Volvo Car Corporation retail sales increased by 23% in 2011

Volvo Car Corporation had an eventful 2011 with growth in all sales regions, including a 23 percent growth in the Middle East. The company is now the fastest growing luxury car manufacturer and is on the right track towards sustainable growth and profitability. Volvo total sales in 2010 were 1,405 and in 2011 jumped to 1,732. Currently, the XC60, XC90, and the S60 Middle East Car of the Year, have been doing exceptionally well in the Middle East market.

A new global corporate and brand strategy - "Designed Around You" - is an important part of Volvo Car Corporation's global revitalization plan. It summarizes the brand's approach to understanding people and providing a luxury experience, while at the same time linking the brand to the heritage of building safe and dependable cars.

Sales + 20.3 per cent globally

Retail sales in 2011 increased by 20.3 per cent to 449,255 units over full year 2010, an improvement of 75,730 units, making Volvo Car Corporation the fastest growing luxury car manufacturer. Significant growth was recorded in all sales regions, with China demonstrating the largest increase with 54.4 per cent over 2010. North America grew by 22.5 per cent, the Nordic region by 13.3 per cent, Europe improved by 13.1 per cent and the Overseas region grew by 35.7 per cent compared to 2010. Market shares improved in all regions compared to prior year.

Improved sales are mainly driven by strong demand for the 60-series; the Volvo S60 and V60 together with the XC60 crossover. Compared to 2010, the result has been improved primarily by higher sales volumes and improved mix of vehicles.

Safety innovations

Volvo Car Corporation's leadership in car safety was confirmed in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's (IIHS) 2012 Top Safety Pick award, where no less than five Volvo models - the C30, S60, S80, XC60 and XC90 -earned a Top Safety Pick. The Safety Center within Volvo Car Corporation is developing an animal detection system which alerts and automatically breaks for animals on the road, based on technologies from the Pedestrian Detection with Full Auto Brake.

Volvo Ocean Race

The 2011-2012 edition of the Volvo Ocean Race took off from Alicante, Spain on November 5th with six competing teams heading for the first of eight stopovers on the 39,000 nautical mile race around the world. The Volvo Ocean Race made its third stop in Abu Dhabi on January 13, 2012. The Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing team won the in-port race during their stop, however remained in fifth place with 31 points. The next race has already been announced, due to start in 2014. Tradition continues also when Volvo Cars' Special Vehicles Division launches a specially designed model range with a sail racing theme – the new Volvo Ocean Race edition. Four Volvo Ocean Race Edition models - the Volvo V60, XC60, V70 and XC70 – are on offer.

S60 Wins Multiple Awards including Middle East Car of the Year

Earlier in 2011, the Volvo S60 won the most coveted title as “Middle East Car of the Year.” The luxurious sedan combines style and safety with a turbocharged six-cylinder engine promising a smoother ride. The pedestrian detection set apart the S60 from its competition because of the one-of-a-kind technology that spots humans and automatically brakes. Prior to that, the S60 won “International Sedan of the Year” Award and was named “Most Dependable” car by the International Car of the Year jury.

All in all, 2012 will be a year of continued growth which will further strengthen Volvo Car Corporation's position in the premium automotive industry.