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Volvo is poised to press the green light on a complete re-think of its model range in a last-ditch attempt to break out of a decade-long sales gridlock.
A new range of models that centres around the ‘V and XC badges’ – models that already account for 60-70 percent of production - is currently being finalised at Volvo’s HQ. So buyers can expect a big push on versatile estates and rugged off-road-style vehicles.
There’ll be fewer saloon models in Volvo’s future, too. Longer-term, a very smal...Read the full article

Volvo need a serious rethink (has the new V70 and XC70 really been a giant leap forward in design and approach over the models they replace and does the V50 and S40 offer a credible alternative to a Audi A3/Golf/BMW?) and if the strategy outlined here bears fruit they have a fruitful future.  The market today is flooded with so called premium models (BMW - Audi et al.) and seem more commonplace than the days of Mondeo's/Vectra's.  This approach could bring a fresh sea change for Volvo...lets hope it sees the light of day!

It's an interesting strategy and makes sense. Historically Volvo has always been known for it's Estates, esp in the U.S. With the advent of the XC70 Volvo really pre-empted the "crossover" fad ( I know Audi got there before then with the Allroad ). Cashing in on this clearly defined segment makes sense, especially if the cars look as good as your rendering...

Look forward to seeing the new models come through.

Mac

Oh and here's a rendering I've done of an XC30

 

 

The V30 looks remarkably like the Lancia Delta and Merc B-class.

Perhaps Volvo & Lancia will move towards this sort of area of semi-premium manufacturers.

 

How about these line ups with equivalent Mercs

Volvo           Lancia                   Merc

C30                                     A-class 3-dr

V30             Delta HPE           B-class

S60/V50      New Lybra          C-class

S80/V70      Thesis                E-class

C90            Flamina              CLK

                   Fulvia                SLK

XC30                                   MLK

XC50                                   GLK

XC90                                   ML

 

In my opinion, Volvo needs to do the following:

1. Rationalise model range - get rid of s60

2. Fix the following ownership issues:

- Cost of ownership: Depreciation and service costs make it as expensive as Benz or BMW

- Driving experience: They do not need to be sports cars but they need to be refined. Driving experience (handling, ride) is inferior to Benz, BMW. Rear wheel drive needs to be looked at. It is unbelieveable that the S80 has such poor reviews in this regard.

3. Stake out a position as "green/safe/practical/economical/understated" and do it quickly. BMW is already advanced on H2 and hybrids.

4. Be very careful about making Volvos "cool" or "sexy". Maybe something truer to #3 is more appropriate. The risk is that the car looks like your dad trying to boogie