Paris, France (September 28, 2006) - With the new C30, Volvo makes its debut in the two-door premium-car segment. The sporty design, with two doors, four individual seats, and a glass tailgate, aims to give a young and dynamic group of customers “a Volvo of their own.”
“The new C30 aims for a group of young singles, or couples, who live active urban lifestyles. These people prioritize excitement in design and driving characteristics, and this car is designed to suit their taste and lifestyle,” said Lex Kerssemakers, Senior Vice President, Brand, Business and Product Strategy at Volvo Cars.
Coming to America
As the covers were pulled off the stunning new Volvo C30, Volvo Cars or North America, LLC (VCNA) announced that it would sell the car in the U.S. market. No firm on-sale date has been announced, but VCNA will not introduce the C30 before the 2008 model year.
In the U.S. market, the current direction is for the C30 to come in just one version: Hot. With 218 turbocharged horses galloping through the front wheels and 236 lb.-ft. of torque that's available from 1,500-4,800 rpm, the C30 is sure to please the enthusiast driver. Contributing to the C30's exciting driving dynamics is the fact that this newest Volvo is 8.5 inches shorter than the S40 sport sedan. Because of its smaller overall size, the C30 benefits from an improved power-to-weight ratio over its sedan counterpart.
Pricing and sales-volume data in the U.S. market will be announced closer to the Volvo C30's on-sale date.
For an active life in urban areas
Volvo has focused primarily on singles, or couples without children who see the car as a vital component to their active lifestyles. When they buy clothing, home furnishings, or electronic devices, design and brand are very important factors – and they choose cars in the same way.
“These are customers who move between their homes, the office, meetings, the gym, and to their favorite spots around town at a fast pace. This group prioritizes exciting design and exhilarating driving characteristics, and for the most part there are not more than two people in the car,” explains Håkan Abrahamsson, Project Director for the Volvo C30. He adds,
"Another appealing possibility, of course, is that the C30 will be the second car for families with children.”
Confident design and a fast silhouette
The design of the production-ready C30 is in tune with the Volvo C30 Design Concept that was first shown at the North American International Auto Show last January. The assertive front clip is retained from the Design Concept, with its angled headlamps and low, wide grille. Viewed from the side, the distinct wheel housings in contrasting materials, and the sloping roof give the new C30 a fast silhouette, which is further enhanced by the extreme boat-shape of the side windows. This is created by the narrowing roof and incorporating the wide shoulders that have become a Volvo design hallmark.
The shoulders at the rear are powerfully rounded and are accentuated by the horseshoe shaped lighting pattern of the tail lamps, and the glass tailgate. The spoiler at the upper edge of the tailgate is available in two different versions.
“The C30 has plenty of muscles in a sporty and compact package. Anyone who recalls the Volvo SCC (Safety Concept Car) will recognize the exclusive and convenient glass tailgate. The distinctive tail lamps ensure that no one will ever be uncertain about which car they have in front of them,” says Volvo Car’s Design Director Steve Mattin.
A Product of Free Will
The possibility of adapting the car to their personal taste is high on the wish list among the intended buyers. When the new C30 hits the US, a wide array of factory installed options and retailer installed accessories will be available for the customer to personalize the car their way. Styling items like a sport steering wheel, unique inlays, 18-inch wheels and a choice of deck spoilers are just a few items that will allow customers to exercise their free will.
Room for four adults
The new Volvo C30 has room for four adults thanks to the two separate seating positions in the rear seat, with generous head- and legroom. The rear seats are slightly centered to provide a feeling of spaciousness and excellent forward visibility. It also makes communication between front and rear occupants much easier. The space between the seats also makes the thin, visually floating center stack clearly visible from the outside through the glass tailgate.
Target 65,000 cars a year
The Volvo C30 will be unveiled for the public at the Paris Motor Show in September, and production will begin at the end of 2006. The volume target is 65,000 cars a year. Volvo expects that 75 percent of the buyers will be in Europe. The largest markets are Italy, Germany, Spain, Great Britain, the USA, France, Sweden, and Holland.
The new C30 will make a firm impression in a segment that is new for Volvo – and the intention is that at least three out of four Volvo C30s will find customers who do not currently drive a Volvo.
“I am convinced that the new C30 will be a great success. Since we displayed the concept car in Detroit, it has become one of the market’s most talked about and eagerly awaited newcomers.” said Kerssemakers.
Contact:
Daniel Johnston or James Hope
Product Communications
Volvo Cars of North America, LLC
800-970-0888
