Volvo S60 key to brand's future

And it will be in Australia by the end of 2010. Despite ongoing questions about the ownership, funding and model makeup of the Swedish company, Volvo is driving forward with a benchmark replacement for its mid-sized S60.

It's the car with the make-or-break task of building on the success of the compact C30 and the classy XC60, which is the new hero in the prestige SUV class.

"The S60 at the moment is the oldest car in our lineup. It's also in a segement that's extremely agressive, but very big worldwide. It's the class with the 3 Series BMW, Mercedes-Benz C-Class and Audi A4," says the managing director of Volvo Australia, Alan Desselss.

"The S60, as nice a car as it is, is not being able to fight with the modernisation of that class. This new S60 is clearly going to challenge that very seriously."

Volvo has already previewed the S60 Concept car, showing an all-new design direction that is much more stylish than its current slad-sided sedans. It still has Volvo's signature hips, but the shape is more flowing and the end result is much more 21st century.

"I think it gives a very clear statement of where the brand is going.

And that's the exciting thing," says Desselss.

"There is a huge hoo-hah about whether Ford is selling Volvo or not, but the future product lineup is extremely good for the brand. Never before hasve the swedes been so focussed on building emotional cars.

"They look good and drive well. It started with C30, then the XC60, and now the S60."

Peter Horbury, the man who made his name with the 'Bin the Box' approach to Volvo design, has just moved back to the company after leading Ford design in North America but Desselss says the upcoming S60 is the work of a newer generation.

"It's new design. Steve Matlin did the car and it's his first project from go to whoa. It is totally different in every respect," Dessells says.

With the S60 coming up fast, he is also happy to give the first serious indications on the car's timing.

"The production car will be shown in Detroit next year at the motor show in January and we hope to have it in Australia by quarter four next year. If we're lucky. But possibly the first quarter the year after."