New Volvo makes a powerful impression

On Wednesday, April 18, Volvo Winnipeg will be officially introducing the new 2019 XC40 compact SUV.

“We are anticipating having more than 100 guests for the evening,” says Volvo Winnipeg product specialist Kevin XI of the event at the dealership at the Pointe West AutoPark.

The XC40 is the little sister to the XC60 and XC90. All three models share the same Scalable Product Architecture platform, which means the smaller model shares the same benefits, technology and safety features as its larger siblings.

A 248 horsepower, turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine with all-wheel-drive is standard for both the base Momentum and sportier R Design trims. A base model with a 185-hp inline four-cylinder engine with front-wheel-drive will also be available later.

Xi says the XC40 is ideal for active urban drivers who want to be able to showcase a beautiful vehicle.

“The design is striking,” he says. “Like the two larger models, the aggressive look gives the impression of power.”

The interior features a clean design. “Among the real cool features,” he says, “are wireless charging and a number of hidden compartments for storage. There is also the iPad infotainment system, which can be easily adapted to your smartphone.”

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also standard.

Pricing for the XC40 ranges from just more than $40,000 to around $55,000.

“We currently have one red Momentum trim model on hand,” Xi says. “For the launch, we will also have a white R Design model. We have already written orders for about half a dozen XC40s.”

He reports that the XC40 hybrids will also be coming soon.

Birchwood managers on the move

The Birchwood Auto Group makes it a practice to change up its management team every so often to offer management personnel a wider range of experience. The latest such move took place at the end of February when Jeff Bachalo and Joel Catania — general manager and general sales manager respectively at Birchwood Lexus Toyota switched places with their equivalents — Dave Zulak and Myles Posthumus at Birchwood Honda on Regent.

Zulak has been in auto sales for 13 years, but is relatively new to the Birchwood Group. He took charge of the Regent store three years ago. Posthumus has been working with Zulak for the past six years, the last three in management.

“We are happy to be expanding our tool box by gaining experience with a different brand,” Zulak says of himself and Posthumus. “Toyota is the world’s top-selling auto brand. They make a great product. Our focus is on maintaining a great level of customer service and sales.”

Bachalo was the Birchwood Group’s longest-serving general manager at one store. He had been general manager at Birchwood Lexus Toyota for the past 20 years. Catania had been part of the Lexus Toyota team for the past 10 years.

Bachalo notes it’s the second time around for both he and Catania at the Honda on Regent store.

“I was here previously from 1990 to 1994,” he says. “Joel was here before from 1999 to 2006. We have a really good team here,” he adds.

“It’s great meeting so many new people.”

It is an exciting time for Bachalo and Catania to be coming on board at Birchwood Honda on Regent. Renovations have begun on the dealerships service and parts departments and work will be starting on the showroom in June.

“We expect the service and parts area renovations to be completed by mid-April,” he says. He adds the new showroom will be finished by fall.

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source:https://autos.winnipegfreepress.com/news/538/new-volvo-makes-a-powerful-impression.html