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In celebration of its 16th year in the Philippines, Viking Cars, Incorporated, the official authorized distributor and dealer of Volvo cars in the country spent a casual and carefree evening with its valued clients at the exclusive Velocity Bar of the Marriott Hotel Manila.

Guests were welcomed with signature Volvo martinis as they were posed for the cameras and mingled with fellow members of the Volvo family. The easygoing vibe was punctuated with the presentation of the latest addition to the Volvo stable -- the All-New Volvo S60. Aside from the sumptuous fare and free-flowing libations, jazzy entertainment was provided courtesy of Baihana. No one left empty handed as the evening was sprinkled with raffle prizes ranging from Bizu truffles to accommodations and dining privileges at the Marriot Hotel Manila. Business World newspaper also gave out free subscriptions while Volvo lined up an array of prizes including Volvo currency checks worth PhP50,000.00, Car care kits, navigational system and rear seat entertainment system, among others.

It was a night of catching up and reminiscing as Volvo sweetly turns sixteen. Volvo first opened its doors at 2272 Chino Roces avenue (formerly Pasong Tamo Extension) and successfully introduced the 850 series in 1994 and the 960 in 1995. Since then it has launched several models and variants, establishing Volvo as one of the leading luxury car brands in the market to date. In the first quarter of 2009, Volvo Philippines launched in the local market the world’s first car that can stop itself – the new Volvo XC60. And for 2010, Volvo again introduced another groundbreaking piece of engineering – the All New Volvo S60 with Pedestrian Detection technology.

Even at the onset, Volvo Philippines was recognized as a market performer, receiving the Volvo Diamond Award as best importer from among twenty-three competing countries of Volvo Car International. This honor is given for outstanding performance in the areas of vehicle sales, parts and service operations, competitive positioning and customer satisfaction. SMC holds the distinction of being the first ever to bag the honor in only its first full year of operation.

The successful relationship that started in November 1994 has gained total sales of around 3,500 Volvo passenger cars in the country showing Volvo as a market leader in the large segment of the luxury car category.

In May 2005, Viking Cars, Incorporated inked the deal with Pasajero Motor Corporation and opened a dealership in Cebu. With the desire to provide for the needs of the burgeoning premium car market in Cebu and other nearby cities, Volvo has extended its reach and makes available to the market one of the world’s most safe and dynamic cars. Hinged on Volvo’s core values of Safety, Quality and Environment, Volvo’s mission is to always build cars for a better life – a unique offer in the premium segment that sets the company apart from its competitors. All Volvo cars are designed to be premium in design, build, fit and finish. They are safe, are engineered in a way that considers humans and the environment and created to provide the best solutions for traveling together. Design is considered as a collaboration between styling and engineering which creates premium cars with a sophisticated content.

VCI currently offers a wide range of Volvo models. These include cars under the V-Range, S-Range, C-Range, and XC-Range. The V-Range speaks for versatility, family and leisure. Through the years, we have consistently delivered practical, versatile, and robust family cars that include the innovative V50 Sportswagon and Volvo V70. The XC-Range that includes the All-New Volvo XC70, XC90 and XC60 is a range of modern, adventurous cars with iconic body styles. The S-Range is a stylish and elegant interpretation of the classic sedan. This range includes the Volvo S40, S60 and S80 premium sedans. The C-Range includes coupes and convertibles – the kind of cars you fall in love with. This indulgent and rewarding range includes the All-New Volvo C70 and the C30 Sports Coupé.

For 16 years now, VCI hopes to continue its front-running market performance with a wider product offer and larger distribution network and establish the Volvo brand as an active and leading exponent of motoring safety and environmental care.

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