Volvo S40 wins SA Car of the Year

The Volvo S40 2.4i has won the title "Car of the Year" in this prestigious annual competition of the South African Guild of Motoring Journalists and WesBank.

The Volvo S40 was announced as the winner out of 8 finalists at a banquet on Tuesday, March 15th at the WesBank Raceway in Germiston. It is the first time in the history of the competition that a product of the Volvo Car Corporation could drive away with this big prize.

Volvo Car South Africa launched the S40 model range, consisting of the award-winning 2.4i and the flagship T5, in May 2004. The very popular 2.4i, entry model in Volvo`s local car range, has made a huge contribution to Volvo Car South Africa`s record-breaking sales total of 4 657 in 2004. This total represents an increase of 58% compared to the 2003 sales figure.

Volvo launched the all-new S40 2.4i in 2004 with it`s 2 435 cc engine and five-speed manual gearbox, together with the S40 T5, the flagship in Volvo`s compact sedan range with a turbocharged 2,5 litre engine and a six-speed manual gearbox. Both models are also available with a five-speed Geartronic gearbox.

"The acknowledgement of the S40 as South Africa`s Car of the Year for 2005 is a confirmation of the quality and attractiveness of the Volvo brand," said Jacques Brent, managing director of Volvo Car South Africa, in response to the COTY award.

"The S40 is an important model in Volvo Cars` volume ambitions in 2005, and this award will go a long way to raise the awareness of the Volvo brand amongst the South African car buying public," said Brent.