Volvo will use the Geneva Auto Show next March as the platform to debut its new S60 luxury sedan. The Swedish automaker has even released two images of what the upcoming vehicle will look like and we’re happy to report that much of the more dynamic styling from the concept car has been carried over. Volvo is making a big push to update its image as of late, with vehicles like the XC60, as well as the refreshed V70 and C30.

“The all-new Volvo S60 is sculpted to move you. It looks and drives like no other Volvo before and the car’s technology will help you to be safer and more confident behind the wheel,” says Volvo CEO Stephen Odell. “Customers in this segment want emotional appeal, sporty design and dynamic driving properties. The S60 has it all. We are convinced that it will be one of the strongest contenders around.”

Volvo is keeping tight-lipped about the new vehicle but it will get the company’s new Pedestrian Detection system, which can not only “see” if there is a person in front of the car, but will actually bring the car to a complete stop of the driver doesn’t react.

GALLERY: 2010 Volvo S60

Official release after the jump:

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In 2007 Volvo partnered with Swedish energy company Vattenfall to examine ways to work together and now the duo has agreed to develop a plug-in diesel hybrid for production by 2012. This summer Volvo will unveil three initial test vehicles based on the V70 wagon.

“We are investing in an industrial joint venture to series-produce plug-in hybrid cars in Sweden in 2012, cars that can be powered by both electricity and diesel,” said Volvo CEO Stephen Odell. “This is an important business development for us and our partnership with Vattenfall allows us to take a giant step toward offering our customers cars with an even smaller environmental footprint.”

The cars will feature an electric motor and a lithium-ion batter pack, which can be recharged from a conventional wall outlet in five hours.

“We want to reinforce electricity’s importance in society and its key role in solving climate issues,” says Vattenfall CEO Lars G Josefsson. “Through this cooperation we hope to be able to speed up the introduction of electric cars. Together we are developing the next-generation technology based on plug-in cars and various charging alternatives.”

Vattenfall will also offer customers the ability to sign a contract ensuring that the electricity delivered to their house is generated by wind power or hydro power, further reducing the environmental impact of the car.

GALLERY: Volvo V70 Plug-In Diesel Hybrid

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