Safety-first SUV planned by Volvo

VOLVO is designing its first model under the ownership of Chinese billionaire Li Shufu’s Zhejiang Geely with an emphasis on car safety to revive worldwide sales.

The Swedish carmaker, which introduced the three-point seat belt as a standard fitting in 1959, will load its new XC90 sport utility vehicle with crash-avoidance technology and accessories such as a crystal gear-shift lever by glassmaker Orrefors and a proprietary touch screen compatible with Apple Inc. and Android devices. The model is scheduled for its first public presentation next week and enters showrooms next year.

“I hope that through this product, it will allow Volvo to once again find self-confidence,” Li, chairman of both Volvo Cars and Geely, said in an interview in Hangzhou, China.