Volvo Cars
has expanded its line-up of SUVs and has launched the XC40, a small premium SUV
in Milan, Italy. Alongside the launch of the launch of the XC40, Volvo has also
reinvented the traditional model of car ownership - 'Care by Volvo' a
subscription service. First being made available to customers of the XC40, the
service from Volvo will ensure owning a car is transparent, easy and hassle
free.
The
subscription service will be a monthly flat fee one. It will also enable
customers with a concierge of service such as fuelling, cleaning, service pick
up and e-commerce delivery to the car. The owners of Volvo's latest XC40 also
get the option of sharing their car with friends and family using a Volvo on
Call digital key technology. Car sharing has been made a standard feature for
Care by Volvo customers.
The launch
of the new XC40 SUV also marks Volvo's third vehicle in the fastest growing
segment globally. The XC40 has been built on Volvo's modular vehicle
architecture (CMA) and is the first to come on this platform. The platform will
underpin all new cars coming in the 40 Series including their line up of fully
electrified vehicles. The CMA platform has been co-developed with Geely
(Volvo's parent company) and will ensure the company is able to attain the
necessary economies of scale.
The new
Volvo XC40 SUV will offer consumers technology in terms of safety, connectivity
and infotainment coming down from the 90 and 60 Series of cars. Some safety
features which will be offered on the new XC40 include Volvo Cars' Pilot Assist
system, City Safety, Run-off Road protection and mitigation, Cross Traffic
alert with brake support and a 360 degree Camera. Volvo has also incorporated smart storage spaces
in the XC40 with cubby holes and storage compartments in the doors and under
the seats. The Swedish car manufacture has also created a special space for
phones including inductive charging, a fold out hoot for bags and a removable
waste bin in the tunnel console.
The new
Volvo XC40 will be available with a D4 diesel or a T5 petrol four cylinder
Drive-E engine options. Volvo may offer a hybrid and a full electric powertrain
down the line. The XC40 will also become the first Volvo made available with their
new 3-cylinder engine. The production of the XC40 will begin in Volvo's plant
in Ghent, Belgium in November.