Volvo Cars at the 9th Middle East International Motor Show - 2008 models now on display

The International Motor Show is by far the largest automotive show in the region.

"Volvo Cars is proud to showcase their new and improved environmental and safety features at the ME Motor Show. This is our chance to demonstrate how very important these two core values are to Volvo and to convince the Middle East to support our efforts in further developing these features,"

said Roula Beiruty, Marketing Manager Volvo Cars ME.

Volvo's stand at the event provides a perfect opportunity for the public to get acquainted with Volvo's latest development - the Volvo XC70. The model is characterized by its masculine look and a unique smooth ride which makes it ideal for the Middle East landscape.

The XC70 has a new unique soft nose along with a larger grille and headlamps. The new tailgate's upper section has a sportier forward-leaning stance. The tailgate overlaps the tail lamps, providing an even wider opening. The glass goes further down at the sides, enhancing rear view. The loading space is increased by 55 litres compared with the previous XC70 model. The rails are integrated into the A-pillar moldings. The interior, with a Scandinavian touch, is a perfect combination of design and function.

The C30 is the model that most clearly demonstrates Volvo's environmental technology on the market, also available in a flexi fuel version. Persistent to take every measure possible to assure environmental control, Volvo have developed a range of flexi fuel engines which run on E85, a fuel that consists of 85% Bioethanol and 15% regular petrol. Bioethanol comes from a renewable energy source (biomass) and reduces dependency on the world's limited fossil fuel resources.

A true challenger in the compact car premium segment, the Volvo C30 displays clear elements of other classic Volvo models with a sporty emphasis. The C30 is a dynamic and functional two-door model that is tailor-made for young, modern city dwellers with an active lifestyle. Five new aluminium wheels have been introduced as optional extras, new exterior colours; Gecko Green pearl, Matt Gold pearl, Chameleon Blue pearl. The Volvo C30 is expected to be more accessible to younger audiences. It is a perfect marriage of sport, beauty, comfort and safety.

The car incorporates the latest safety features such as the BLIS (Blind Spot Information System), which uses cameras mounted in the side door mirror to register if another vehicle is in the blind spot. This is part of a policy of encouraging safe driving. The hip and trendy attitude of the new Volvo C30 is further highlighted by the impressively large rear window, the only model in its segment to include such a feature. Keeping in mind Volvo's concern for the environment the new model also features a filter system through which the air entering the car is filtered.

The new S80 is luxurious, elegant and dynamic. The car has more sweeping lines than before, with a comet-shaped profile, an almost imperceptible transition between the rear window and the boot and an abruptly cut-off tail section. All this creates entirely different proportions, in order to give the all new Volvo S80 the right aura of elegance and create an image of being in constant motion.

The new Volvo S80 is the first of Volvo's sedan models to be equipped with the compact, transverse V8 engine that was first launched in the Volvo XC90. A unique design with a mere 60 degrees angle between the two banks of cylinders makes the V8 remarkably compact.

The new S40 exterior gets a completely new, sportier and more prestigious front. The grille is completely new with an updated, deeper mesh pattern that clearly sets the S40 model apart. New exterior colours are also available- Gecko Green pearl, Matt Gold pearl and Chameleon Blue pearl.

The Volvo XC90 is a five-door SUV- a crossover model that combines the passenger car's comfort with excellent get-you-there ability and flexibility. The XC90 is designed to give a robust yet at the same time compact and elegant impression. It boasts excellent driving manners, immense safety and intelligent versatility and comes with three new colours- Ember Black pearl, Schimmer Gold pearl and Oyster Grey pearl. In order to further raise the exclusivity level of the Volvo XC90, the car has been given shiny mouldings, so called eyeliners, on the front and rear spoilers.

The all new Volvo C70 is short and low but relatively wide. Its proportions and design were chosen to give the car a powerful profile. BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) now becomes available in the Volvo C70, as a result, the C70 model gets the same rear view mirrors as the Volvo S40 and V50. In order to minimize the risk of children unintentionally opening the windows whilst driving, or opening the roof in the C70 model, these controls have been given a new design with protective "barriers" situated between the buttons.

This years Motor Show had more than 90 international vehicle manufacturers and customisers displayed the latest design and technology to over 85,000 motor enthusiasts from around the Middle East. The show pulled in a crowd of affluent visitors from all of the GCC states and neighbouring countries, establishing it as the most lively and popular international automotive event in the region.

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