Volvo has announced that its worldwide sales have increased by 11% and its UK sales have increased 10% from 19,711 in the first 6 months of 2003 to 21,687 in the first six months of 2004.

Sales have been helped along by the launch of the new Volvo S40 saloon and V50 sportswagon earlier this year, combined with the sales of the XC90, the first six months of 2004 have shown a strong increase in sales of Volvo cars.

Across Europe as a whole, sales have increased by an average of 15%, with demand for diesel engines now accounting for 50% of Volvos sold.