The Volvo XC40 designated european car of the year

AFP

AFP

Monday, march 5, 2018 11:02

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Monday, march 5, 2018 11:06

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GENEVA | The SUV, or 4×4 urban, Volvo XC40 has been designated Monday, european car of the year, a first in the history of the Swedish brand, on the eve of the opening to the press release of the 88th edition of the motor show of Geneva.

“It is a recognition (…) I think it’s going to help us,” said Hakan Samuelsson, CEO of Volvo Cars, will present at the motor show in Geneva.

He stressed that the brand “premium” Swedish, owned by the chinese automaker Geely since 2010, won for “the first time” this prize is awarded once a year since 1964.

The Volvo XC40 is the successor to the Peugeot 3008, which was the last year the first SUV to win the trophy coveted by the manufacturers.

The new model of Volvo was ahead of six other finalists : Alfa Romeo Stelvio, Audi A8, BMW 5 series, Citroen C3 Aircross, Kia Stinger and Seat Ibiza.

This new victory of a SUV (sport utility vehicle) emphasized the dominance of these models in Europe and in the world, where they now represent a third of sales, after years of above market growth.

Volvo was sold last year to more than 570 000 cars, a new record for the brand and an increase of 7% compared to the previous year. Its sales in particular have increased by over 25% in China, its first market.

The XC-40 is based on a new platform co-developed with Geely “and will be fitted to later engines plug-in hybrid” and “electric,” said Mr. Samuelsson.

The car of the year 2018 was chosen by a panel of 60 journalists from 23 european countries.