China’s First Auto Export to U.S.: A Volvo Sedan

Volvo Car Corp. CEO Hakan Samuelsson tells reporters in Sweden that Chinese-made versions of its stretched S60 sedan will arrive in U.S. showrooms next year.

The car will be the first Chinese-made model by a major carmaker to go on sale in America. Automotive News notes that Honda Motor Corp. already ships Chinese-built Fit small cars to Canada.

Volvo, which was acquired by Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co. four years ago, began making the so-called S60L in Chengdu, China, last October. The plant's annual capacity is 120,000 units.

Volvo makes the standard S60 in Sweden. The S60L, whose wheelbase is 3.2 inches longer, is produced exclusively in China.

Samuelsson didn't say how many S60Ls Volvo expects to sell in the U.S. But analysts point out its significance will be a major test of American consumer interest in a high-end Chinese vehicle.