Volvo responds: Next-gen XC90 not dead
Yesterday, the word from Auto Motor and Sport Sweden was that the next Volvo XC90 was stillborn due to a lack of hybrid drive trains and other fuel-saving technologies. Not so, according to Volvo, who responded to the pub's article by saying that a facelifted XC90 is in the works and that the XC90 replacement has not been cancelled.
How Volvo plans to get around new fuel economy regs and what Ford platform will be used to underpin the automaker's burly next-gen 'ute is still up in the air, but a clean-sheet rethink might be in order to address many of these environmental issues that will be plaguing Volvo in the upcoming years.
[Source: Auto Motor and Sport Sweden via World Car Fans]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
volvfan88 2:13PM (12/18/2007)
Volvo would not hault production on one of their bread winners. Now as for the platform, Volvo will use the Volvo P24 ( Ford EUCD) platform, the same way they did with the Volvo P2 platform, simple. The next generation XC90 will be a force to recon with when it comes down to te other European auto SUV makers. From its debute, the XC90 has been the best seller of the European luxury SUV import. Now as for a refresh, Volvo really shouldnt they need to get the next XC90 out on the production line by 2009 for a 2010 model. The current one is great but compared to the new BMW X5, Mercedes Benz GL, Audi Q7, and Volkswagen toureg. Volvo needs to work quickly or else you will hear in a few weeks from Dearbourn, MI; the last European brand is currently on auction , Volvo Personvagnar AB.
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Doogs 6:58PM (12/18/2007)
Yep. Unless I'm mistaken, the XC90 is third only to the Lexus RX and Acura MDX in terms of U.S. sales (though the X5 may or may not have caught it recently).
It'd be flat-out stupid to abandon that kind of position.
Then again, flat-out stupid isn't a rare commodity in the auto industry.
Willem B 2:29PM (12/18/2007)
I'll bet they changed their minds after they read all the negative feedback they were getting on AutoBlog. lol
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k.w.a 2:32PM (12/18/2007)
*Whew!* I almost had a heart attack when i heard they were getting rid of the XC90. the XC90 is one of the few Luxury SUVs that were actually made for sensible people. Also, it's the best selling Volvo so why get rid of it?
I also think they should keep this current model goin until '09 or '10, then get a redesign. Facelifting it will not help its sales in 2011 aqnd above. The good thing about volvo is that it's not glitzy and gaudy so it doesn't need a design change that often, however one design can't last forever.
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Andrew 3:56PM (12/18/2007)
Agreed, I love the XC-90. If I were in the market for an SUV, it'd be at the top of my list (unless I could justify buying the Cayenne Turbo).
Austin 2:59PM (12/18/2007)
Thank goodness, even though it should be renamed XC80 to go along with the XC60 with the evens. Keep the odds with taller wagons like the XC70.
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Xcountryflyer 3:03PM (12/18/2007)
The Edge/CX-9 platform is there to make an SUV. Volvo needs some inspiration. Other than the C30, there isn't an interesting car in the portfolio.
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Austin 6:49PM (12/18/2007)
Good idea about using the Edge platform. they could build it in Canada to save the exchange costs.