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Volvo Debuts Two New Family Cars

22 November 1999

Volvo Debuts Two New Family Cars

    ROCKLEIGH, N.J., Nov. 22 -- Volvo announced today that the
company will stage the world introduction of two new wagons at the Detroit
International Auto Show.
    "At Volvo, wagons have always been at the core of our business.  With
these two new models, we intend to continue to dominate the luxury family car
segment," says Hans-Olov Olsson, President and CEO of Volvo Cars North
America.  "It is interesting to note that while other car companies are coming
back to the wagon segment, we have always been there for our customers."
    Family wagons traditionally represent a major sales segment for Volvo.  In
fact, prior to the S80 sedan, half of all Volvo's sold were wagons.  Today,
even accounting for strong S80 sales, wagons represent 30% of all Volvo's sold
in the United States.  Volvo wagons account for about 60% of total sales
within the European luxury segment.
    "These two new cars are not only the safest wagons we have ever made, they
also combine Swedish functionality with Volvo's new design cues into a
beautiful desirable package.  They clearly demonstrate our ability to create
exciting family oriented vehicles," according to Hans-Olov Olsson.
    Initially, the model year 2001 wagons will be available with
two five-cylinder engine options.  One model will feature a high-pressure
turbocharged and intercooled engine with 247 bhp with 243 lb-ft of torque
coupled to a 4-speed Geartronic automatic transmission.  The other will be a
low-pressure turbocharged and intercooled engine with 190 bhp with 199 lb-ft
of torque mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission.
    "Year 2000 will be a thrilling year for Volvo and its customers.  It will
mark the end of our strategy to completely revamp our product range within
36 months," says Hans-Olov Olsson.
    Sale dates and pricing will be announced at the Detroit International Auto
Show in January.