Decision-makers from top UK fleets have had their first experience of Volvo’s new XC60 mid-size SUV as the premium manufacturer’s fleet sales continue to grow.

Twenty-seven representatives from UK-based end-user fleets, rental, leasing, chauffeur and fleet management companies were among the world’s first to drive the car, along with delegates from 11 other countries, at a recent test drive event.

Fredrik Hofling, director, product and offer EMEA, Volvo Cars, talked attendees through the car, which includes the optional semi-autonomous Pilot Assist and a raft of new safety features which include the addition of steer assist technologies which have the potential to reduce driver risk.

Company car drivers also benefit from the Pro variants introduced to each of the XC60’s core specification levels – Momentum, R-Design and Inscription – for the first time.

Grouping together optional extras as trim levels in themselves, the addition of the Pro versions gives extra flexibility to those user-choosers who cannot specify individual options when ordering their company car.

Sarah Symcox, business sales operations manager, Volvo Car UK, said: “The new XC60’s reception has been even better than we anticipated, reinforcing the importance this car has not only in the fleet sector but for the Volvo brand, too.

“With the all-new XC40 compact SUV still to be unveiled before the end of the year, it’s great to see the positive response to our other new model launches continuing to drive desirability in the brand and our existing fleet-friendly line-up."

Volvo expects the momentum created by the new XC60 is set to further boost its UK fleet sales, which saw an uplift of 16% in the first half of 2017.

Strong demand from businesses for the outgoing XC60 – the best-selling model overall – has continued to be a driver of growth, while the V40 premium hatchback and XC90 SUV both saw sales to fleet increase.