ROCKLEIGH, NJ -- Scheduled for introduction during the fourth quarter of 1999, the newest models to be added to Volvo's expanding lineup will round out the automaker's largest offering ever since 1993. Currently on sale in Europe, the sleek, small platform, front-wheel-drive S40 sedan and V40 wagon are one part of Volvo's plan to attract new younger buyers who desire Volvo safety engineering in a distinctive, sophisticated and fun-to-drive automobile.
With 1998 worldwide production of approximately 150,000 vehicles, the popular and successful Volvos manufactured in Born, Holland, are slated to play an expansion role in North America.
According to Hans-Olov Olsson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Volvo Cars of North America, the Swedish automaker's New Jersey-based importer, "With this product offering, we will bring new buyers into the Volvo family. This new small platform series will give us the leverage we need to expand our overall sales by meeting customer demands for a premium brand alternative to Honda Accords, Toyota Camrys and other mass-marketed makes in this segment. Our retailers and I are excited and look forward to our sales start this fall."
"Our goal is to continue to offer new, exciting products in the coming years. During the past two years we have introduced eight new models, a record number for Volvo in North America," according to Olsson. "With the successful introduction of the S80 and now the S40 and V40, we are going after two new buyer groups with products that are clearly focused to meet their demands. Of course we will continue to create new products that are built with Volvo's traditional core values: safety engineering, quality and care for the environment."
U.S. S40 and V40 variants will have a 100.4-inch wheelbase and incorporate a 1.9 liter, in-line four-cylinder light pressure turbocharged engine, generating 160 hp @ 5100 rpm with 170 foot pounds of torque.
U.S. introduction is targeted for fourth quarter 1999 as 2000 model year vehicles. Twelve-month sales volume is projected to be approximately 25,000. Start price is expected to be under $25,000. Canadian introduction is slated for the following year.
| Copyright © 1985-2001 Auto World / VIS. All rights reserved. *Values are subjective opinions based on the Staff of NABA / VIS and recent market conditions. National Automobile Bankers Associates / Vehicle Information Services is not responsible for actual or claimed deviation. Copyright 2001 NABA/VIS. Auto World a service of VIS. 561-394-0610. |