's not a wagon. It has the ground clearance, all-wheel-drive and rugged appeal of an SUV - but it's not an SUV. Meet the 2001 Volvo Cross Country, a versatile, stylish vehicle that combines the best of both worlds.
The 2001 model has more of everything that made the first generation Cross Country so successful: improved performance (197 hp and 5-speed automatic), greater all-road capability (with amazing 8.2-inch ground clearance), and ready-for-adventure good looks (taller tires, flared fenders and attractive body cladding). With real-world traction and control to match its good looks, an imaginative interior with optimum flexibility from 40/20/40 split rear seat, and a host of useful options and accessories, the new Cross Country is sure to appeal to consumers looking at SUVs for the first time as well as existing SUV owners who want to get back to civilization.
Occupant safety doesn't take a back seat to fun in Cross Country. Based on the acclaimed Volvo large car platform (which helped the Volvo S80 earn the first 5-star/5-star side impact crash test rating), the Cross Country incorporates the company's latest safety innovations, including dual-stage front airbags, side airbags (part of the SIPS Side Impact Protection System) and Inflatable Curtain, as well as WHIPS whiplash
protection seats and other features. PremAir™ catalytic radiator technology helps reduce ground level ozone and convert it to oxygen, Oko-Tex certified materials inside the car are free from harmful substances to improve air quality, and a clever interior air management and filtration system all contribute to improving the environment.
"Without question, our Cross Country has been a total success. When we brought out this vehicle, we were not quite certain it would sell. We were thankfully wrong. We see even strong sales this year with our completely redesigned Cross Country, one that takes rugged outdoor styling to a higher level. It takes the best of a wagon and adds rugged
outdoor appeal to an already outstanding new wagon series," comments Volvo Cars of North America CEO and President Mark LaNeve. "Almost since the beginning, this one vehicle continues to account for roughly 50% of all our wagon sales. We don't see this trend stopping. In fact, we intend to expand this line with additional products."
Cross Country Buyers
They tend to be between 35 and 45 years old. Likely married, but without children. Almost identical to S60 buyers. However, where the S60 buyer tends to have an urban orientation, Cross Country buyers are suburban in nature. They have strong family orientation with lots of self-expression in their lives. Household income is around $155,000. Approximately 45% have cross-shopped an SUV and about 11% have traded in one for a Cross Country.
Competitive Group
BMW X5, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Audi All Road, Lexus RX 300, and MB M-Class.
