Kuala Lumpur, 26 June 2009 - Volvo today reinforced its leadership in automotive safety and enhanced its appeal as a producer of beautifully designed cars with the launch of its crossover model, the Volvo XC60.

Deemed Volvo’s safest and most stunning car ever, the XC60 is considered a ‘Perfect 10’ by the Swedish carmaker.

“This is the future of Volvo cars. I am very pleased and proud to present to Malaysia an exceptional car.

“Malaysians are discerning car buyers, and it is very gratifying for us that Malaysians have already purchased more than a dozen units even before seeing the car in the flesh,” said Robert Norrman, President of Volvo Car Malaysia.

With the XC60, Volvo Car Corporation has a new interpretation of its design DNA to elevate its presence by literally pumping up the visual volume of the car, Norrman said. “Volvo wanted more expression, more emotion in the design of the car, so that the XC60 would be instantly recognizable and desired.”

Volvo also wanted to reinforce its leadership in automotive safety by pushing the boundaries of its capabilities.

“The XC60’s safety features are equally stunning. The XC60 is a result of Volvo’s accumulated knowledge and research in automotive safety of over 80 years.”

With the XC60, Volvo is introducing City Safety – a world’s first unique safety technology to help avoid low-speed collisions in city traffic. In an impending collision, City Safety automatically slows the XC60 to avoid a collision entirely or reduces the impact, to avoid serious injury.
 
Norrman said City Safety is another example of Volvo's leadership in automotive safety with this feature, similar to the 3-point safety belt used in all cars today.

“50 years ago, Volvo introduced the 3-point safety belt.  From 1959 to this very day, the 3-point safety belt is the single most effective lifesaver on the roads.”

Norrman said that with the XC60, Volvo Car Corporation had achieved its dual objectives of producing a car that was both very safe and equally stunning, and had great appeal.

“The XC60 is a best-seller, not only in Sweden or Europe, but around the world. In fact, due to the fantastic reception of the car, we are facing a worldwide shortage due to the demand which is beyond our expectations,” he said, adding that Volvo is taking measures to overcome the shortage.

As this car segment's name so clearly reveals, the XC60 crossover is spiced with the very best from two car types.

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, beautiful coupe,” noted Norrman.

All told, the XC60 points the way towards Volvo Cars' future.

"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,” he said.

“This is the future of Volvo cars,” Norrman concluded, adding: “after all, safety sets you free.”

For the Malaysian market, Volvo Car Malaysia has brought in 2 fully imported variants, six-cylinder turbocharged T6 engine producing 285 horsepower. All Wheel Drive (AWD) with Instant Traction is fitted as standard on all variants, as is the City Safety feature.

Priced at RM360,000 (OTR, without insurance) for the XC60 T6 LE, and RM330,000 (OTR, without insurance) for the XC60 T6 SE.

Car buyers would be able to see the perfect crossover in the flesh at all Volvo showrooms across Malaysia from June 27 onwards.

Swedish Marque has a showroom in KL and can be contacted at: 1800-88 2222 / 03-9236 2822.

Federal Auto has showrooms in Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Penang, Ipoh, Malacca and Johor Baru. They are contactable at: 03-2274 9300.