• The Wall Street Journal (subscription required), Thursday, November 2, 2006 12:45 PM

Swedish premium car maker Volvo is introducing seven models or new versions of existing models over the next four years. The most intensive launch activity in its nearly 80-year history comes on the heels of Ford's surprise announcement in August that it expects its luxury European-car division to be unprofitable for the year.

Among the vehicles on the way is the C30, a two-door compact aimed at the empty nesters and young, urban buyers who have made BMW's Mini a hit. Also coming to the U.S. next year is a sportier version of Volvo's flagship S80 sedan, equipped with a V8 engine. It also contains a "Personal Car Communicator"--a pocket-sized device that notifies the driver if the car is locked and can tell whether someone else (like a carjacker) is inside the car, thanks to a heartbeat sensor.

CEO Fredrik Arp says Volvo intends to maintain its role as the auto industry's safety leader. The new models represent a broader push to increase Volvo's sales by roughly 35%.

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