Four Chinese astronauts buy Volvo S80L cars

Shanghai, August 18 (Gasgoo.com) Four Chinese astronauts who have successfully accomplished Shenzhou-5 and Shenzhou-7 space missions have chosen to buy Volvo S80L sedans, media reported yesterday, citing a press release of Volvo Cars China. The Volvo S80L car is locally made in China by Ford Motor's Chinese venture with Changan Auto.

Volvo Cars China said the four astronauts from China's air force - Yang Liwei, Zhai Zhigang, Liu Boming and Jing Haipeng - have selected S80L mainly for three reasons: the car is safe, built locally, and the "brand image expresses premiumness and is not ostentatious." Another reason may be Changan's military background: it first entered the auto industry in 1957, making military vehicles.

"We are very proud to have the four astronauts as Volvo owners," Volvo Cars China CEO Alexander Klose said in a statement. "Volvo will convoy these heroic astronauts on land, with our premium quality and holistic top notch safety. We look forward to their greater contributions to China's space cause."

The all new Volvo S80L is a tailor-made premium car for the Chinese market and consumers. It has inherited the S80 flagship model's design essence and leading technology. The wheel-base has been extended by 140mm, and the exterior and interior have been upgraded according to Chinese consumers' needs.

The mass-produced Volvo S80L rolled off the production line of Changan Ford in early March this year and came to the Chinese market on March 12, with the 2.5L and 3.0L models, priced at 428,000 yuan ($62,660) to 688,000 yuan. Changan Ford plans to produce 20,000 units of the Volvo S80L annually.

In July, Volvo Cars China launched "Volvo S80L Elite Club" activity nationwide. The club gathers S80L owners and provides a platform to be able to mingle and exchange information. There are a range of forums and seminars, which owners can attend.