XC90 Second Generation Volvo XC90 Canceled

[bmer]

Auto Motor Sport Sweden have revealed that the next generation Volvo XC90 has been canceled despite launch plans in end of 2009. Sources close to AMS Sweden state the decision was made just a few days ago and supplier companies have not been informed yet.

This bold decision was influenced by several factors. The increased costs associated with the need to save weight and therefore include expensive lightweight components, plus the absence of new engines, transmissions and no hybrid technology – not even start/stop engine function, make it a hard sell. Additionally, as an indicator for market conditions in the U.S., the biggest market for large SUV's, Ford sees BMW X5 sales dropping. As a result, Ford have determined that in order to stay competitive, any new models must offer lower fuel consumption and a hybrid model.

With it's demise written on the wall, the XC90 will have another big facelift in 2009 and continue until 2012 with still, no major changes or new engines. Instead Volvo will concentrate on the upcoming XC60, smaller XC50 and even smaller XC30. However, with the slim possibility that the XC90 gets pardoned from its death sentence, it will be built on a Ford Platform.


Source: Second Generation Volvo XC90 Canceled

 

[vabboud]

volvo is on the long slow route towards the guillotine!

 

[Centurion]

Volvo doesn't have enough money to develop two highly competitive SUVs. They will most likely lower the price of the XC90 in the near future and try to make it a best seller like Lexus RX.

 

[LaArtist]

i hate this news...***..i was looking forward to the new XC90..the old one when released was a cool fresh volvo..
this sucks major ballz...

 

[Osnabrueck]

If true, this is quite a shock - and a real sign of the times.

 

[EnI]

Ford sees BMW X5 sales dropping.

????

Ford must be blind.
X5 sales are up.
Yes, in US 3.0si is selling slowly then expected - due not offering enough power for the money ... quite some people finde 3.0si underpowered for the price!!!
But that will be addressed soon.
Also the clean diesel X5 is coming ...

But it's true X6 can eat some X5 sales ... but not much.

Btw, I'm surprised Volvo is ditching XC90

 

[Centurion]

Btw, I'm surprised Volvo is ditching XC90

Market trends are changing. Small premium cars are becoming more popular hence cars like the 1er coupe, X1, A1, GLK and Q5. That's where the money is going to be at the coming 3 years. The big body SUV band wagon has slowed down. Further more Ford already has small SUVs on the market which could share components with the XC60 and XC50.

 

[siko]

Well the current one is such a POS that I guess they gave up.

My aunt has one and I have to say it's the worse AWD system I've ever tried out.

 

[bmer]

Follow up: Volvo says XC90 replacement is not canceled​

Just yesterday, we reported that Volvo will not replace its XC90 SUV after its current life cycle, but the automaker has responded to the report by saying that a new XC90 has not been canceled. It was believed that the decision not to continue with the Swedish brand's flagship SUV was made due to a lack of environmentally friendly powertrain options — as Volvo currently doesn't have any hybrid drivetrains or engine start/stop technology for use in a large SUV — but that doesn't appear to be the case.

Volvo said in a statement that a facelift is planned for the XC90 and that the next-generation SUV has not been canceled. However, "not canceled" doesn't seem to have the same meaning as "under development," so a cancellation could still be in the cards. The SUV was already scheduled for an update in 2009.

So for all intents and purposes, Volvo could still be planning to kill the XC90 after the 2012 model but just doesn't want it to be public knowledge yet.

Sales of the XC90's competitor — the BMW X5 — have also been on the decline, which could be playing a role in the decision to forgo the next-generation of the SUV.

Two smaller SUVs — the XC60 and XC50 – will join the Volvo lineup in the coming years.


Source: LLN

 

[Yperion]

Τhe XC90 made it'a debut back in 2002 if i remember correctly so keeping the same car for 10 years on the market (till 2012 as the article mentions) doesn't seem like a smart idea to me.

On the other hand Volvo is already having the same pollicy with the S60 which is a stone age model with no sign of replacement soon.

Perhaps Ford should consider selling Volvo before they ruin them for good like Jaguar and Land Rover.

 

[Merc1]

Who really knows what is going on. One report says this, another says that. Gee Whiz. Must be tough for dealers too. Yes Volvos are the new Mercedes-Benzes of the market, a loooong time on the market between changes. I didn't think they'd ever replace the S80 or C70.

M

 

[ZicZachZo]

This is an interesting read and is certainly indicative that the entire SUV market is trending to smaller more fuel efficient friendly vehicles. I say its all for the better. I don't imagine many large SUVs living for very much longer with the new energy bill just passed by congress. SUVs = Dinosaurs. Cross-overs and wagons are the future baby.