National Press Release

IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- This fall, Volvo will give customers a sneak peek at its safest car ever made -- the Volvo XC60 with standard City Safety. Volvo's first vehicle in the Small Premium Utility segment, the new XC60, is a capable and charismatic crossover integrating the unmistakable versatility and safety of the Volvo brand. City Safety, the car's most important new feature, is a unique system designed to help the driver avoid or reduce low-speed impacts that are common in city traffic. If the car is about to strike the vehicle in front and the driver does not react, the car automatically applies the brakes.

According to surveys, more than 75 percent of all accidents occur in speeds below 19 mph. Volvo is involved in a dialogue with the insurance companies regarding lower insurance premiums for cars equipped with City Safety.

Customers in select cities can see the XC60 this fall before it goes on sale during an Experiential Tour where they will have the chance to see the new car and learn about the safety system that includes a feature allowing the car to stop itself if an accident is imminent.

The Experiential Tour events will feature a multimedia tour of Volvo's passion for safety, driving dynamics and design. The three-pronged experience, made up of kiosks, videos and timelines will surround the XC60, illustrating the new design DNA and the safest Volvo in history. Additionally, Volvo team members will demonstrate City Safety features, Volvo's most comprehensive safety package ever. The first 25 families at each tour event will receive a free emergency preparedness kit. During the tour stops, customers can place pre-orders for the XC60, which will be available March 1, 2009. The 2008 tour stops include Boston, Tri-State area, Chicago and Philadelphia. For tour details, including dates and locations, or to register for the tour, please visit http://www.volvocars.us/XC60Tour.

"Volvo is the first in the world to offer this type of feature as standard," said Doug Speck, president and chief executive officer for Volvo Cars of North America. "City Safety clearly signals that the new 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."

The new Volvo XC60 is stepping boldly into what is currently the automotive world's fastest-growing segment -- dressed in a thrilling blend of muscular XC capability and the sporty charisma of a coupe. "This is not only the safest Volvo ever -- it's also the most stunning," said Speck.

The "Small Premium Utility" segment is growing quickly. Within the next few years, buyers will have at least 10 crossover models to choose from. By 2009, this segment is expected to expand by 75 percent to 443,000 units.

"In order to succeed in that kind of competition, you have to create a vehicle that stands out from the crowd," said Speck. "The new XC60 bases its unique appeal on the synthesis between daringly sporty design and a range of intelligent safety systems that help the driver avoid accidents."

More About City Safety

City Safety is a unique system that can help the driver avoid or reduce the effects of the type of low-speed impacts that are common in city traffic. If the car is about to strike the vehicle in front and the driver does not react, the car automatically applies the brakes. Volvo is the first in the world to offer the City Safety feature as standard. City Safety is active up to 19 mph. According to surveys, more than 75 percent of all accidents occur in speeds below 19 mph. Volvo is involved in a dialogue with the insurance companies regarding lower insurance premiums for cars equipped with City Safety.

About Volvo

Volvo Cars of North America, LLC (VCNA) is a subsidiary of Volvo Car Corp. of Goteborg, Sweden. VCNA provides marketing, sales, parts, service, technology and training support to Volvo automobile retailers in the United States, and oversees Volvo operations in Canada and Mexico.

SOURCE Volvo Cars of North America, LLC