Volvo. Surely one of the world's car brands you would least associate with the need for breakdown insurance. Indeed, this reputation for reliability has been the mainstay of the brand's attraction for many decades. But with reliability comes connotations of being old-fashioned and not quite as 'sexy' as other car brands.

But how important is it to be sleek, exciting and modern? Very, if you look at what Volvo has been up to. The new V40 model is a prime example of where Volvo wants to be going over the coming years. You can still see the classic Volvo lines in this new car, but it is distinctly sleeker and more futuristic than older models.

Of course, Volvo would be crazy to try to shed its 'sensible shoes', safety-conscious image totally, but by combining a unique and very modern approach to its design with a focus on safety, it is appealing to the biggest car market on the planet: China.

The middle class Chinese want a car that both demonstrates their status in the world, and keeps their family safe. Thus, the new Volvos could feed this need very effectively.

Add to this, Volvo's intention to set up manufacturing facilities in mainland China (via a partnership with its Chinese owner, Geely) and you get a real sense that Volvo - like many other car makers - sees its future in China.