Keeping rivals intrigued
The man from Volvo NZ said "would you like to review our XC 90?", and after driving one for a week the review is pretty straightforward: I want one!
VOLVO CARS last week unveiled a cross-country version of its V60 sports wagon at the 2014 LA Motor Show. It will go on sale in New Zealand in the second half of 2015.
“Cross country variants have been hugely successful for us in New Zealand,” says Steve Kenchington, general manager of Volvo Cars New Zealand. “The V40 Cross Country accounted for half of all V40 sales since it was introduced last year, and the XC70 has become an icon since it opened up the cross over wagon segment in 1997.”
The company says its Cross Country brand has a “long and distinguished heritage”. “Volvo Cars was the first premium brand to offer increased all-road capability and styling on its wagons as far back as 1997 when it introduced the V70 Cross Country, creating a whole new type of car experience that has since captured the imagination of the motoring public and industry,” says Kenchington.
“Reflecting Volvo’s Scandinavian heritage and love of nature and adventure, the V60 Cross Country brings together the best of both worlds – a sporty, connected, yet comfortable driving experience with the freedom to explore new horizons.
“With increased ground clearance of 65mm compared to the current V60, the Cross Country’s construction offers unparalleled control on and off the beaten track, coupled with an enhanced sporty driving experience thanks to torque vectoring technology and corner traction control.”
A verbal stoush has broken out between Federated Farmers and a new group that claims to be fighting against cheaper imports that undermine NZ farmers.
According to the latest ANZ Agri Focus report, energy-intensive and domestically-focused sectors currently bear the brunt of rising fuel, fertiliser and freight costs.
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A new farmer-led programme aimed at bringing young people into dairy farming is under way in Waikato and Bay of Plenty.
The Government has announced changes to stock exclusion regulations which it claims will cut unnecessary costs and inflexible rules while maintaining environmental protections.