VOLVO will launch a 4x4 sports utility vehicle in the UK within the next two years based on the Adventure Concept Car (ACC) unveiled at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The Ford-owned Swedish company denied it was treading on Land Rover territory, and said the ACC-based vehicle will have driving characteristics similar to those of a 'well-balanced' car.

Alexander Reidl, commercial project manager - marketing, in Volvo's New Car Project Division, said the vehicle would target models such as the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz M-Class. He said: 'Land Rover is about off-road capability. Our vehicle is a modern interpretation of a sports utility vehicle.'

Adapting Volvo's safety record for the sports utility vehicle sector is one of the challenges facing designers. Volvo's chief designer Peter Horbury said: 'The target is to find a design that is not as 'macho' as many other sports utility vehicles in the segment.'