Rusnak Volvo Launches The New Volvo XC60

Ahead of its debut at the Geneva International Motor Show on March 4, Volvo releases the first photos of this year’s most exciting model: the new XC60. “It’s not only the safest Volvo ever. If you ask me, it is also the most stunning. Not a bad combination is it?” says Volvo Cars President and CEO Fredrik Arp. The first XC60s will go on sale in North America will begin February 2009.

The XC Factor
Stepping boldly into the motoring world’s toughest and fastest-growing segment, the new Volvo XC60 boasts an exciting crossover of two car styles. The immensely capable XC flexes its sculptured muscles below to create a strong athletic profile with high ground clearance and large wheels. While above, the flowing lines create the sporty charisma of an elegant coupe. 
Very Volvo
“This car is charged with more emotive form and more energy than any other Volvo. We are elevating our design DNA to an entirely new level by literally turning up the visual volume. If you say that you’d recognize a Volvo from a hundred meters away today, the XC60 radiates a clear Volvo presence from at least twice that distance,” says Volvo Cars Design Director Steve Mattin. 
Safety Comes Standard
Along with its distinct crossover design, a variety of intelligent safety systems form another important part of the XC60’s special character. And the most exciting news is City Safety: a unique feature that can help drivers avoid or reduce the effects of low-speed impacts common in city traffic and tailbacks. If the XC60 is about to collide with the vehicle in front and the driver does not react, the car brakes itself.
“We are the first manufacturer in the world to offer this type of feature as standard. City Safety clearly advertises that the new XC60 is the safest car Volvo has ever produced,” says Fredrik Arp. “The car is packed with our accumulated safety know-how and technology, both when it comes to preventing accidents and protecting all the occupants in a collision.” 
Active Adventurer Seeks Same
With the XC60, Volvo Cars has clearly set its sights on a target group that imposes high demands on design, brand integrity and high-tech content in its choice of lifestyle products. “This could be the C30 owner’s next car,” explains Fredrik Arp. “It’s as sporty and exciting, but way more capable. With the XC60, we’re widening our model range to attract even more customers with an active urban lifestyle.”
  Cross-Continent Crossover
The new XC60 is being launched with a choice of three engines: the turbocharged T6 which produces 285 hp, and two variants of the D5 turbo diesel, producing 185 and 163 horsepower respectively. All Wheel Drive (AWD) is fitted as standard.
“During 2009, we will offer a front-wheel drive 2.4-litre version powered by a Euro 5 diesel engine producing 163 horsepower and with a C02 target around 170 g/km,” reveals Fredrik Arp. The sales target for the new XC60 is over 50,000 cars per year. The five largest markets during peak year 2010 will be the USA, Germany, Great Britain, Russia and China. The Volvo XC60 will be built at the Volvo Cars factory in Ghent, Belgium and Sales of the car will start in North America will begin February 2009. For more information on the All-New Volvo XC60 visit Rusnak Volvo Pasadena located at 2025 East Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA 91107 or call Rusnak Volvo’s Experienced Sales Associates at (626)229-6700 and take a test drive today.

Rusnak/Pasadena Supports The 25th Annual Black History Parade: Uniting Community

Pasadena’s 25th annual Black History Parade and Festival on Saturday, Feb. 17th, featured as its celebrity grand marshal Irene Cara, actress and singer from “Sparkle” and “Fame” films.
This year’s theme was “Uniting Our Community through Pride and Commitment” and celebrated the achievements and contributions of African Americans to American society.

Celebrity guests were James Reynolds, actor on “Days of Our Lives”; Michaela Pereira, co-anchor of the KTLA Morning News Team, Furnell Chatman, co-anchor of NBC News; and Beverly White, co-anchor of NBC Weekend Editions of Today in LA.
The parade began at 10 a.m. at Charles White Park in Altadena and traveled south on Fair Oaks Avenue to Robinson Park, where a festival took place until 4 p.m.
The festival featured performances by pop artist Evelyn Champagne King, a jazz band and a reggae band, a youth area, Black Inventions Museum tent, merchandise, food, exhibits, booths and more.

For the past 25 years the city of Pasadena has taken the lead role in organizing Black History Month activities. Major sponsors this year were Pasadena Human Services and Recreation Department, Jackie Robinson Center, Wells Fargo Bank , Miller Brewing Company, Wescom Credit Union, Safeco Insurance, AT&T and Ritz Carlton. Rusnak Pasadena sponsored this event by driving city officials, dignitaries and special guests in the parade.

Photos by Terry MIller & Candice Merrill

Tangerine Dreams: A Jazzy Affair to Raise
Funds for Foster Care Kids

Hosted at the home of local interior designer, Judy Kenyon Burness, Hillsides recognized its annual gala dinner and auction sponsors of “Tangerine Dreams: A Jazzy Affair.” The foster care charity’s benefit sponsor recognition reception welcomed about eighty guests to an evening of fine wine courtesy of Paul Vert and savory gourmet catering by The Spot.
  The children’s charity’s annual benefit on Saturday, February 28, raised funds for its programs and services for foster care children and youth at risk as well as families in crisis living in Los Angeles County.  For the 17th consecutive year, Fritz Coleman, weathercaster for KNBC-4 and honorary chairman of the benefit, served as master of ceremonies and celebrity auctioneer. 
  Presenting a much-anticipated gala, Pasadena resident Ellen Hatch, benefit chair, promised to create an extraordinary event to remember. 
“Jazz musicians know a bit about turning the blues into triumph! Unloving homes, unspeakable abuse, inability to concentrate let alone go to school – these are the norm of kids first encountering Hillsides. But Hillsides has been creating safe places for children for nearly a hundred years – a safe home, a school, transition to independent living, and family and community outreach. No matter how hard the economy has hit your portfolio, I guarantee these kids have been hit harder,” said Hatch.
Held at a private club in downtown Los Angeles, the children’s charity’s gala lifted spirits, knowing guests' contributions helped children who have experienced traumatic childhoods and strengthened families in crisis. Other highlights included a children's wishing well, live auction, silent auction and opportunity drawings, all of which were complemented by entertainment throughout the evening.
  “And a nod to Dave Brubeck for his iconic piece – “Tangerine”, my first introduction to jazz music, a perennial favorite and the inspiration for this year’s jazzy affair,” added Hatch.
Some sponsors recognized were Bill and Susan Noce, Marge and Sherm Telleen, Linda and Stephen Gill, Eva M. Casner, Jacob and Clara Maarse-Jacob Maarse Floral Design, O'Malley and Ann Miller, Ben and Judy Reiling, Rusnak Auto Group, The Walt Disney Company, David and Anita Sniezko, John and Suzanne Adams, Bank of The West, Gary Drake Family General Contractors, Edward W. Engs III, John and Ida Hitchcock, Megan and Bill Phelps, State Street Bank & Trust, Don and Sally Clark, Dr. and Mrs. Henri Ford, Michael and Ellen Hatch & The Sterling Group, Maureen Hollingsworth, James Newton Howard, Wells Fargo Private Bank, Patty M. McAllister, Lyn Spector, among others. To learn more about this event and auction items, visit the www.Hillsides.org.

Rusnak Invites You To View
The 2009 Audi Q5

Rusnak Invites You To View The 2009
Porsche Boxster and Cayman

Distinguished Speaker Series

On Wednesday, April 8th, 2009, Distinguished Speakers Series of Southern California will present Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, fondly called the “Iron Lady” by her supporters, has been leading, healing, and rebuilding Liberia as its president since 2005. From her service as a Liberian Cabinet Minister in the 1970s, senior United Nations administrator in the 1990s and now President, this Harvard educated woman, has never stopped working for democracy for her country. When she opposed the military rule of Samuel Doe, she was imprisoned before eventually fleeing. Her years in exile afforded her valuable international experience. As Africa’s first elected female leader she is bold and courageous, unfazed by the enormous challenges she faces, and surprisingly optimistic about her chances for success. In 2007, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor bestowed by an U.S. president. Rusnak Auto Group has been a proud sponsor of the Distinguished Speakers Series for the past 8 years. To purchase your season tickets, please visit them online at www.speakersla.com or call Kathy Winterhalder at 310-546-6222.

Flintridge Preparatory School’s
Annual Fathers Club Golf Tournament

From The Rusnak Mailbox

Numerous letters of gratitude were received this month. Here is one we would like to share with you.

We start off this month’s mail with a wonderful letter to Liz Rusnak Arizmendi:

Liz,

I just wanted to follow up with you and thank you for the wonderful display of beautiful automobiles for our 110th Annual Golden Dragon Parade.  All the VIPs in the cars had a great time and commented on the great automobiles this year.  We appreciate your consideration and being a partner with the Chinese Chamber of Commerce Los Angeles and helping us celebrate Chinese New Year. 

Sincerely,
Michael Gin
Chinese Chamber of Commerce Los Angeles

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