by Frank Filipponio

Volvo has revealed that it’s recalling 42,000 XC90 SUVs to inspect a suspect battery switch. Only North American vehicles had this switch, which apparently creates the risk of short circuits if the jack handle comes into contact with it. Volvo seems particularly concerned that this could happen on vehicles that were serviced by technicians in such a way that the potential for a short circuit was created. The recall is only for the 2005 Volvo XC90, though. Volvo dealers will check the recalled cars and slap a sticker on them somewhere to instruct future service technicians how to avoid the risk of a short circuit. Apparently it’s a preemptive strike by Volvo, as there haven’t been any reports of short circuiting so far.

[Source: Reuters]

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by Jonathon Ramsey

At New York’s Cipriani restaurant on 42nd Street, Volvo presented its fifth annual Volvo for Life Awards and named Rose Mapendo, an African refugee and mother of ten, as its Grand Award Winner in the Quality of Life category. The panel of judges — who included Caroline Kennedy, Maya Lin, Paul Newman, Val Kilmer, and previous winners — selected Rose because of her Mapendo Organization’s refugee outreach work. Rose was nominated for the award by Susan Sarandon.

Nearly ten years ago, Rose was being tortured in a Congolese prison after escaping the Rwandan genocide. Now her organization, which works with the UN and the US Department of State, works to make sure that others like her don’t get left behind. In earning the title of “America’s Greatest Hometown Hero,” Rose won a $50,000 contribution to the charity of her choice, and a new Volvo every three years for the rest of her life. The other top category winners in Safety and in Environment each get $50,000 donated to the charity of their choice.

The Volvo for Life Awards is the largest national search for local heroes, and this year, in addition to the regular award winners, they picked five heroes from every state for special mention. Volvo of North America provides $1 million every year in awards and contributions. This year, the award ceremony was hosted by Benjamin Bratt, and awards were presented by Hank Aaron, Sen. Bill Bradley, and Dr. Sally Ride. You can read about the ceremony, the hometown heroes in your state, and winners in all of the categories here.

[Source: Volvo]

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by John Neff

Volvo announced this morning that its upcoming C30 hatchback will be priced from just $22,700 when it goes on sale in the U.S. this October. Keeping in mind that doesn’t include a destination charge of $695, the pricing is clearly aggressive for this premium brand and makes the C30 Volvo’s least expensive model. The base price will net you what Volvo calls a C30 Version 1.0 that comes standard with the turbocharged T5 five-cylinder producing 227 horsepower, a 160-watt stereo, 17-inch wheels, chrome exhaust tips, power windows and remote locking. Step up to the C30 Version 2.0 and you’ll be paying $25,700, but will instead get a 650-watt stereo with 10 speakers and Dolby Pro Logic II surround sound, 18-inch alloy wheels, a bigger roof spoiler and the handsome sport body kit . You’ll also be able to “special order” a C30 with your choice of 17 exterior and 12 interior colors, as well as 30 more accessory options.

Both cars, by the way, come standard with a six-speed manual transmission. Ordering up an automatic will add $1,250. Other accessories include a navigation system for $2,120 (comes standard on Version 2.0) and Bi-Xenon gas discharge headlights for $700. Choosing any “special order” item will ding you with a one-time $300 charge, unfortunately. While the new C30 is clearly priced aggressively, the long list of optional “special order” items means that your cost out the door will rise rather quickly.

Check out the entire price list for each option after the jump.

[Source: Volvo]

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by Frank Filipponio

While we have nothing but love for the C30, apparently there has been a love it or hate it reaction to the car at recent auto shows. Volvo has come up with an interesting new ad campaign to harness the polarized reactions to promote its new premium hatchback. Using the tag line, “That’s one opinion. What’s yours?,” Volvo is breaking the 4th wall in its new commercials and asking people what they think of the C30’s styling. And the company isn’t cherry-picking the results, either. Apparently, it’s OK for some people to dislike the car.

The campaign, which includes 16 short films, started in the UK and will be used in the States later in 2007. The theme of the series is “Product of free will.” You can see all 16 shorts now at volvocars.com/freewill. This interactive website is pretty cool with an animated figure loving the car and then vomiting on it after some contemplation. For every 10-second negative clip, there’s an equal length positive one though.

EuroRSCG Fuel of London is responsible for the ads. They say that the goal of the ads was to get younger buyers to think about Volvo… period. Admitting the car isn’t for everybody just makes the appeal more authentic. It’s been pretty well received so far because a lot of people have said they feel a direct connection to the message. Like Volvo is talking directly to them. Check it out for yourself and leave your own review.

[Source: Automotive News, sub req]

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