VOLVO'S XC90 SUV made its European debut at the show to support the company's ambitious whole-range targets of achieving 600,000 sales a year.

The car (pictured), which is aimed at drivers of the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz ML, also hopes to attract people in large MPVs with its versatile seven-seat layout.

Volvo's growth strategy involves introducing new niche models giving the company a presence in areas of the market where it was not previously represented.

The car, which will be powered by either a 163bhp D5 common rail diesel or a 272bhp twin-turbo V6 petrol engine, makes its UK debut at this year's British Motor Show, has prompted positive early feedback from the fleet industry. John Wallace, Volvo leasing and rental manager, said representatives of leasing companies were given an early chance to get behind the wheel of D5 versions.

He told Fleet News: 'We had a residual value positioning event and the reaction certainly justifies the positive reports we have already had.'

The car includes new safety features, such as a low front cross-member to ensure impacts with conventional cars reduces the risk of serious damage, and a night vision screen.

Volvo also unveiled a new concept combining features from its Safety Concept Car along with new hi-tech innovations. Developed from the Volvo V70XC, the ACC2 includes headlamps linked to the GPS which automatically adjust for left-side or right-side traffic.

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