Volvo to launch new models for growth in China

Shanghai, February 17 (Gasgoo.com) Volvo Car Corp., a subsidiary of US auto giant Ford Motor Co., has planned to release three new models in China in 2009 to boost sales growth in this country's luxury car sector, said xinhuanet.com today. The three new models are the new S40 2.0L, locally made long-wheelbase S80L and luxury XC60 SUV.

The all-new Volvo S40 2.0L model was launched simultaneously in China and global markets on January 1, 2009. It is equipped with the world-leading dual-clutch Powershift transmission, as the first luxury car model in China to use this kind of dual-clutch gearbox. Volvo entered the Chinese market with its locally built S40 in 2006.

The long-wheelbase S80L, showcased in 2008 Guangzhou auto show last November along with Volvo's all 2009 series, is designed to suit Chinese buyers' growing tastes for premium cars. This upgraded extra-long model will be put on sale in China in the first half of this year. Volvo hopes to make the long-wheelbase S80L locally as Volvo's flagship model for the Chinese market. This model will be produced this year in Changan Ford.

The Volvo XC60 is a luxury SUV model that combines the City Safety system with Volvo's inherent Scandinavian style. Volvo says the new XC60 is the safest car it has ever produced, and the bold, passionate design clearly points to the future of Volvo. The all-new Volvo XC60 SUV will come with the 2.5L and 3.0L versions, to be priced between 500,000 yuan ($73,200) and 600,000 yuan.

Volvo recently had small sales in China's luxury car market, with the Volvo S80 model on special offer from Jan. 6 through Mar. 31. Amid the financial crisis, Ford Motor has been seeking possible Chinese buyers of its Volvo brand since late 2008. By launching the three new models, Volvo expects to boost its growth in the Chinese market.