Volvo Cars begins series production of S60L at Chengdu plant

Chengdu, China, Novemebr 6, 2013: Volvo Car Group (Volvo Cars) has officially started series production of the Volvo S60L at its manufacturing plant in Chengdu, China. The production start is another important milestone in Volvo Cars’ transformation journey and the establishment of China as the company’s second home market.

The S60L is a long wheelbase version of the S60 specifically aimed at the Chinese market and will make its official debut at the Guangzhou Motor Show on November 21.

Since the launch of its China Growth Plan in 2011, Volvo Cars has seen good sales in China and starting series production in the Chengdu plant is part of the gameplan to drive growth. Growing its business in China and establishing China as its second home market are important elements of Volvo Cars' long-term strategy and business plan, as the company aims to sell 800,000 cars globally.

Sales development in China has been strong this year, with retail sales so far up over 40 percent compared to 2012. Like in other key markets around the globe, the company’s Chinese sales are driven by the XC60, S60 and V60 models, while the V40 has also been received very well by Chinese customers. Volvo cars are currently sold at over 150 dealerships in China, up from around 100 dealerships two years ago.

The engine plant in Zhangjiakou has also become operational earlier this year and delivers engines to the manufacturing plant in Chengdu. In total, Volvo Cars currently has over 2,000 employees in China, around half of which work at the Volvo Cars China headquarters in Shanghai.

“We are truly firing on all cylinders in China,” said Lars Danielson, senior vice-president, Volvo Cars China Operations. “The official start of series production in Chengdu is only the latest of many milestones we have achieved in recent years. Helped by our strong product portfolio, our highly competent organisation in China is determined to book many more successes in the future and the outlook for Volvo Cars in China is indeed very bright.”