RIYADH, 6 June 2004 — The Volvo XC90 has been voted “SUV of the Year 2004” in the Kingdom by Saudi Auto magazine for outstanding design, comfort, safety, performance, driver’s satisfaction and many more.
“This prestigious award adds to the long list of citations awarded to the XC90 worldwide, yet it has its special distinction, being recognized by a body of local Saudi jurors, well experienced in the specific demands of Saudi drivers,” said Samir Shubaly, director at Al-Zahid Tractors.
The Saudi Auto best 4x4 SUV for the year 2004 award adds to more than 20 international awards for Volvo. Since its global launch, the Volvo XC90 has been the single Volvo model to receive the highest number of international awards in the shortest period of time. Granted the highest mark — the 5-star rating — by consumer car safety organization Euro NCAP in their latest survey, the Volvo XC90 proves its merit in an independent safety survey.
The newest member to the Volvo range in the Kingdom, XC90 is the top-of-the-line model in the Swedish carmaker’s new XC range. It is designed to be one of the safest and most exciting offerings in the market. With its advanced technology, the Volvo XC90 is a safe, secure car offering what the makers describe as “ultimate driving pleasure” to Saudi drivers.
“Nobody should be in doubt that this is a modern Volvo. In fact, since the launch of XC90 in Saudi Arabia in May 2003, we have witnessed a great demand in the local market, specially now that Zahid Tractors has imported the top of the range seven-seater XC90. Our promise has been to answer the need of Saudi consumers, provide them with the utmost quality services they expect from us,” said the general manager of Volvo cars at Zahid.
Saudi Auto magazine, one of the most respected publications for the automotive industry in the Kingdom, received nominations of the latest models from competitive manufacturers all over the world. Well-experienced jurors in the field awarded a landslide victory to Volvo XC90.
The Volvo XC90 is available with a 272 hp twin turbo engine. Customers expect Volvo to remain its lead in the field of safety. With the launch of its first-ever SUV, Volvo says it has entered an entirely new segment. The goal is clear: to lead the way in terms of safety. With this entry, there is increased focus on several new areas and one of them is roll-over accidents. The XC90 is equipped with an active stability-enhancing system known as Roll Stability Control (RSC) to help reduce risk.
One important ingredient in the recipe for safe driving pleasure is the Volvo XC90 is its electronic AWD system, developed in close cooperation with one of the foremost experts in this area - Haldex of Sweden. It operates independently of driver input, meaning power is distributed automatically between the front and rear wheels for best possible grip on all types of road surfaces.
The makers have attached considerable importance to providing comprehensive and innovative infotainment in the XC90. One result of this focus is that Volvo is the first carmaker in the world to launch Dolby prologic 11 in a car audio system. It helps create the conditions for optimum audio perception even for passengers in the rear seat, and the sound profile is both broader and more natural.
