Volvo looking to add more diesel and compact cars

Posted Thu Jul 3 2008 9:37 AM by James Martinez

As Volvo attempts to cope with tough new emissions regulations and its dire financial position, the carmaker’s chairman has revealed some of the strategies to help end the slump. Volvo has confirmed that it will cut up to 2,000 jobs worldwide and reduce production numbers, but that is just the start of its future plans.

Key to its turnaround will be the introduction of new fuel-efficient diesel models as well as the addition of more small cars in its lineup. Volvo chairman Fredrik Arp has told Swedish newspapers that three new diesel models will be launched later this year, designed to appeal to buyers in emerging markets such as China and Russia, reports Just-Auto. One of Volvo's new compact models will be a five-door version of the current C30 hatchback (pictured).

Previously reported plans include the roll-out of more efficient yet more powerful 2.0L and 2.5L turbocharged engines that are set to debut in the new S60 next year as well as the addition of a eight-speed gearbox sourced from ZF.

When asked if Volvo could be sold by Ford, Arp stuck to the official comment that managers were committed to improving the financial performance of the Swedish brand.

Reader Comments

Thu Jul 3 2008 11:07 AM
Andrey says

well volvo make great cars, and their image of cars for old people is steadily getting a turnaround and these new compact models should really help
Thu Jul 3 2008 1:38 PM
NaBUru38 says

More small Volvos... besides the five-door C30 and S60/V50, there may be:
o- a two-seat small roadster (TT, Z4, SLK)
o- a new S40 and a wagon version (V30?, unless it's actually the five-door C30)
o- a C-segment off-roader (XC40, under 4.40 meters long)
o- B-segment cars?
Fri Jul 4 2008 3:59 AM
artur says

5-doors c30 for Russia. Cool
Thu Jul 24 2008 10:30 AM
David says

If they get some of those they have a market they seem to be willing to write off.
I'd buy a D5 powered C30 in a heartbeat! With the engine offered in the US now, I'm simply not interested. The fuel economy isn't there - I will however will be looking closely at the new VW diesels for the US market.
A classic P1800ES owner - of course I like the C30!
Tue Sep 9 2008 4:17 PM
Ivan says

A five-door version of the C30 would be sweet!

The S40 seems too conservative (at least for me), and the 3-door C30 is cool but seems impractical. But a five-door C30 would be just right!

Combine that cool back end with two extra doors and everyone will quickly forget why station wagons were once considered un-cool.

(But I agree with David, a diesels option would be greatly appreciated.)

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