Chinese cars have been predicted to reach the U.S. market as early as 2005, but none have yet to clear customs. Until this summer, that is, when the first model stamped “Made in China” goes on sale here, not from some unfamiliar sounding brand, but via Volvo in the form of its new S60 Inscription sedan.
Volvo Cars is currently owned by the Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, which purchased the Swedish automobile maker from Ford Motor Co. in 2009.
To be assembled at Volvo’s main production facility in Chengdu, China, the S60 Inscription is essentially a stretched and more luxury-minded version of the midsize S60 sedan. It affords 3.4 extra inches of rear-seat legroom, a measurement in which the standard version is lacking.
Despite its country of origin, Volvo says the S60 Inscription is nonetheless “tailored to meet the discerning requirements of U.S. consumers.” To that end, expect a choice of peppy four-and five-cylinder engines, a richly trimmed interior and a full array of top-shelf amenities.
— Jim Gorzelany
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