Volvo Says Chinese-Built S60L Coming To US In 2015, Made Better Than European Model

By selling the stretched Volvo S60L in the US, Volvo thinks it can satisfy a market for a plusher S60, while proving Chinese-made cars can be quality products.

Confirming a report by Reuters this summer, senior Volvo marketing exec Alain Visser told Automotive News last week at the Paris Motor Show the S60L would be in US dealers in the second half of 2015. The S60L with its wheelbase 3.2 inches longer than that of the car on which it’s based would be cast as an “executive car.”

“We believe it can be a key player,” Visser told Automotive News, even though Volvo plans to import just 5,000 of the cars for 2015 – roughly a fifth of what the normal S60 sells in the U.S.

But Visser indicates Volvo dealers and customer test groups were enthusiastic about the S60L and its potential for more equipment and comfort, as well as the quality. In fact, another Volvo executive said the S60L scores better in the company’s internal quality checks than the S60 that comes off of Volvo’s Ghent, Belgium plant.

So if all goes well after the S60L goes on sale in the States next year, you could see more Chinese-made cars in Volvo dealerships.

By Zac Estrada