THERE are a number of reasons to celebrate in the Volvo camp this Spring, not the least of which is the forthcoming launch of the new S60 executive saloon.

Another reason for cheer is the fact that Volvo Car UK has beaten Britain's economic downturn with rising sales of its new cars during 2009.

According to figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), Volvo enjoyed a sales increase of 4.49% in comparison to 2008's full year sales. Market share in the UK was also up over 12% on the previous year - rising from 1.56% to 1.75%.

Volvo sold a total of 34,857 cars during 2009 and was the only premium manufacturer to have experienced positive sales growth. The results are in contrast to the new car market as a whole, which experienced an overall drop of 6.4% in 2009 - equivalent to 136,796 fewer cars sold to UK customers.

In addition Volvo Car UK also hit its goal of over 10,000 sales in the fourth quarter of the year - the first time this figure has been achieved in the final quarter in nineteen years.

This achievement underlines the appeal of the Volvo brand, particularly the new, environmentally-conscious DRIVe range in these challenging economic times.

Volvo's DRIVe range is now a major part of the company's sales strategy. It is now available across the majority of Volvo models and accounted for approximately 52% of all C30 SportsCoupe sales, 50% of XC60 crossover sales, 52% of S40 saloon and 67% of V50 Sportswagon sales.

DRIVe cars offer lower CO2 emissions and more miles per gallon without compromising on style and comfort.

Very soon the the all-new Volvo S60 will be in in dealer showrooms. It will share the limelight with the DRIVe range of vehicles, which now includes the V70 premium estate and S80 luxury saloon.

Volvo believes it is in such a strong position because customers are recognising the brand's unique blend of premium, quality products at exceptionally competitive prices. The case is proven with the C30 DRIVe model which the company claims delivers better fuel consumption than any hybrid car on the road today.