Volvo Kicks Off 1999 Select Pre-Owned

Program: Free Maintenance Visits Included

ROCKLEIGH, NJ - Smart customers look for reliability, safety and a high level of retained value when in the market for a used car. Beginning October 1st, Volvo's new Select Pre-owned program provides those customers an easy way to make an intelligent decision.

In order to be certified "Select," a Volvo less than 5 years old that has been driven no more than 75,000 miles is given a comprehensive inspection. Upon passing this inspection, factory-backed assurance is awarded for a minimum of 12 months or 12,000 miles.

Perhaps the most attractive and unique addition to the new Select Pre-Owned program is that customers will receive scheduled maintenance visits at no charge for their first 20,000 miles driven. Non-turbo models will receive two complimentary services at 10,000-mile checks, while turbo models are entitled to four visits since they require oil changes at 5,000-mile intervals.

Volvo's Select Pre-Owned program has always included affordable financing, and with the 1999 program, Volvo will introduce a new pricing strategy that is sure to further ease the minds of Pre-Owned shoppers. After October 1st, each Select Pre-owned Volvo will display its price in a sticker affixed to its window. These prices will be based on values contained in NADA's Official Used Car Guide Consumer Edition, a nationally recognized resource for used car shoppers.

"The program is designed to enhance customer peace of mind by ensuring quality, reducing cost of ownership and substantiating market price for a product that is already legendary in its reliability and durability," says North Holbrook, Pre-owned Car Line Manager. "This initiative offers unprecedented levels of investment by Volvo."

This program is designed to increase peace-of-mind for those who choose not to buy a new vehicle. Therefore, the program entitles customers to 12 month or 12,000-mile Roadside Assistance. Additionally, as of October 1st, a three-day or 300-mile "no questions asked" return policy will go into effect for all Select Pre-Owned customers.

Select Pre-Owned Volvo customers can also gain peace-of-mind because they know their vehicles were built in line with Volvo's commitment to safety. Most of the Select Pre-Owned vehicles are equipped with side-impact air bags, anti-lock brakes and other features still not offered as standard equipment on many other manufacturers' new cars.

Additionally, Select Pre-Owned Volvo owners can be confident they won't have to shop for another used car too soon. According to an independent marketing research consultant, "We can estimate that the median life expectancy for a Volvo is 17. 10 years."

To publicize the new Select Pre-Owned program, Volvo will launch a seven million dollar advertising campaign focusing on Volvo's legendary longevity and safety leadership as well as the 6.9% offer connected with the Select Pre-Owned program. This media campaign includes national print, major market radio, and comprehensive internet banner presence on the largest pre-owned Internet site, AutoConnect (www.autoconnect.com.) Volvo is encouraging all Select retailers to place their inventory on the AutoConnect site to help online customers find exactly what they are looking for without having to leave their computer desks. Select Pre-Owned Volvos will be specially marked on that web site.

Volvo is providing retailer personnel with in-store training to review program details, share best practices and learn the new Select Pre-owned sales process.