According to AutoTelegraaf, Volvo is planning to launch a brand new model every year for the next three to four years. This year saw the introduction of the new XC60 crossover and next year is expected to see the launch of the next-generation S60 sedan, while the V30 will be launched in 2010.
Original: The global downturn in the car market has left almost no manufacturer untouched, and even those that are presently doing well are planning for a tough future. Part of those plans include paring down model lines to core essentials as falling demand makes micro-niche vehicles less and less profitable. One of the first companies to take action on that front may be Volvo, as reports indicate it has already ceased working on several variants of its C30 hatch.
It's not yet clear which variants of the C30 may have already been killed, but the 350hp (261kW) C30 R prototype is likely at the top of the list. Its relatively high fuel consumption, high cost and limited production nature would make it a halo model not suited to a belt-cinching market.
Other variants speculated to be on the chopping block include the XC30 and V30 off-road versions of the car. Though these cars weren't expected until 2011 at the earliest, and the company has recently been thought to be expanding its small-car and diesel lineup, the need to save money by cutting development could overtake the need for more small cars.
One variant that may be safe is the five-door C30. Reports as recent as July indicate it is still being worked on, and adding a more capacious option to the small end of the lineup could do well for sales and overall fleet fuel economy averages.
Other carmakers that have taken similar measures include BMW's cessation of its seven-seat X7 SUV program, Renault's termination of a potential Megane-based crossover, reports Automotive News. The huge amounts of money, usually counted in the billions of dollars, required to deveop a new model, just cannot be justified in the current economy. In addition to the development costs, reductions in overall production numbers also mean focusing on existing models with proven customer bases instead of gambling on new products that may never recuperate their initial investments.
Reader Comments
Mon Aug 18 2008 5:19 PM
NoNameDenton says
Well, least they did not kill the 5 door, I figured the R version would die a horrible death though.
Mon Aug 18 2008 5:52 PM
chris says
doesnt matter,.. by 2011 ford will have a 300+hp AWD focus which will be on the newly revised platform. as for an "off road" variant of the c30,.. that car should already come with AWD, considering it's platform mates have AWD.. even the S40 has AWD.. and you're not going to lift the C30 any more than an inch....
just offer AWD on it.. thats the only thing stopping me from getting that car... oh and money's tight too.. the focus is cheaper.
Mon Aug 18 2008 7:23 PM
NoNameDenton says
Well, the C30 is a better pick for Americans, (that or the S40 and Mazda3), since we do not yet have the European Focus.
Tue Aug 19 2008 11:35 AM
Chris says
noname; i agree but would you really buy spend a 5k premium over the mazda3 to get a nicer interior and 3 doors?? for the same price as a base C30, you can get a mazdaspeed3 which has 40 more hp... no contest at all!
Tue Aug 19 2008 5:49 PM
NoNameDenton says
I did not mean that, I meant I would take the C30 over the Focus, I agree, the Mazda3 is the best pick.
Thu Aug 28 2008 3:55 PM
NoNameDenton says
Oh joy, even more crossovers coming.
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