Volvo Debuts 2007 XC90 Debuts at New York International Auto Show

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The 2007 Volvo XC90 rolls into the New York International Auto Show with a range of innovations that Volvo Cars says, will elevate the SUV segment into an entirely new dimension. With a new design, restyled interior and advanced technology like a Park Assist Camera (PAC), the XC90's world debut will also spotlight its reputation for legendary safety.
"The XC90 was state-of-the-art when we introduced it four years ago, and it's still state-of-the-art today," said Thomas Broberg, deputy director of the Volvo Cars Safety Center.
First introduced into the luxury SUV market in 2003, the company sees the XC90 as an enormous success. Its original production has increased from 50,000 to 90,000 units, with half of that volume being sold in the United States followed by the United Kingdom, Germany, Canada and Spain.
"We have listened keenly to our customers and refined the cars to boost our competitiveness on both sides of the Atlantic said Fredrik Arp, President and CEO Volvo Cars. "We already have a winning concept, so the aim was fine-tuning rather than making major changes."
Enhancements to the exterior include slimmer lines, a new grille, more chrome and bumpers with a greater degree of color coding. The tail lamps have also been redesigned and the reflectors in the bumper have been recessed.
On the inside, the restyled interior includes new color combinations, a wider range of upholsteries, an upgraded center console and a new navigation system that is faster and easier to use.
Under the hood, Volvo has added a new in-line 3.2 liter six cylinder engine to its growing selection of powertrains.
The XC90 is also equipped with a BLIS (Blind Spot Information System) that uses cameras integrated in the door mirrors to register if another vehicle has entered the blind spot area and a Park Assist Camera (PAC) that gives the driver an extra eye when parking.
But while Volvo is out to showcase its innovations in the premium SUV segment, its focus is never far from its leadership in safety.
To underscore that point, the company has gone to the New York Auto Show with a demonstration that features a cutaway of the XC90 with a child crash-dummy sitting in the third row seat.
"We need to talk about the vehicle as it pertains to child safety, and how Volvo has led the way for the past 30 years, said Bill Shapiro of Volvos regulations and compliance division. "In many cases children sit in the third row so this demonstration lets us emphasize Volvo's safety advantage."
The XC90 was the first SUV to provide an Inflatable Curtain (IC) for all three rows of seats and a body shell that absorbs impacting forces away from the occupants said Shapiro.
Passengers are also protected from rear impacts by Ultra-High Strength steel combined with 13 inches of space between the rear seat and the rear glass tailgate structure.
The XC90's safety standards were based on Volvo research into who uses an SUV and why.
"Typically, it's a family type of vehicle where parents are taking their children and often other children from place to place," said Broberg. "So the third row seat in most cases is for the kids."
Broberg added that Volvo research has also discovered that after children are dropped off, many times there is a smaller child left sitting in the back seat. For better safety and communication the company has created an optional integrated booster cushion in the middle armrest. It not only allows proper positioning of a three-point belt it can be moved closer to the driver making it easier for the parent and child to communicate.
"You'll be hard pressed to find any SUV with the total safety approach that is found in the XC90," Broberg said.

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