What many Kiwis don't know is that the very first Volvo was built in 1927 in Sweden, however it was only in the early 1980s that Volvo Cars were officially imported into NZ. Before that only private imports came into the country, mainly from people moving to NZ from Europe, Australia and South Africa. So there are about 30 Amazons (121, 122, 123GT, 131, 220) in NZ and a handful of PV544s built in the 1960s. Probably 10 of these classic Volvos are driveable, the rest are projects that may never be completed.

Also, 140 models of the 70s have been imported privately over the years (they were assembled in Australia at one stage) This Australian 144 Racecar resides now in NZ. 

The Volvo 240 range replaced the 140 and many Volvo 244 and 240 models were officially imported in the 80s and there are still plenty on the road today. This model is very reliable and popular. The 240Turbo was very successful in motorsport in NZ and Australia in the hands of Robbie Francevic (pdf file). 

In turn the Volvo 700 series of 1982 took Volvo yet another step into the exclusive market for personalised high-quality cars. Later in the 80s the Dutch built Volvo 300 series was replaced by the Volvo 400 series.

A completely new and different Volvo 850 was launched to the world in 1991. This was Volvo’s first front wheel drive executive car, with a transverse, five-cylinder engine. Its high level of safety combined with real driving pleasure won the car many independent awards. 
In 1996 Volvo introduced the sleek and more rounded designs of the Volvo S40 and V40.

The Volvo C70 coupe and convertible were introduced later that in 1996. Volvo introduced the S80 sedan and the V70 wagon in 1998. In 1999 Volvo cars was taken over by Ford.

Volvo were not selling that many new cars in NZ, they probably topped new Volvo car sales at around 300. Most Volvo cars were imported as used cars from Japan and Singapore, representing value for money and even the Volvo dealers joined the used car importers. 

So Volvo S40, S60, S70, S80, V50, V70, XC70 and XC90 are now a common sight in NZ.