Announced as the brand unveiled its S60L Petrol Plug-in Hybrid at the Beijing Motor Show, the emergence of China as Volvo Cars’ leading market represents an important step towards the company’s long-term goal of selling 800,000 cars a year, the brand said, adding that it would break a 20-year cycle during which it has consistently sold around 400,000 cars a year.

‘Growing demand for first-class safety and environmental performance makes Volvo an ever more attractive brand in the Chinese marketplace,’ said Håkan Samuelsson, president and CEO. ‘As a company at the forefront of technological and environmental developments, Volvo Cars is well placed to enhance its reputation as a premium brand and further strengthen its position in China.’

The premium segment of the car market in China is forecast to grow by 20% this year. Volvo Cars said it expects to outpace this growth, indicating it is gaining market share from its competitors. Its forecast is based on first quarter sales figures for the China market, which reveal sales rose 25.4% compared to the first quarter of 2013, to 17,286 cars.

During the first quarter, the Volvo XC60 SUV was the best-selling model, followed by the S60L long wheelbase sedan and V40 hatchback. The sales start of the V40 Cross Country as well as an ongoing expansion of the dealer network will further support Volvo Cars’ continued growth in China.