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Volvo News

Named "Most Dependable" By ICOTY Jury 

NEW YORK (April 21, 2011) - Volvo Cars of North America (VCNA) today was awarded the 2011 International Sedan of the Year at the New York International Auto Show by the International Car of the Year (ICOTY) jury. The all-new sports sedan was deemed best-in-class for the most superlative connection with consumer lifestyles. The selection was made by a jury of 12 nationally recognized automotive journalists.

"To receive the International Sedan of the Year award and be named 'Most Dependable' demonstrate first-hand that the Volvo S60 connects with consumers' lifestyles on both an emotional and rational level," said Doug Speck, president and CEO of VCNA, who accepted the award. "From our advanced technology safety features and masterful Scandinavian design, to its best-in-class fuel economy and award-winning engine, the S60 delivers something for everyone. It is without a doubt a game changer for us."

In its 15th year, the ICOTY Awards remain a respected industry honor, measuring what no other automotive award does, the emotional connection between car and consumer.

"The ICOTY Awards are not based on camshafts and chrome but rather lifestyle compatibility and how well automakers achieve that goal," said Courtney Caldwell, ICOTY executive producer.

Trophies were presented by Courtney Caldwell; Mike Martini, president, Consumer OE, Bridgestone Americas; James Bell, market analyst and president, Motor Press Guild; Joe Wiesenfelder, senior editor, Cars.com; Denise McCluggage, contributor, AutoWeek; and B.J. Killeen, road test editor, Drivers Talk Radio.

Volvo Cars of North America, LLC, (www.volvocars.com/us) is a subsidiary of Volvo Car Corporation of Gothenburg, 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.

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the lease or purchase of a new Volvo.

As a Volvo owner, you know there's nothing like the thrill of driving a brand new Volvo. Now when you're ready to bring home another Volvo, there's even more reason to get excited ? The Volvo Loyalty Bonus.

With the Volvo Loyalty Bonus*, if you currently own or lease a Volvo, or have owned or leased a Volvo within the past 6 months, you get $1000 towards the lease or the purchase of a new 2011 or 2012 Volvo. That means you get a brand new Volvo, and a little extra cash.

Detroit International Auto Show XC60 Plug-in Hybrid

Bursting at the seams waiting to share this with you

Today we released the information below, prior to our press conference next week at this year's Detroit International Auto Show. We've been holding on to this for some time and now we're ready to tell everyone. I think the best part about this new technology is that Volvo is the only one to have this kind of concept. It combines three kinds of driving modes, showcases our decision to go with four-cylinder engine family, demonstrates an ability to dramatically reduce carbon output, reduce our dependence on natural resources (by making smaller engines we use less materials while still having excellent horse power and torque), and making something people can use as a daily driver.

So first off, let's get this out of the way:

  • No, we have not decided on what vehicle this technology will be used on.
  • We are not announcing a date for introduction ? that will be decided later this year.
  • No pricing at this time.
  • Yes, it is being developed for this market and for China.
  • No diesel engine for the U.S.
  • No on V60 diesel with this technology.
  • I think that's about it. If you have questions, please feel free to send them over. No problem.

After next week, we'll have photos and more details about this technology. Also, this concept car is next being shown at the Washington, DC Auto Show in a few weeks, and then off to the Chicago Auto Show, so be sure to check it out if you can.

Press Information 

 

Date of issue Jan 04, 2012

Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept ? a unique blend of gasoline and electric power

At the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Volvo Car Corporation will unveil an innovative gasoline plug-in hybrid.

The Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept is an electric car, a highly economical hybrid and a powerful high-performance car all rolled into one.

At the touch of a button, the driver decides how the available power from the combination of the high-performance gasoline engine and the electric motor is to be utilized.

"The technology in the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept is as ingenious as it is unique," says Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO of Volvo Car Corporation.  "You can make really green progress on the road without compromising on any of the luxury car's renowned properties. No other manufacturer has succeeded in delivering fuel economy and electrical range on this level in a capable, spacious performance car with 350 horsepower on tap."

"This world-class gasoline plug-in hybrid technology, featuring a state-of-the-art four-cylinder engine from our upcoming Volvo Environmental Architecture engine family, will reach our American showrooms in a couple of years. However, it is too early to say which model will be the first to feature this solution," Jacoby says.

Pure Hybrid Power ? three cars in one

The driver chooses the driving mode via three buttons on the instrument panel. The buttons give the car three distinct temperaments: Pure, Hybrid or Power.

  • In Pure mode the car is powered solely by its electric motor as much as possible. The operational range is up to 35 miles (charge depleting range, U.S certification driving cycle) with zero tailpipe emissions in urban traffic. The range according to the European certification driving cycle NEDC is 45 km.
  • Hybrid mode is the standard setting whenever the car is started. The gasoline engine and electric motor cooperate to provide maximum driving pleasure with minimum environmental impact. According to the European certification driving cycle NEDC, CO2 emissions are 53 g/km (2.3 l/100 km) ? which translates into fuel economy of over 100 mpg. Using the U.S certification standards, which include emissions from the production of the electric energy, the combined fuel economy in continuous driving is 50 mpg. The car has a total operating range of up to 600 miles (960 km).
  • In Power mode, the technology is optimized to create maximum possible power. The gasoline engine with 280 hp and 380 Nm (280 lb.-ft.) is combined with the electric motor with 70 hp and 200 Nm (148 lb.-ft.). The electric motor's instant torque delivery contributes to the car's acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds (0-100 km/h in 6.1 seconds).

Four cylinders with the same power as a six-cylinder unit

The front wheels of the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept are powered by a four-cylinder   turbocharged gasoline engine from the forthcoming VEA (Volvo Environmental Architecture) engine family. This engine produces 280 horsepower and maximum torque of 380 Nm (280 lb.-ft.). Power delivery to the wheels comes via a newly developed eight-speed automatic transmission.

"In the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept we demonstrate that our forthcoming four-cylinder engines offer the same high performance as today's sixes. At the same time, their fuel consumption will be lower than in current four-cylinder engines," says Peter Mertens, Senior Vice President Research & Development at Volvo Car Corporation.

The concept car carries a "T8? badge, which emphasizes the combined 350 horsepower of the high-performance four-cylinder engine and the electric motor. This moves the car into territory previously occupied solely by eight-cylinder engines.

"It's time to stop counting cylinders," Mertens says. "Four-cylinder engines are the most effective way to quickly reduce CO2 emissions and fuel consumption without compromising customer expectations when it comes to driving pleasure and performance."

Reduction of parts, weight and fuel consumption

VEA is a modular range of diesel and gasoline engines. The gasoline versions come with direct injection, minimized internal losses and balance shafts for maximized comfort.

Several levels of turbocharging open up for flexibility that encompasses the whole range from high power and torque variants to extremely fuel-efficient derivatives. In order to cover all customer requirements, certain engines will gain added performance via hybrid drive or other spearhead technology.

The modular format is based on a standard of 500cc (30 cubic inches) per cylinder for optimum thermodynamics. It could also be used to develop three-cylinder engines. VEA offers several advantages

  • The number of unique parts is reduced. This promotes manufacturing efficiency, quality assurance and efficiency of new development projects.
  • The new powertrains are considerably lighter than present engines with similar performance.
  • Fuel economy is improved by up to 35 percent compared to engines with similar performance.
  • Modularity and compact transverse design are also ideal for future electrification developments.

Integrated Starter Generator

The engine in the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept has no conventional starter motor or alternator. Instead, there is an Integrated Starter motor and Generator (ISG) connected to the crankshaft, which is located between the engine and the transmission. The ISG is capable of delivering an extra 34 kW (45 hp) during acceleration. It also charges the battery during braking.

Charge the battery at home

The rear axle of the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept is driven by an electric motor producing 70 horsepower. It is supplied with power from a 12 kWh lithium-ion battery pack installed under the floor of the load compartment.

The battery pack is recharged from a regular power outlet, at home or at a parking place. Recharging time varies with the current. If 220V is available a full charge with 12A takes just 3.5 hours. With 110V/12A a full charge takes 7.5 hours.

It is also possible while recharging the car to heat or cool the passenger compartment in order to make the start of the journey more comfortable. This also means that more battery power is available to propel the car.

Constantly online

The Volvo Sensus infotainment system in the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept keeps the driver constantly updated on everything that makes the journey simpler, more efficient and more entertaining. A few examples of available information:

  • Best route to the destination depending on whether the driver prioritizes low energy consumption, the fastest route or the shortest distance.
  • Low Emission Zones where sufficient capacity is needed for running on pure electricity.
  • Charging stations with access to renewable electricity.
  • Locations along the route with access to quick-charging facilities.

Mobile application

The driver also can connect to the car via a mobile phone application. This offers convenient access to a wide range of data, such as the battery's charge level, remaining range, and the location and capacity of the nearest recharging station. Via the app, it is possible to verify if the charger cable is hooked up and it is also possible to pre-program the car's interior climate.

"Creating an intuitive driver's environment that always gives you access to updated, useful information is an important part of our product development. This includes that you should be as updated when the car is parked as when you're behind the wheel," says Stefan Jacoby.

Muscular appearance

The Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept is painted in a special white color and the 21-inch wheels enhance the muscular appearance. The interior features unique detailing and colors, such as sober dark-blue leather upholstery and inlays of blue-grey wood.

The instruments have been tailored to give the driver all the necessary information about petrol and electricity consumption, battery charge level, remaining range and so on.

Electric four-wheel drive

The electric four-wheel drive in the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept is activated by pressing the AWD (All Wheel Drive) button. Instead of the mechanical power transfer of conventional four-wheel drive, the central control unit distributes power between the gasoline-driven front wheels and the electrically driven rear axle.

The electric four-wheel drive system has been designed to provide better traction when starting and when driving on slippery roads, for instance in snow or mud.

Saves battery power for later

The driver can choose to save battery power for later in order to drive on pure electricity later in, for example, an urban green zone or in the heart of a city. When Save is activated, the generator charges and tops up the battery pack if necessary. The aim is to ensure sufficient battery power for about 12 miles (20 km) of driving on electricity.


Volvo Cars of North America, LLC reserve the right to make changes at any time, without notice, to color, specifications, accessories, materials and models.

Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept ? superior to all existing hybrids

 

Volvo Car Corporation's technology in the advanced Volvo XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept gives the car owner possibilities that no other existing hybrid car can offer.

"The gasoline plug-in hybrid is ideal for the American motorist who wants an electric car while at the same time retaining all the power and capacity that comes in his or her present vehicle," says Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO at Volvo Car Corporation.

A diesel-electric V60 Plug-in Hybrid is Volvo Car Corporation's first production model with this new technology, and the car will go on sale in Europe later this year.

In order to make the solution viable for U.S. and Chinese buyers, it needs to feature a gasoline engine. In the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept, the electrification technology is blended with a state-of-the-art 280-horsepower four-cylinder gasoline engine.

"The combination brings the ingenious plug-in hybrid solution into the global context we are aiming for with all our car models. The gasoline version has great potential in several markets that are vital for our ambitious growth plans, such as the United States, China and Russia," Stefan Jacoby says.

Volvo Car Corporation's North American dealers welcome the introduction of a plug-in hybrid.

"From a U.S. market perspective, a gasoline plug-in hybrid would be an excellent addition to our product offer," says Patty Hooley, member of the Dealer Council of Volvo Cars North America.

Daily commute on electricity

An electric motor producing 70 horsepower ? combined with a four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine ? gives the driver a muscular power plant packing a total of 350 horsepower. Yet this very same car can be driven up to 35 miles (charge depleting range, U.S. certification driving cycle) on electricity alone or as a high-efficiency hybrid with operational fuel economy 50 mpg.

The U.S certification standards include emissions from the production of the electric energy. According to the European certification driving cycle NEDC, CO2 emissions are 53 g/km (2.3 l/100 km) ? which translates into fuel economy of over 100 mpg.

"A plug-in hybrid is the ideal eco-car for today's conditions," Stefan Jacoby says. "It gives a large proportion of motorists sufficient range on electricity for their daily commute. More than half of U.S. drivers cover less than 30 miles a day. With its three driving modes, the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid Concept also offers the owner a conventional model's interior space, safety, performance and long range. It gives the driver uncompromising flexibility to cover every type of motoring need."

Bridge to the future

In recent time, hybrids and all-electric cars have been establishing a presence in the minds of North American customers.

"Our goal is to be a leading brand within fuel efficiency," Jacoby says. " In the XC60 Plug-in Hybrid we emphasize how a blend of state-of-the-art combustion technology and innovative electrification can be an unbeatably attractive bridge to a future where the all-electric cars become more established in the market."

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Volvo Polestar Performance available now as accessories


Volvo Introduces Polestar Performance Upgrades

As an official partner of Volvo Cars, Polestar has been optimizing our cars for the racing circuits since 1996, and now we are making this technology available to you. Polestar Performance optimizes the power and torque in your Volvo, without increasing fuel consumption or affecting your Volvo's Original Warranty. 

Polestar engine tuning is standard on these models: 

  • 2012 S60 T6 R-Design
  • 2012 XC60 T6 R-Design

Polestar engine tuning is available as an accessory on these models:

  • 2011 XC60 R-Design
  • 2008 - 2012 C30 T5
  • 2008 - 2012 C70 T5
  • 2008 - 2011 S40 T5
  • 2008 - 2011 V50 T5 AWD (Manual transmission only) coming soon.
Polestar Racing image

Polestar's fully integrated, sophisticated tune, is not a "bolt-on" solution. It has been customized and made specifically for Volvo. A Volvo with the Polestar Performance package has the same certified fuel consumption as the standard version. This is made possible by our efficient engine tuning, which:

  • Forces more air and more fuel into the combustion chamber
  • Increases boost pressure in the turbocharger
  • Advances spark timing 
  • Recalibrates throttle 

Polestar Performance can be installed by any Volvo dealer.  As with other Volvo Original Accessories, Polestar Performance can increase the resale value of your Volvo. For more information on Polestar please visit www.polestar.se/en-us/start/ or contact your local Volvo dealer.

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Volvo Certified Pre-Owned

Warranty & Road Service



A Volvo Certified Pre Owned warranty is coverage that is one of the most extensive warranties available for a Pre Owned vehicle.

All Certified Pre Owned Volvos receive a warranty of up to six years/100,000 miles,* whichever comes first, over the life of the car. This includes whatever mileage may be remaining under your Certified Pre Owned Volvo's new car warranty. And the good news is, you're fully covered the moment you put your key in the ignition.

At Volvo we treat all Volvo owners, new car and pre owned alike, with the respect and admiration they deserve. That's part of the Volvo philosophy and comes free with every Volvo we sell or service.


*Six years/100,000 miles from the original sale (in service) date

Download Certified Pre Owned Warranty Brochure

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News and Events

Detroit International Auto Show XC60 Plug-in Hybrid
Bursting at the seams waiting to share this with you Today we released the information ...
Volvo Polestar Performance available now as accessories
Volvo Introduces Polestar Performance Upgrades Polestar engine tuning is standard ...
Volvo Certified Pre-Owned
Warranty & Road Service A Volvo Certified Pre Owned warranty is coverage ...
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BEST IN CLASS COVERAGE PLAN FROM VOLVO
5 Years or 60,000 Mile Warranty

In fact, Volvo has the lowest cost of ownership of any luxury brand according to IntelliChoice


Feel as Secure Purchasing a New Volvo as You Do Driving One

Volvo is excited to announce an unprecedented, Best-in-Class Coverage Plan that gives you five years* of ownership at next to no cost on all 2010 and 2011 models.  It's called the Safe + Secure Coverage Plan, and it offers tremendous value by saving you thousands of dollars on your vehicle repairs, and provides you peace of mind during your ownership experience. In fact, Volvo has the lowest cost of ownership of any luxury brand according to IntelliChoice.

BEST-IN-CLASS COVERAGE PLAN FROM VOLVO:
5 Years* 60,000 Mile Warranty

When purchasing* a Volvo, the Safe + Secure Coverage Plan provides an additional year of New Car Limited Warranty coverage for a total of five years or 60,000 miles, whichever occurs first. Additional warranties cover corrosion, seat belts, the supplemental restraint system, emission systems, genuine Volvo replacement parts and genuine Volvo accessories.