The legendary Sweden-based automaker Volvo is now owned by Chinese automaker Geely. Therefore, the brand is now looking at different ways to reach out to prospective car buyers in China. Other car manufacturers namely Audi, BMW and Mercedes Benz has implemented the formula of stretching the wheelbase of its cars, a method that has been used to great success in China.Hence, Volvo is mulling a stretched wheelbase version of its entry level S60 sedan for China, rumoured as Volvo S60L (Limousine).
The Volvo S60L is designed with the driver in mind, as self driven cars. Therefore, the space at the rear isn’t given much importance. However, due to the Chinese market’s unique demand, automakers have recognized the important of a luxurious rear seat and hence have begun making stretched wheelbase versions of their car models to capture the market. Now it seems like they absolutely love long-wheelbase cars in China.
In China, where most of the luxury cars are chauffeur driven, hence the demand for additional space in the rear seat remains high. Coming back to Volvo S60L, it will be produced in Chengdu before the end of the year at a new Volvo facility in China. The plant hopes to pump out 200,000 units a year. Currently, Volvo offers a S80L in China thorough its Chang’an-Volvo relationship.
In India, only the top end flagship luxury sedans like the Mercedes Benz S-Class, the Audi A8L and the Jaguar XJ-L come in long wheelbase versions. However, China has another handful of long-wheelbase mid level luxury cars including the BMW 5 Series, the Audi A6 and the Mercedes Benz E-Class in extended wheelbase models, India too might get the long wheelbase versions of these cars as the market is quite similar to China, in that the high end cars are mainly driven by chauffeurs.
Also see – Volvo working on safety feature to avoid collision with wild animals
Source – China Car Times
Image Credit – TheophilusChin
