Kuala Lumpur, 13 May 2009 - Volvo’s bold entry into the “crossover” segment, the XC60, has set sail from the Volvo plant in Ghent, Belgium, and is making its way to Malaysia.

Currently en route between the Atlantic and the Indian Ocean, the first batch of XC60s for Malaysia is due to arrive at the end of the month and are scheduled to be launched in Kuala Lumpur in June.

The XC60 represents Volvo’s entry into the automotive world’s most competitive and fastest growing segment. And it is ready to take on the competition with its impeccable and incredible credentials.

“The Volvo XC60 is the safest Volvo ever, and is also the most stunning to date,” said Mr. Robert Norrman, President of Volvo Car Malaysia.

The XC60 would be considered a serious contender for the market leadership of the crossover segment just like the best-selling XC90 in the premium SUV segment.

Norrman cautions that to succeed in this intensely competitive segment, auto brands have to create cars that stand out from the crowd.

“And with the XC60, Volvo has,” said Norrman.

In designing the XC60, Volvo Car Corporation has kept firmly focused on one clear goal. “We’re elevating our design DNA to an entirely new level by literally turning up the visual volume.

“With more expressive, emotive shapes, the XC60 should be instantly recognizable,” said Norrman. “If you say that you'd recognize a Volvo from a hundred metres away today, I'd say the XC60 radiates a clear Volvo presence from at least twice that distance.”

The XC60 is a daring, emotionally charged creation. The car combines two distinct vehicle designs. “Down below, the unmistakable and capable XC muscles pump up the vehicle, giving it a purposeful stance with high ground clearance on large wheels. Above the waistline, the dashing lines trace the profile and sporty charisma of an elegant, sexy coupe,” noted Norrman.

And the XC60 is deemed as the boldest crossover in its segment so far, said Norrman. 
 
 In terms of safety, the XC60 is equally stunning.

"The XC60’s safety features are a result of all the safety knowledge Volvo has built up over 80 years," said Norrman.

City Safety, a unique preventive safety feature that can help the driver avoid or reduce the effects of low-speed impacts that are common in city traffic, is a world’s first standard feature that would be introduced with the launch of the XC60.

“City Safety clearly shows that the 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,” said Norrman.

The anticipated XC60 would initially be launched in Malaysia as a fully imported, six-cylinder turbocharged T6 engine producing 285 horsepower. All Wheel Drive (AWD) with Instant Traction is fitted as standard on all variants.

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, while the larger Volvo XC90 focuses more on providing a ride experience.

The XC60 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.

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.

“One might say that this could be the C30 owner’s next car. It’s as sporty and exciting, but way more capable. An all-round car for the person who lives in the city and for the young family taking the kids for a weekend of fun and adventure,” said Norrman.

He added, “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. Like the Volvo C30, the XC60 plays an important role in our planned volume expansion strategy.”

"In order to be perceived as premium, we have to dare to be seen clearly. Turning up the cars' visual volume while reinforcing our safety heritage and leadership is one of Volvo’s biggest goals and with the XC60 we have taken a major step forward,” concluded Norrman.