Volvo Car Corporation was successful among the 2006 Auto Trophy winners in Germany. The Volvo XC90 captured its fifth trophy in the import ranking for SUV's and off-road vehicles and the Volvo C30, participating in the competition for the first time, won the import ranking for compact cars this year. Over 350 vehicles in 27 categories vied for the votes of leading German automotive magazine “Auto Zeitung” readers in its 19th annual Auto Trophy competition.
Nearly 94,000 Auto Zeitung readers voted on the best cars of 2006. Votes were cast both on paper ballets and on the Internet. The two first place finishes for the Volvo XC90 and the Volvo C30 show the high name recognition and excellent reputation these Volvo models have in Germany thanks to their versatility and exemplary safety performance.
After winning best foreign new model in 2002, the XC90 topped the import rankings for SUVs and off-road vehicles in subsequent years. In 2006, the XC90 prevailed once again by a safe margin over its high-calibre competition in a tight race for the best in category. The Volvo XC90 also received numerous other awards worldwide since its launch in 2002 including several awards from its Middle East followers.
The Volvo C30 was an instant success in the Auto Trophy this year, its debut at the competition. This latest achievement adds to the sensation the Swedish compact car is causing. After winning the 2006 Design Award and the 2006 Goldenes Lenkrad (Golden Steering Wheel), the Auto Trophy is the third important award Volvo's two-door coupe with the big glass hatch has received. The Volvo C30 will be available in the Middle East by mid 2007.
