Volvo's 'Next Generation' SUV scoops prestigious Motor Trend Award

Having already notched up a massive 6,000 pre-orders before even a single customer has got behind the wheel, the Volvo XC90 with its attractive styling, innovative safety features and five automotive world firsts, is already proving a huge hit in this hotly contested market segment.

Vic Doolan, Volvo Cars of North America President and CEO, commented on the award: "We set out to produce what would be the first in the next generation of SUV's - a vehicle that breaks new ground. The XC90 reflects Volvo's core values of safety, environmental care, great value - and above all, as Motor Trend has said, 'it's an SUV with a conscience'."

"The Motor Trend 'Golden Caliper' is a world-renowned award that we are thrilled to receive and is a testament to the fact that we really did achieve our design goals with this exciting new vehicle," said Doolan.

"The Motor Trend accolade only confirms what we at Volvo have believed since the inception of the XC90 - that it is indeed a unique lifestyle solution SUV," said Graham Carmichael, Regional Director, Volvo Car Overseas - GCC.

He added, "Like North America, the Middle East is perfect SUV territory. We are confident that when the XC90 arrives in the Middle East, it will appeal to customers who have never before considered a Volvo, as well as long time Volvo fans."

Motor Trend, one of the world's most influential auto magazines, with a readership of 7.5 million, selected this year's winner following rigorous testing on 14 eligible vehicles. To qualify for the competition, vehicles had to be SUV's that were new or substantially re-designed for 2003 and are, or will be on sale January 1, 2003. In addition to the Volvo XC90, the contenders were Ford Expedition, Hummer H2, Lexus GX 470, Lincoln Aviator, Lincoln Navigator, Honda Element, Mitsubishi Outlander, Subaru Baja, Subaru Forester, Toyota 4 Runner, Honda Pilot, Isuzu Ascender, and Kia Sorento.

"No other new or substantially upgraded sport/utility vehicle addresses our criteria and testing as effectively as the new Volvo XC90," write the Motor Trend editors, led by Editor-in-Chief Kevin Smith.

"More than any other vehicle in the running this year, the Volvo XC90 moves the standard in its market segment - It drives comfortably like a sedan, tows like a tough pickup, off-roads like a rugged sport/utility vehicle, and moves bulky cargo or as many as seven people like a minivan".

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