VOLVO has launched a special offer on its 850 range which allows fleets to choose more powerful engines or extra specification and save up to £1,400. The move is designed to further boost sales of the 850 range, which account for more than half of Volvo's fleet sales this year with volumes 30.6% up on the first eight months of last year.

Until the end of the year customers can choose a more powerful engine on 2.0 litre or 2.5 litre 10v petrol-engined saloons and estates. Customers originally planning to buy an £18,515 2.0 10v model can upgrade to a £19,215 2.5 litre 10v model at no extra charge, saving £700; or upgrade from the 2.5 litre 10v model to the £20,615 2.5 litre 20v model for no extra charge, saving £1,400. Alternatively customers can opt for £700 worth of additional equipment.

The new deal comes with Volvo fleet sales in the first eight months of 1996 standing 0.4% up at 8,409 units against 8,440 units on the same period last year. Volvo corporate sales manager Rob Thomas said this year Volvo would sell around 34,000 units, approximately a third of which would be to the fleet market. Total sales will be around 6,000 units down on last year due to limited supply of S40 and V40 models - the replacement for the best-selling 400 range.