Volvo’s new boss, Hakan Samuelsson, told Autocar that eight cars will be updated, with an all-new XC90 SUV following in 2014.
The ever-popular XC90 has been on sale for a decade now, so a replacement is long overdue. The new large 4×4 will be the first Volvo to utilise its ‘Scalable Platform Architecture’ (SPA), essentially a new platform that will be shared by models from the S60 upwards.
Earlier in the year Volvo released its plans for new products and developments for future growth. The marque’s S60/V60 and V70 models will receive external styling makeovers over the next 12 months, as well as an updated range of engines – an area where Volvo is also investing heavily.
Called VEA, or Volvo Engine Architecture, the new plans will result in an engine line-up consisting entirely of four-cylinder engines. When combined with electrification and other technology, the new range is said to deliver higher performance than current six-cylinder units, along with lower fuel consumption – building on technology it has learnt through its development of hybrid vehicles.
Volvo will also increase production of the V60 Plug-In Hybrid in 2013. The first 1,000 cars were sold last year, with output expected to reach as much as 6,000 units by 2014. The V60 offers an electric range of 50km and CO2 emissions of just 48g/km.
There’s little doubt that 2013 is destined to become a critical year for Volvo. The arrival of the V40 premium hatchback is seen as a crucial model for the manufacturer, although it has confirmed this will be the smallest sized vehicle it will make.
Volvo is an evolving brand. Whilst safety remains its core proposition, (the V40 is the safest car in the world), Volvo is no longer just about estate cars. In 2012 the XC60 SUV was its best-selling car, doubling the sales of the V60 estate.
Courtesy of MSN Cars
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