Swedish automobile manufacturer Volvo Car Group has commenced the production of Volvo S60L vehicles at Chengdu manufacturing plant in China.
This move is part of the company's plan to grow its business in China and sell 800,000 cars globally.
The company expects to introduce seashell-colored Volvo S60L as the first vehicle from this plant, which will be officially unveiled at the Guangzhou Motor Show on 21 November 2013.
Volvo Cars China Operations senior vice president Lars Danielson said that the official start of series production in Chengdu is the latest of many milestones they have achieved in recent years.
"Helped by our strong product portfolio, our highly competent organization in China is determined to book many more successes in the future and the outlook for Volvo Cars in China is indeed very bright," Danielson added.
Earlier this autumn, the company commenced the production at its engine plant in Zhangjiakou. Volvo will use the engines from the Zhangjiakou plant for the production of Volvo S60L at its Chengdu plant.
Volvo sales in China has been strong this year, with retail sales so far up over 40% compared to 2012. The sales are driven by the XC60, S60 and V60 models, while the Volvo V40 has also been received very well by Chinese customers. Volvo cars are currently sold at over 150 dealerships in China, up from around 100 dealerships two years ago.
Image: Volvo has initiated S60L vehicles production at Chengdu manufacturing plant. Photo: courtesy of Volvo Car Group.
