Volvo NZ sets new monthly sales record
A rapidly growing share of the premium small SUV market has helped Volvo NZ set a new sales volume record with January being its strongest-ever month.
Ben Montgomery, Volvo NZ’s new general manager, says the start of 2021 has been exceptional with the company selling more than 100 vehicles in January – up by about 36 per cent on its previous record.
He explains the Swedish marque has benefited from macro-economic factors, such as consumers reallocating international travel expenditure into buying vehicles.
“From our perspective, confidence in this part of the market is driven by a strong residential property sector and higher levels of disposable income available as more Kiwis spend their international travel budget in the domestic market.
“This shift has aligned well with the growing recognition of Volvo in the premium SUV market and the XC40 [pictured] now being one of our strongest performers.”
Montgomery says with more New Zealanders taking an interest in the brand’s “strong design cues and focus on care”, it is on-track to again be the fastest-growing European marque on our shores.
Increasing local volumes have also seen the introduction of a new pricing structure across the range – providing up to five per cent – or $11,000 – in savings. For example, the XC40 will now retail from $59,900, the XC60 T5 from $79,900 and XC90 T6 from $99,900.
Montgomery adds upgraded models landing from the start of this year will offer new safety technology and will see an increased environmental focus – with 2021 being the final year the company will offer diesel engines to Kiwi buyers.
From this year on, every new Volvo sold in New Zealand will come with speed-limiting technology as standard. It prevents vehicles from being driven in excess of 180kph.
A second “Care” key will allow owners to further restrict speed when in the hands of younger motorists, for instance.
International research by Volvo has found that 47 per cent of parents worry about their teenager speeding, 52 per cent would like to be able to control the speed of their offspring’s vehicle and 19 per would rather catch a taxi than get a lift from their teen.
End of an era
In addition to helping to make roads safer, sustainability measures will see a no-cost option of an eco-fabric made from recycled plastic bottles and 30 per cent wool. This reduces vehicle weight by 3kg compared to leather upholstery.
The new model year also signals the end of an era for diesel-powered Volvo cars as the brand repositions itself for an electrified future. All hybrids in the current line-up sold in New Zealand will now offer an eight-year battery warranty.
Forty years after they were first developed, 2021 also marks the demise of CD players as an optional extra along with 230-volt power outlets as wireless charging becomes the standard for Volvo owners.
While CD collections will no longer be found in new Volvos, upgraded Bowers & Wilkins systems on the XC60 and XC90 have been designed with audiophiles in mind and will offer the new “jazz club” mode based on the legendary jazz club Nefertiti in Gothenburg.
The systems feature continuum cones improving mid-range spectrum performance, an enhanced double-dome tweeter resulting in a “pure and precise soundscape”, and a redesigned amplifier with more channels, increased dynamic range and improved clarity.
