Volvo to Cut Down its U.S. Lineup, V50 Among the First to go

With its U.S. sales steadily declining for 7 years now, Volvo has no choice but to radically rethink its strategy. The Swedish automaker is currently offering nine models in the States or about as many as Volkswagen does, but it sold almost five times fewer cars than the Germans in 2010.

Consequently, the Swedish brand, which is now owned by China's Geely, has decided to significantly reduce the number of models in its North American lineup and concentrate on best-selling vehicles in an effort to increase sales.

“Five or six is probably a good number”, said Doug Speck, head of Volvo’s operations in the U.S., in a telephone interview for Bloomberg. “We have to focus on the key segments with significant volume potential”.

Mr. Speck confirmed that the V50 estate is sure to go, although didn’t specify exactly when, saying that dealers will be notified first. The manufacturer hasn’t decided yet which other models will be phased out, but it will definitely keep the S60 sedan and the XC60 and XC90 crossovers, he added.

Volvo will also try to boost sales with more advertising and expects “double-digit” percentage growth in the U.S in 2011.

As for the near future, Mr. Speck said that Volvo will introduce hybrids and all-electric cars, but declined to say if it will bring diesels to America.

By Csaba Daradics

Source: Bloomberg

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VIDEO: Suzuki Pits Kizashi Against Mercedes C-Class, Audi A4 and Volvo S40 in New Ads

Even though Suzuki had high hopes for the new Kizashi, sales of the sedan model haven't exactly blown the socks out of anyone this year. In fact, in the U.S., Suzuki has only managed to deliver a mere 5,269 units of the four-door saloon through November. Do the math and that comes to under 500 cars a month.

But the Japanese automaker isn't about to throw in the towel, not just yet. Marking one of its largest advertising campaigns in years, Suzuki has launched an ambition set of edgy ads pitting the Kizashi against similar sized models in the luxury segment such as the Mercedes-Benz C350, Audi A4 and the Volvo S40.

In each case, the Kizashi is shown in a side-by-side test with one of the aforementioned models plus an outsider, and by that we mean a motorized sofa, a man covered in a bubble-wrap suit and a stretch limousine. Well, you can't blame Suzuki for not having a sense of humor. Scroll down to watch all three ads in the videos below.

Source: Suzuki & Autonews

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Worldwide Recall for 2010-2011MY Volvo C30, S40 and V50

Volvo announced on Monday that it will recall 29,299 cars worldwide of which 536 were sold in the USA and around 6,700 in Britain, over a problem with the gearshift lever. The cars in question are certain 2010-2011MY C30s and 2010MY S40 and V50 models equipped with 6 speed manual transmissions.

According to the company, the gearshift lever stud assembly may not have been tightened to the correct specification during assembly which may lead to the ball-joint coming loose. If this occurs, it may not be possible to engage, disengage or shift gears.

Volvo said that its dealers will torque the gearshift lever stud assembly to the correct specification free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin this month. U.S. owners of the affected vehicles may contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552 or customercare@volvoforlife.com for more information.

Volvo offers R-Design Sport Package on DRIVe Models

For those that would like to combine the environmental properties of the C30, S40 and V50 DRIVe models with a sporty flair, Volvo has just introduced a new R-Design sport package with various cosmetic upgrades. These include a bodykit that consists of front and rear spoilers, lower door trim, side-skirts, a roof spoiler on the C30 and V50 and lip spoiler on the boot of the S40 as well as grille and door mirror housings in silk metal finish and 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels.

Furthermore, the R-DESIGN models feature special DRIVe wind deflectors and an R-DESIGN badge at the front, while the chassis has been lowered by 10mm which not only improves handling but also helps reduce fuel consumption.

The interior carries the familiar R-DESIGN features such as a two-tone upholstery in cream leather and off black, an 'R-DESIGN' centre stack, blue instrument dials, sport aluminum pedals and a sports steering wheel trimmed in leather, with R-Design emblem.

All three DRIVe models are equipped with a 1.6-liter turbo diesel engine mated to a manual gearbox with higher gear ratios.

Volvo Reveals UK Pricing on DRIVe Models

Even though the official presentation of the new economical sub-120g/km diesel variants of the C30 hatch, S40 Sedan and V50 SportWagon called “DRIVe” is scheduled for the Paris motorshow at the end of the week, Volvo UK today announced preliminary prices for all three models. The new DRIVe range will start at £15,410 OTR for the C30 and £17,260 and £18,660 for the S40 and V50 respectively. Production of the new DRIVe models that are equipped with a special set of efficiency-enhancing features will start in mid-November with first UK customer deliveries in January 2. -Continued

DRIVe range	OTR Prices
C30 DRIVe
1.6D S	£15,410
1.6D SE	£16,910
1.6D SE Lux	£18,410
S40 DRIVe
1.6D S	£17,260
1.6D SE	£18,760
1.6D SE Lux	£20,260
V50 DRIVe
1.6D S	£18,660
1.6D SE	£20,160
1.6D SE Lux	£21,660

2009 Volvo C30, S40 and S50 DRIVe: New Eco-friendly Line-Up

Volvo will be unveiling a trio of eco-friendly models based on the C30, S40 Sedan and V50 Station-Wagon at the Paris Motor Show in early October. Carrying the DRIVe insignia, all three models are powered by a 1.6-liter turbo diesel engine and equipped with a set of efficiency-enhancing features including reduced chassis height, aerodynamically optimized wheels, underbody panels (C30), new rear bumper (C30), low rolling resistance tires, unique spoilers and higher gear ratios. -Continued

"Changing the transmission oil gives us a 0.75 percent lower fuel consumption. Tyres with low rolling resistance save another two percent. Each of these measures may seem rather modest, but it is important to look at the whole picture. Taken together, all the small adjustments have helped us achieve our aim, with emissions below 120 g/km for all three cars. Without in any way compromising on either driving properties or comfort, which was an important requirement," says Magnus Jonsson, Senior Vice President, Research & Development at Volvo Cars.

The result is an average fuel consumption of 4.4 lt/100 km (64.2 UK mpg or 53.5 US mpg) in the C30 DRIVe and 4.5 lt/100 km (62.8 UK mpg or 53.3 US mpg) in the S40 and V50 DRIVe with corresponding CO2 figures of 115 and 118 g/km. The new DRIVe variants of the C30, S40 and V50 will go on sale in Europe by the end of the year.

Reduced air resistance:

• Chassis height reduced by about 10 mm. Same comfort setting as the standard car.
• Spoiler at the front, the same as on the T5 (S40 and V50).
• Covered radiator grille. Behind the characteristic Volvo grille there is a wind-deflecting panel that provides better aerodynamics inside the engine compartment.
• Wind deflectors in front of the front wheels.
• Aerodynamically optimised wheels of special design. Available in 15 and 16 inch sizes.
• Underbody panels for more efficient airflow under the car as well (C30).
• Unique rear spoiler (C30). The S40 has the same spoiler as the T5 and D5 models.
• New rear bumper (C30).

Lower rolling resistance:

• All the cars are equipped as standard with a new generation of Michelin tires with low rolling resistance. Available for 15 and 16 inch wheels.

Higher ratios:

• Gearbox with altered ratios for third, fourth and fifth gears.

More efficient driveline:

• Optimised engine cooling, engine management and power steering.
• New transmission oil with lower friction.
• Gearchange indicator in the information display