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Many critics assumed that the Volvo Car Corporation entered the SUV segment too late when the Volvo XC90 was introduced at the Detroit Auto Show in January 2002. Instead, the ingenious XC90 revitalized the whole segment by successfully addressing all the problems of earlier SUVs.

In 2005, annual XC90 sales peaked at 86,000 vehicles, making it Sweden's most valuable export product.

"The XC90 was the first of the next-generation SUVs. Its blend of SUV roominess, true passenger-car qualities and groundbreaking safety features made it an instant success in a segment that at that time was tainted by several issues," says Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO of Volvo Car Corporation.

Five world-firsts

The XC90 featured five automotive world-firsts when it was introduced in 2002:

• Roll Stability Control (RSC), using a gyro-sensor to detect and counteract the risk of a rollover.

• Inflatable side curtains for all three rows of seats.

• An integrated sliding center booster seat for children in the second row.

• Seatbelts with "pre-tensioners" for all seats.

• Dolby 5.1 Pro Logic II surround sound stereo system featuring a 305-watt Alpine amplifier and 12 premium speakers.

Rollover test in front of the world media

This world-class safety level was demonstrated in an unusually tangible way when the Volvo Car Corporation invited the world press to watch a violent rollover test with the XC90 outside the state-of-the-art Safety Centre in Gothenburg, Sweden.

The safety level is also emphasized in the Volvo Car Corporation's research. The accident investigation files include remarkably few accidents where XC90 occupants have been killed or sustained severe injuries.

Other distinctive advantages

The XC90 also boasted a number of other distinctive advantages:

• The possibility to create a flat load floor area behind the front seats.

• Passenger car ride supported by electronic All Wheel Drive.

• A lower cross-member in the front with the task of activating the oncoming car's safety systems in the event of a collision.

• Class-leading fuel economy.

"Being Volvo we just had to offer a sensible and safe alternative to the first-generation SUVs.

The XC90 took the segment into a whole new dimension. It was a unique vehicle when it was launched and even now, ten years later, no competitor vehicle offers such a complete package," says Hans Wikman, who has since retired.

"We have recently introduced an upgraded version of the XC90, which is still one of our best-selling models. It also inspired the development of the extremely popular XC60. Now we are working on developing an all-new version of the XC90," says Stefan Jacoby.

More than 110 international awards

Since its introduction, the XC90 has received over 110 awards around the globe. Almost a year from its world premiere in Detroit, the Volvo XC90 was named North American Truck of the Year. This competition was judged by 49 automotive journalists from the United States and Canada representing newspapers, magazines, and digital media. The other highlights of the list (available if you click Models and XC90 - Awards in the top bar) confirm the greatness of this model.

Exceptionally designed around you, the Volvo XC90 is available locally with a diesel variant and a 3.2L petrol engine. The race is on to own this award winning piece of luxury SUV with up to 20% savings until December 25, 2011 only. Learn more about this opportunity by visiting Volvo Makati Showroom located at 2272 Don Chino Roces Avenue or Volvo Cebu Showroom located at A.S. Fortuna Street, Banilad, Mandaue City, Cebu.

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