According to Just Auto, Volvo’s target for this year is 5,000 units, a figure based on the XC60 compact SUV’s first full year of availability, as well as the arrival of the revised C30 range and the facelifted C70 coupe-cabriolet.
The latter has the potential to bring in up to 400 buyers to the Volvo brand in 2010, potentially doubling the figures achieved by its predecessor last year. Volvo will be given a hand by Saab, whose C70 rival, the 9-3 Convertible, is temporarily out of production.
Total Volvo Car sales in Australia rose a 4.5 per cent in 2009 from 4,469 to 4,668 units, but this gain went against the 7.4 per cent overall drop in new vehicle volume, thanks to the welcome reception enjoyed by the XC60. This year the XC60 has even usurped the aging XC90 to become the bestseller for Volvo Car Australia.
But next year, the company expects an even stronger boost in buyer activity, thanks to the introduction of the second-generation S60 sedan. Due to arrive late this year, it will give Volvo of Australia its first real attempt at the BMW 3 Series market in almost a decade.
The previous S60 dates back to January 2001. The sedan will be followed in 2011 by the V60 wagon, bridging the gap between the small-car based V50 that has been seeing duty since 2004, and the three-year-old V70/XC70 range. The V60 is expected to launch at the Paris motor show in September.
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