The UAE will be the scene of the global launch of Volvo's C70 in early 2006, and sales will begin in the first half of the year.
The model will be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in mid-September.
"We've succeeded in creating an attractive convertible which, at the mere touch of a button, converts into an equally elegant coupe. The customer gets two cars in one, both with space for four adults," says Volvo Cars President and CEO Hans-Olov Olssan.
Being the perfect location for a convertible car, the UAE will be the site of the launch of the C70 in all markets except the United States, Canada and Mexico. Journalists from around the world will fly to Dubai to be among the first to experience Volvo's new convertible and coupe car.
The Volvo C70 is about the same size as its predecessor, but is equally wide and a full four-seater. The forward-thrusting nose section gives the car a powerful profile.
"Putting together harmonious lines both with and without a roof is no easy job," said Fedde Talsma, design manager.
"We decided to start with the coupe design. When we were satisfied with the result, we made the necessary adjustments to create a convertible out of the coupe lines. Our experience tells us this is the best way of going about it," the manager said.
The model was developed to offer new standards of preventive and protective safety in the convertible market.
The car has an advanced body structure and several solutions that make it unique among open-top cars.
The lack of a fixed roof has been compensated far by reinforcements and sophisticated technology.
The first-generation C70 convertible had its best year in 2004 when more than 8,000 were sold.
"Our all new C70 is one of the first open-top cars in the premium segment with both a steel roof and space for four adults. We believe this is a highly sought-after combination," Olssan said.
