Volvo Cars of North America Steps Back in Time -- Looks to the Future; Golden Gate Rally Will Celebrate Fifty-years of Volvo Wagons

SAN FRANCISCO--Aug. 2, 20032, 2003--For a half-century, safety-minded motorists and drivers looking for advanced automotive technologies and design have considered the Volvo wagon to be at the head of the class. Born in 1953 as a practical solution to advancing its passenger car line, the Volvo wagon came to the world's attention just as the import boom hit American shores. Today the image of soccer moms and families headed to the countryside is invariably linked in films, magazines and real life to the Volvo wagon; a vehicle that has truly become an icon for the industry and for good reason.

"We've come to San Francisco to celebrate the Golden Anniversary of the Volvo wagon, a vehicle that has met the test of time and in many ways has advanced the industry's idea of what a wagon should be," said Volvo Cars of North America CEO Vic Doolan from behind the wheel of an immaculate Volvo Duett, the model that started it all in 1953. "Volvo is one of few carmakers today that legitimately considers the wagon a core part of its business. Indeed, our past July sales were the best in the company's history and overall we're having a great year, which reinforces that Volvo safety, quality, and value is appealing to consumers."

Volvo wagons account for approximately 25% of all Volvo sales. Annual YTD sales are up and Doolan's forecast is bullish when it comes to the remainder of 2003.

The Golden Anniversary Rally will be led by an impressive fleet of vintage Volvo wagons, representing the five-decades-long American love affair with the Volvo hauler and will culminate with an historic drive across the Golden Gate Bridge where Doolan will change his ride to the all new, 2004 high-performance V70 R wagon. "This newest Volvo wagon is a 300 HP, turbocharged, all-wheel drive masterpiece that's content visiting the local school or challenging the nearest racetrack or twisty bit of asphalt. It's truly the finest Volvo wagon ever conceived and proves once again that being safe and practical doesn't have to be boring!"

More than 100 local Volvo owners will join Volvo for its historic commute across the Golden Gate Bridge. "We're proud of our past and looking forward to our next fifty-years of wagon development in advanced automotive safety and exemplary interior space planning, for versatility and excitement," Doolan concluded.

    What:     Volvo Golden Anniversary Rally

    When:     Golden Gate Bridge Crossing
              Departs from the Presidio 8:00 AM - Sunday, August 24

    Who:      Vic Doolan, CEO, Volvo Cars of North America

    Featured  Vintage models spanning five decades of Volvo in America
    Cars:     2004 Volvo V70R high-performance wagon