SM Motors launches the new Volvo XC60

The new Volvo XC60 is stepping boldly into what is currently the automotive world's fastest-growing segment - dressed in a thrilling blend of muscular XC capability and the sporty charisma of a coupe.

"This is not only the safest Volvo ever. If you ask me, it's also the most stunning. Not a bad combination, is it?" says Volvo Cars President and CEO Stephen Odell. The new XC60 has its premiere showing at the international car show in Geneva in March, with the first cars reaching dealers in Europe in autumn 2008.

The "Small Premium Utility" segment is growing quickly. Within the next few years, buyers will have at least ten crossover models to choose between. By 2009, this segment is expected to expand by 75 percent to 443,000 cars.

"In order to succeed in that kind of competition, you have to stick your chin out and create a car that stands out from the crowd. The new XC60 bases its unique appeal on the synthesis between daringly sporty design and a range of intelligent safety systems that help the driver avoid accidents," explains Stephen Odell.

The big safety news is [B][I]City Safety[/B][/I] - a unique feature that can help the driver avoid or reduce the effects of the type of low-speed impacts that are common in city traffic and traffic tailbacks. If the car is about to drive into the vehicle in front and the driver does not react, the car brakes itself. "We are first manufacturer in the world to offer this type of feature as standard. City Safety clearly advertises that the new XC60 is the safest car Volvo has ever produced. The car is packed with our accumulated safety know-how and technology, both when it comes to preventing accidents and protecting all the occupants in a collision," says Stephen Odell.

EuroNCAP has instituted a new assessment protocol for evaluating the degree of whiplash protection offered by passenger cars in rear-end collisions. The new Volvo XC60, with Volvo's unique Whiplash Protection System (WHIPS), was one of five models to receive the highest rating amongst the twenty-five cars that were tested in the initial round.

[B]WHIPS reduces risks by half[/B]
Volvo's WHIPS is a form of protection integrated into the front seats which supports the seat occupant's entire back and head in a rear-end collision. This protective system cushions the movement through energy-absorbing deformation elements between the backrest and seat cushion. If a rear-end collision occurs, the backrest follows the occupant's rearward movement in order to reduce the forces on the neck and spine.

This year marks WHIPS' tenth anniversary. This technology was introduced in 1998 on the Volvo S80 and WHIPS has been a standard feature on all Volvo models since 2000. Thomas Broberg explains that WHIPS' effects are very positive; according to Volvo's Accident Research Team, this system reduces the long-term effects of whiplash injuries by half.

[B]Six-cylinder turbo engine[/B]
The new XC60 will initially be available with the six-cylinder turbocharged T6 engine producing 285 horsepower. All Wheel Drive (AWD) with Instant Traction is fitted as standard.
Owing to its compact dimensions - the XC60 is 20 cm shorter than the XC70 and lower than the XC90 - it continues our range of slimmed-down car models with high energy efficiency. The chassis setting is aggressively sporty without losing anything in terms of comfort. Sitting behind the wheel of the new XC60 is in other words more of a driving experience.

[B]Target group with high demands on technology[/B]
The XC60 project has its sights set on a target group that imposes high demands on design, brand integrity and high-tech content in its choice of lifestyle products.

Tongue in cheek, one might say that it's all about consumers who've grown up with the microchip as a natural supplement to their breakfast cereal. They're used to the immensely fast pace of development in the world of electronics - and every succeeding birthday has brought with it increased capacity in ever-shrinking gift packages.

When it comes to the choice of car, these consumers adopt the same view as they do for other lifecycle products, that is to say all the properties should preferably be integrated into one single attractive and intelligent package.

"An all-round car for the person who lives single in the city and for the young family taking the kids for a weekend of fun and adventure," relates Stephen Odell. He adds: "We're aiming primarily at lifestyle rather than age. With the XC60 we are broadening our model range to attract even more customers with an active urban lifestyle."

[B]Equal allocation to Europe and North America[/B]
The sales target for the new XC60 is over 50,000 cars per year. Distribution between Europe and North America is unusually uniform: about 40 percent each. The remaining 20 percent is destined for the rest of the world.

The five largest markets during peak year 2010 will be the USA, Germany, Great Britain, Russia and China.

"This car has a natural appeal in North America. Here in Europe it is the sporty personality in combination with the compact format that attracts new buyers, primarily women. The XC60 offers a feeling of space even though it is about 20 centimetres shorter than the XC70," explains Stephen Odell, and adds: "The fact that both China and Russia are among the five largest XC60 markets is proof that these growing markets are now beginning to be really large. Both markets will now advance even higher up the sales league in the future."
The Volvo XC60 will be built at the Volvo Cars factory in Ghent, Belgium. Sales has successfully started in Europe during this month, while sales in North America will get under way in early 2009.

[B]Singapore[/B]
The new Volvo XC60 will also be showcased at the Volvo Ocean Race race village in Sentosa Cove from 23 December till 18 January. Singapore is the first country in Asia which will launch the XC60 after it has been showcased in both Beijing Motorshow and Manila Motorshow earlier this year.

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Credits: JRC