Decision makers from top UK fleets have had their first experience of Volvo’s new XC60 mid-size SUV as the premium manufacturer’s fleet sales continue to grow.
Twenty seven representatives from UK-based end-user fleets, rental, leasing, chauffeur and fleet management companies were among the world’s first to drive the car, along with delegates from 11 other countries, at a recent test drive event.
Developed on Volvo’s Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) platform which also underpins the recently launched S90 saloon, V90 estate and XC90 SUV, the XC60 brings the Scandinavian design and advanced technology those cars into one of the UK fleet market’s most popular segments.
Fredrik Hofling, Director, Product and Offer EMEA, Volvo Cars, talked attendees through the car, which includes not only the optional semi-autonomous Pilot Assist seen on the 90 series, but a raft of new safety features which include the addition of steer assist technologies which have the potential to reduce drastically driver risk.*
Company car drivers also benefit from the Pro variants introduced to each of the XC60’s core specification levels – Momentum, R-Design and Inscription – for the first time. Grouping together popular optional extras as trim levels in themselves, the addition of the Pro versions gives extra flexibility to those user choosers who cannot specify individual options when ordering their company car.
Guests commended the XC60’s luxurious new look and feel, spacious cabin, and class-leading technology. One commenter described the technology as “best-in-class”, while thoughtful touches such as the integrated door sills – designed to aid getting in and out – gained special mention.
The XC60 is available with a range of powerful yet efficient engines that deliver competitive BIK rates thanks to low CO2 emissions and fuel consumption. The tax-efficient D4 AWD version offers 190hp, combined fuel consumption of 55.4 mpg and CO2 emissions of just 133g/km, attracting a BIK rate of 28% in 2017/18. The XC60 T8 Twin Engine plug-in hybrid, meanwhile, with its CO2 output of 49g/km and BIK rate of 9% – not to mention an electric-only range of up to 28 miles – is an extremely compelling offer for company car buyers.
Sarah Symcox, Business Sales Operations Manager, Volvo Car UK, said: “The new XC60’s reception has been even better than we anticipated, reinforcing the importance this car has not only in the fleet sector but for the Volvo brand, too.”
“With the all-new XC40 compact SUV still to be unveiled before the end of the year, it’s great to see the positive response to our other new model launches continuing to drive desirability in the brand and our existing fleet-friendly line-up,” adds Symcox.
The momentum created by the new XC60 is set to boost further Volvo’s UK fleet sales, which saw an uplift of 16% in the first half of 2017. Strong demand from businesses for the outgoing XC60 – the best-selling model overall – has continued to be a driver of growth, while the V40 premium hatchback and XC90 SUV both saw sales to fleet increase.
