Volvo Cars of North America and LEGOLAND California are joining forces to promote driving safety and family values. As part of the partnership agreement between the subsidiaries of the two Scandinavian icons, a replica of Volvo's award-winning XC90 was pieced together using LEGO's famous modelling bricks.

The Volvo XC90 made of LEGO bricks was unveiled today at the New York Auto Show.

How many LEGO bricks does it take to build a full-size XC90? The astute calculator with the correct answer will be announced on May 1 at the vehicle's dedication ceremony at LEGOLAND California, located in Carlsbad just north of San Diego.

The Volvo XC90 made of LEGO bricks was built by LEGO Master Model Builders, members of an elite team of talented artists who design, create and maintain the thousands of LEGO brick models at LEGOLAND. Constructed at the U.S. headquarters for LEGO Systems, Inc. in Enfield, Connecticut, the Master Builders began building the Volvo XC90 in January. Noted as one of the three most gratifying projects of its kind for the Master Builders, the intricate stages of assembly were captured with time-lapse photography.

As the recognised leader of safety in the automotive industry, Volvo is the 'Official Car' of LEGOLAND California and will work with the theme park to bring messages of driving safety to the park's 1.3million annual visitors. The Volvo XC90 made of LEGO bricks, although not drivable, will stand at the park entrance as a symbol of the two companies' commitment to safety and family.

"The partnership is a perfect fit with our 'Drive +óGé¼GÇ£ for Life' initiative that focuses on affecting driver behaviour and safety," said Vic Doolan, president and CEO of VCNA. "We will be working with LEGOLAND to develop innovative safety awareness activities."

Recently, LEGOLAND's popular Driving School (ages 6 to 13) and its Junior Driving School (ages 3 to 5) were reintroduced to carry Volvo's name and reputation for safety. These popular park attractions offer children the opportunity to drive electric-powered vehicles made to look like LEGO bricks within the controlled environment of the drive course. The rules of the road are emphasized, as well as good safety habits such as buckling up seatbelts.

"By encouraging safety as a learned behaviour at an early age, we all benefit +óGé¼GÇ£ it's never too early to learn about the rules of the road," said Doolan.

“We specialise in family education and entertainment," said John Jakobsen, president and GM of LEGOLAND California. "Our partnership with Volvo brings the type of quality and reputation that our visitors expect from their experience in the park. We could almost consider our driving programs a public service, in addition to fun and adventure," he said.

For further information please contact:
Todd Hallenbeck
Public Affairs Manager
Volvo Car Australia
Phone: 02-9020 1613
Mobile: 0412 259 635
Fax: 02-9020 1597
Email: thallen2@volvocars.com