Volvo's Future Products

With a lineup of mostly aging vehicles, Volvo needs updates and redesigns to capture more buyers. Here's some things to expect for certain models' futures here in the United States.

2012 Volvo C30

We start with the sporty hatchback from Volvo, the C30. This premium, two-door hatchback is not selling in big numbers in America. It will live on, but with a redesign in the future. Little information is given about the next-generation C30, but you can expect the turbocharged five-cylinder of the current model to be replaced with a more efficient four-cylinder. The C70 convertible, based on the C30 (which in turn is based on the now-discontinued S40), will come back after it gets discontinued soon. It will be several more years, though.

The Volvo S60

The S60 sedan that is moving off dealer lots in reasonably high numbers might spin off a gas-electric hybrid version in 2014. Considering that the new Scalable Platform Architecture (SPA) platform on which the next-generation S60 will be based upon will be 220-330 pounds lighter than the current S60's platform, there's the possibility Volvo will wait until the next-generation S60 comes along in 2016 or 2017 before installing the extra batteries and motors, since those add quite a but of extra weight. Volvo is also going to add a hybrid trim for the XC60, though, like with the S60, they aren't sure whether to add the hybrid trim around 2014 or wait until the full redesign in 2016.

The next-generation's design will be like the Volvo Concept You. It will still most likely be the brand's flagship sedan and move slightly upmarket, but Volvo's executives have expressed that they don't want to go as far as to create a Mercedes S-Class competitor.

Volvo Concept You

Volvo's large SUV in its lineup, the XC90, hasn't be majorly updated in over a decade. Not surprisingly, it will be the next vehicle Volvo is releasing for a redesign. It will be styled more luxuriously, yet still incorporate many of Volvo's traditional styling cues. The pseudo-SUV XC70 station wagon will soldier on without updates of drastic measures until 2015 or 2016, when the current generation will be replaced at last.

Some of the above cars could be produced in North America; Volvo wants to partner with Fiat to manufacture cars here.

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