REPORT: Volvo XC90 replacement cancelled
If you're on the list of OEM component suppliers for the planned replacement of the Volvo XC90 sport-ute, don't read this article, because you haven't been informed yet. For everyone else, however, reports are emerging that Ford PAG has pulled the plug on the Swedish subsidiary's flagship SUV.
The reports come from the Swedish edition of Auto Motor & Sport , which cites the lack of environmentally-friendly powertrain alternatives as the main factor that influenced Ford to trash plans for the second-generation XC90, despite an anticipated launch in two years' time. Volvo has no hybrid powertain to put in the large SUV, slated to share a Ford platform, and no start/stop engine function. Rather than developing such systems, and with an eye on dropping sales of the rival BMW X5, PAG has reportedly opted to cancel the program altogether.
While the XC60, XC50 and possibly upcoming XC30 are expected to continue on without their bigger brother, the current XC90 model will receive a facelift in 2009 and stay on the market until 2012.
[Source: Auto Motor & Sport via World Car Fans]
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Reader Comments (Page 2 of 2)
gary 3:25PM (12/17/2007)
It's good they cancelled this over sized V-8 gas hog.
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Matt 5:10PM (12/17/2007)
You say "over sized V8 gas hog" like it's a bad thing?
SherbornSean 4:39PM (12/17/2007)
The same vehicle until 2012? It won't have many sales at that point. Already, Vovlo is a generation behind the X5, ML and especially the MDX.
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MixiM 5:01PM (12/17/2007)
Actually, the XC90 was the first of it's generation... So although it would make sense to get ahead and release a new XC90/100 soon the current XC90 is actually pretty good and on par in several ways.... But it doesn't feel that fresh anymore though...
SherbornSean 8:26PM (12/17/2007)
Mixim,
How exactly was the XC90 the first? It came out after the RX, after the ML, after the X5, after the MDX.
On par in several ways? Maybe you should check the C/D comparo...
Doogs 5:13PM (12/17/2007)
I just had to add...the same vehicle through 2012?
Wonder if Ford's put the former product manager of the Ranger in charge of the XC90...
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1337 7:48PM (12/17/2007)
Haha! If this is the work of the Ranger team, they've gone soft. At least the XC90 has gotten engine revisions over the years...the Ranger just gets a bigger grille every now and then.
Antoine Zammit 7:28PM (12/17/2007)
Ford is in some sort of infection.. Its not only killing its cars, but the brand it owns. GM looks brave by comparision!
A
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Satish 7:45PM (12/17/2007)
The XC90 is truly the best SUV ever. I had an XC90 V8 in the snow and it was the most fun ever. It helped that Jeremy Clarkson loved it. If he could somehow convince Volvo to not discontinue it, I would kiss his feet no matter how disgusting that sounds. i would have the Volvo over the X5 4.8, Mercedes R500, and the Porsche Cayenne S. I loved it that much.
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volvfan88 11:00AM (12/18/2007)
Volvo is not canceling the next generation XC90 its on the plate still for 2009 as a 2010 model. Volvo confirmed yesterday that the XC90 replacement is still underway 100% with the hybrid tech drivetrain. Volvo cant afford to drop this its greatest product especially on the US front, Ford planned to move them upmarket, and Volvo has called fro more Xc and cross over models in the future.
1337 7:46PM (12/17/2007)
Kill the current S80, too. It's inefficient, overpriced, and you would have to be on crack to buy one for the price of a 5-series or E-class.
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1337 7:49PM (12/17/2007)
Note to AB: buy (or pirate) Photoshop. The XC90 graphic screams MS Paint.
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500 9:57PM (12/17/2007)
Autoblog's cheesy graphics are one of the most endearing features of the site. Keep them as is!
Level 12:16AM (12/18/2007)
Its just another day at FORD stupid making decisions......FORD doesn't know how to make a better XC90 so they drop it????? Like the same thing they did with the minivan lol....hahahahaha What is wrong with FORD??? Really??? anybody know?? what they are smoking??
Does this mean they are going to drop the Expedition/Navigator/F150/Explorer since they are also bad for the environment and dont have any type of hybrid system in development for the, let alot newer advanced engines??
lol
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Calguy 12:49AM (12/18/2007)
I cannot stand SUVs.. mainly because they handle like houses and waste more than they need to. However, it seems as if Volvo is making some very odd decisions lately...
-Canceling their best seller
-Planning to drop the diagonal bar on their grilles (coming soon) so it's just the round logo w/ the arrow
-Redesigning the S80 so it looks the same as the former model
I just don't get it. Lover or hater of SUVs, from a purely profits oriented angle, this seems weird. Does Volvo have the right leadership?
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volvfan88 11:04AM (12/18/2007)
Volvo is not dropping the diagonal bar off ot the grille. That will stay there and just be larger they cant drop that. Volvo's name and symbol is controlled by Volvo Share Holder in Sweden, the diagonal bar must stay as long as AB Volvo is still using it also. Volvo Personvagnar never even said that they are dropping the bar, they only said that they will make it bigger and more premium than it is today.
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