Volvo recalls 59000 cars over software glitch

The software problem affects only the five-cylinder diesel models S60, V60, XC60, V70 and XC70 that now have to be fixed at local dealerships. Some drivers of new Volvos have reported such incidents but there have been no reported accidents due to the given reason.

Mr Elfstrom said the glitch would be “barely noticeable” if motorists are travelling at speed because the engine and electric system will start up again immediately.

Elfstrom was quoted by Sky News as saying that “the experience isn’t a nice one” for those who find their engine suddenly shuts down.

Approximately 7,000 Volvo cars are being recalled in the United Kingdom because of the glitch, while 24,000 affected vehicles are being recalled in Sweden.

They are among 59,000 vehicles being recalled in 40 markets around the world, mainly in Britain, Sweden and Germany.

In 2011, Volvo sold 449,255 cars globally, an increase of 20.3 percent compared to 2010.

The news comes just two days after Volvo, owned by the Chinese Geely group, announced a massive increase in net profits.