GOTEBORG, SWEDEN - The all-new Volvo S60 has its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show March 2. It makes its entry into one of the automotive world's toughest segments backed by an extrovert attitude never before seen in Volvo showrooms.

According to Volvo, the all-new S60 has been sculpted to move you - both physically and emotionally.

"The sporty design delivers a visual promise of enthusiastic driving characteristics and I can assure you that the all-new S60 truly lives up to that promise. Its driving properties are better than those of any previous Volvo. What is more, the car's innovative new technologies help you become both a better and a safer driver," says Volvo Cars President and CEO Stephen Odell.

With its all-new Volvo S60, Volvo Cars is advancing its position in one of the car world's most competitive segments: CD Premium.

"The competition is razor-sharp and the customers know exactly what they want. The emphasis is on emotional stance, sporty design and dynamic driving properties. Success in this segment means a lot for the brand's image and we are convinced that the all-new S60 will be one of the strongest contenders," says Stephen Odell.

The first-generation Volvo S60 was launched in 2000. It soon became Volvo Cars' most popular model, enjoying worldwide acclaim and peak sales of 110,000 cars in 2002. All told, there are about 600,000 S60s on roads the world over today.

The initial annual target for the all-new Volvo S60 is 90,000 cars and this time too, the car's customer base is spread unusually uniformly throughout the world. Europe (including Russia), North America, and the rest of the world will each account for about one-third of total sales.

The five largest single markets will be the USA, China, Russia, Sweden and Great Britain.

The all-new S60 is built at the Volvo Cars factory in Ghent, Belgium. The first cars will be delivered to customers in early summer 2010.

"Irrespective of whether the customers are in the USA, Europe or elsewhere in the world, they all prioritise the same characteristics. Now we are giving them an entirely new S60 that has a unique appeal to even the most discerning of buyers," says Stephen Odell.

The all-new S60 is a Volvo that embraces contrasts. Its clear driver orientation makes it the ideal companion for the keen driving enthusiast. At the same time, it integrates high-tech innovation that helps it protect one of the most vulnerable road-users in modern traffic: the pedestrian.

Pedestrian Detection with full auto brake is a groundbreaking technological solution. It can detect pedestrians who walk into the road in front of the car, warn the driver - and automatically apply full braking power if the driver does not respond in time.

"Pedestrian Detection with full auto brake takes Volvo Cars' traditional care for the human being to a whole new dimension. In recent years, we have introduced a number of solutions that help the driver avoid accidents with other vehicles. Now we are taking a giant step forward with technology that helps to increase safety for unprotected road users as well," says Tomas Ahlborg, Project Director for the all-new Volvo S60. He adds:

"As far as we know, we are the first car maker in the world to offer a complete system that can detect, alert and automatically brake to avoid pedestrians."

For Tomas Ahlborg, who also served as one of the driving forces behind the first-generation S60, responsibility for the development of the all-new Volvo S60 has been the most exciting challenge of his career.

"The brief from the company's executive management was short and to the point: create Volvo's sportiest car ever. Personally, I'm one hundred percent delighted with the result. The all-new S60 is an uncompromisingly sporty sedan. Every single detail is in total harmony with the car's dynamic credentials," he explains.