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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Volvo V60 Diesel-Electric Plug-in Hybrid Returns 125 MPG, will Debut at Geneva Show

* Standard 2011 Volvo V60 shown in photos

The 2011 Geneva Motor Show will host the world premiere of the Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid, a near production-ready model that is said to return a very impressive 125 mpg US (1.9 lt/100 km), with CO2 emissions under 50 g/km. In order to achieve this, engineers entered a new variable into the plug-in hybrid equation: a diesel engine.

The V60’s front wheels are driven by a 2.4-liter 5-cylinder turbo diesel powerplant capable of 215HP and 440 Nm (325 lb-ft) of torque, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. At the back, there's a 70HP electric motor that powers the rear wheels and a 12kWh lithium-ion battery pack.

According to Volvo, the V60 Plug-in Hybrid “features the very best properties from three different car types in one sports wagon”, including an all-electric driving mode with a range of up to 32 miles (52 km).

“In order to get true car enthusiasts to think green, you have to offer them the opportunity to drive with low carbon dioxide emissions without taking away the adrenaline rush that promotes genuine driving pleasure. The V60 Plug-in Hybrid has all the traditional properties of a genuine sports wagon. What we've done is to spice it up with spearhead technology”, said Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO of Volvo Cars.

Jointly developed by Volvo and Swedish energy supplier Vattenfall, the V60 Plug-in Hybrid is scheduled to enter series production in 2012.

By Csaba Daradics

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U.S.-spec 2012 Volvo S60 T5 Gets Lower Base Price, Special Introductory Lease Rate

Volvo's US division has dropped prices for the S60 T5 FWD model, which starts at $30,795, excluding an $875 destination fee. That’s $450 less than the previous base price. The updated offer is also accompanied by a special introductory lease rate plan of $299/month, available until February 28, 2011.

The T5’s standard equipment includes among other things, power driver seat with memory, power folding rear head restraints, front and rear sport seats, leather steering wheel with metal inlays, dual-zone air conditioning, infotainment and 8-speaker sound system, Bluetooth hands-free phone interface, T-Tec textile upholstery and 17-inch alloys.

There’s no shortage of safety systems as well, such as Corner Traction Control by torque vectoring, Advanced Stability Control, Dynamic Stability and Traction Control (DSTC), Whiplash Protection Seating System (WHIPS) and a host of airbags.

Furthermore, the S60 includes Volvo’s Safe+Secure Coverage Plan, which means owners pay nothing to repair or maintain their vehicles for 5 year or 60,000 miles, minus when replacing the tires.

The coverage plan specifically comprises:

5 years/60,000 miles of New Car Warranty

5 years/60,000 miles of Complimentary Factory Scheduled Maintenance

5 years/60,000 miles of Wear and Tear Coverage

5 years/Unlimited miles of Volvo On Call Roadside Assistance

The S60 T5 is motivated by a turbocharged 2.5-liter 5-cylinder engine, delivering 250HP and 266 lb-ft (361 Nm) of torque – or 295 lb-ft (401 Nm) in “over boost” mode. Power is sent to the front wheels through Volvo’s second-generation 6-speed automatic Geartronic transmission. The 0-to-60 mph (96 km/h) sprint takes just 6.8 seconds, while the top speed is electronically limited to 130 mph (209 km/h).

By Csaba Daradics

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Vehicle Platooning Could be the Future of Commuting [with Video]

Imagine safely enjoying your morning coffee and reading the newspaper behind the steering wheel, while your car is traveling at highway speeds. Well, this could be a reality in as little as ten years time, thanks (or no thanks...) to the European Union-funded SARTRE (Safe Road Trains for the Environment) project, which successfully tested the concept of vehicle platooning at the Volvo Proving Ground close to Gothenburg, Sweden.

The idea was to create intelligent convoys of vehicles with a professional driver in the lead vehicle leading the rest of the cars. Each car measures distance, speed and direction and adjusts to the car in front, while being totally detached. Vehicles can leave the platoon at any time, but once in, drivers can relax and do other things, without having to worry about actually driving their cars.

Tests carried out involved a lead vehicle and single car that was able to steer itself as it was trailing the lead truck around the test track.

According to SARTRE, platooning is designed to improve a number of things, such as road safety and fuel consumption. It also allows drivers to concentrate on other matters than driving and, since vehicles in a platoon travel just a few meters apart, it may relieve traffic congestion.

The program is lead by Ricardo UK with other six companies contributing, including Volvo Car Corporation. The technology development is said to be well underway and could go into production in a few years. However, public acceptance and legislation issues will prolong the process, thus the announced 10-year timeframe.

“We are very pleased to see that the various systems work so well together already the first time”, said Erik Coelingh, engineering specialist at Volvo Cars. “After all, the systems come from seven SARTRE-member companies in four countries. The winter weather provided some extra testing of cameras and communication equipment”.

“This is a major milestone for this important European research program”, said Tom Robinson, SARTRE project coordinator, of Ricardo UK. “Platooning offers the prospect of improved road safety, better road space utilization, improved driver comfort on long journeys and reduced fuel consumption and hence CO2 emissions. With the combined skills of its participating companies, SARTRE is making tangible progress towards the realization of safe and effective road train technology”.

For a more in-depth look at the SARTRE project check out the video below.

By Csaba Daradics

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Volvo S40, 2008

Volvo S40, 2008

When the current generation of the Volvo S40 and V50 were introduced in 2003, Volvo Cars had its sights firmly set on younger buyers with high demands on sportiness and premium feel.

The new Volvo S40 and new Volvo V50 are making a joint entry onto the market with considerably refined design. A range of new features further sharpens their competitive edge in the hunt for discerning young car buyers.

Fresh figures from both the US and Europe show that the company's focus on younger target groups has made a significant contribution to sales.

It's the figures for the USA that are most noteworthy:

* The proportion of S40 buyers under 35 years of age has increased from 23 percent to 45 percent.
* The proportion of singles has risen by 10 percent, from 30 to 40 percent.
* The overall average age of S40 customers has dropped by ten years from 50 to 40.

In Europe, the proportion of V50 buyers whose main alternative was a premium car such as the large German makes is now touching 47 percent - compared with 24 percent for the previous Volvo V40.

The proportion of customers younger than 44 years has risen by ten percent from 45 to 55 percent. And in Europe too, it is the more emotional reasons for purchase that are gaining ground among V50 buyers, more of whom are families with children than in the case of the S40.

Improved storage

Both design and technical refinements in the new Volvo S40 and V50 focused on improving the models' already highly appreciated characteristics and on tackling weaknesses identified by customers, for instance when it comes to interior storage space.

Sharper driveline range

The driving characteristics are already among the most renowned strengths of the two models.

One new feature is that the T5 engine gets a performance hike of 10 horsepower, giving an output of 230 hp. There are also five other petrol engine versions available, plus a bio-ethanol Flexifuel variant:

* 1.6 100 hp
* 1.8 125 hp
* 1.8F 125 hp (Flexifuel)
* 2.0 145 hp
* 2.4 140 hp
* 2.4i 170 hp

Diesel engines, which account for 55 percent of S40 and V50 sales in Europe and 25 percent in total:

* 1.6D 109 hp
* 2.0D 136 hp
* D5 180 hp

One change here is that during the second half of 2007 the D5 engine will also be available with a manual gearbox, offering the driver no less than 400 Nm of torque compared with the automatic transmission's 350 Nm. This engine is one of the first to meet the expected Euro 5 European exhaust emission levels.

The E85-powered (85 percent ethanol, 15 percent petrol) Flexifuel variant producing 125 hp is becoming increasingly competitive. The Volvo S40 and V50 Flexifuel are sold in nine European countries and in 2007 account for 8 percent of these models' total sales.

Volvo PR failure

I cringe when I see this video. Was supposed to showcase Volvo's automatic stopping feature. However, as you can see, things didn't go as planned.

Volvo wants to build large luxury saloon

According to an article in the Financial Times, Li Shufu, the new chairman of Volvo and co-chair of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, wants to build a car to compete with the likes of the "to compete with the BMW 7-Series and Mercedes S-class".

The Chinese company recently finalised it's purchase of Volvo from the Ford Motor for US$1.5bn.

BTW, just check out the new S60 from Volvo.

How to reset the service indicator on the Volvo S40

I serviced my car a few weeks back at my favourite garage "MOT Centre Services" in Stoney Stanton Rd which was previously known as Taxi & Car Repairs.

I was about to drive away after the service when I noticed that the service indicator light was still on. This warning light comes on to indicate that it was time to service the car.

They told me that they had not been able to shut it off. Something about not have the proper software or something.

Seeing this warning every time I started the car was really irritating. I was tempted but didn't go to TMS Coventry, the official Volvo dealer in Coventry as I knew that they would charge me a nice "official" price just to reset it and I would probably have to leave the car there for a whole day.

I don't know why but it never occurred to me to look it up on the net. It was only this Monday I suddenly remembered my car and Googled "reset service indicator on volvo s40" and discovered that I could reset the service indicator in just 4 steps:

1. Turn Key to position I (Intermediate position)
2. Push in the tripmeter reset button while turning key to position II (Drive position).
3. Hold down the tripmeter reset button until service reminder starts flashing (about 30 seconds)
4. Release the tripmeter reset button.

I didn't get it to work the first time but after the third try, the indicator light just went off.

2010 Volvo C30 T5 and C30 T5 R-Design

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• The 2011 Volvo C30 T5 and C30 T5 R-Design will be priced at $25,450 and $27,800 respectively, the automaker announced today.
• Both utilize a 227-hp turbocharged five-cylinder motor mated to a six-speed manual transmission. For 2011, they also get a redesigned front clip with new nose, fenders, grille, headlights, and spoiler. An extra-large Volvo iron mark is included in the mix, while additional body-colored trim can be found throughout its exterior.Performance buffs should take notice of the new R-Design edition wearing a new aggressive aerodynamic kit, a 10-mm. lower ride height, and 18-in. wheels. Power from the five-banger remains the same, but engineers were diligent in their tuning of the car's suspension bits. Stiffer bushings, 30% stiffer springs, and stiffer roll bars aid handling feel. A 10% quicker steering ratio allows for better turn in and response.
• Pricing and Options
• 2011 C30 T5 - $25,450
• 2011 C30 T5 R-Design - $27,800
• Preferred Package - $1,800
• Power driver seat
• Power passenger seat
• Keyless drive (R-Design only)
• Power glass moonroof
• Aluminum Inlay (T5 Only)
• Climate Package - $900
• Heated front seats
• Headlight washers
• Interior Air Quality System (IAQS)
• Electronic climate control
• Rainsensor windshield wipers
• 
  
• Multimedia Package - $2,000
• Dynaudio premium sound system with Dolby Pro Logic II surround sound
• Navigation system with real-time traffic
• 2 complimentary map updates
• Stand Alone Options
• Metallic paint - $550
• Premium Electric Silver Metallic Pain (R-Design only) - $675
• 5-speed automatic transmission with Geartronic - $1,250
• Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) - $700
• SIRIUS satellite radio with complimentary 6-month subscription - $400
• Dual Xenon Active Bending Lights (ABL) - $800
• Portable navigation system - $750
• Leather seating surfaces - $1,200
• Exterior styling kit (C30 T5 only) - $1,445
• Interior styling kit (C30 T5 only) - $295

New 2011 Volvo S60, Future Cars, LED Lights, Comfortable, Portable Navigation.

New 2011 Volvo S60, Future Cars, LED Lights, Comfortable, Portable Navigation.

Volvo S60, which ended the Swedish car square, walk one step further with the second generation S60 in 2011 and added a lot of technology. This sleeker S60 has a traditional grille surrounded by Volvo lower new details and LED lights. leading shoulder running end to end, narrow roof pillars and a lower center of gravity, visual, and sweeping roofline to the tail lights. This S60 has a sloping rear doors open a lot like others insisted on calling the car a four door coupe, the car but all-new 2011 S60 so high that rear headroom is not compromised.

New 2011 Volvo S60, Future Cars, LED Lights, Comfortable, Portable Navigation.

Less than an inch longer but still the standard by the American compact sedan, 2011 Volvo S60 wheelbase grew by nearly 2.5 inches for improvement, significant received in rear seat legroom. Contemporary comfort, safety features and structures have added approximately 400 pounds.

Initially U.S. Volvo S60 models will come only with a turbocharged 3-liter inline six-cylinder engine, a revision of the XC90 (and similar to the inline-5 from the previous S60 T5). With 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque from 2100 rpm the new engine should offer improved performance despite the extra weight of the car. A six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel-drive will be standard on 2011 models. We anticipate the 200-hp turbocharged four-cylinder with a choice of gearboxes will be offered later, but that, of course, speculation on our side.

New 2011 Volvo S60, Future Cars, LED Lights, Comfortable, Portable Navigation.

Suspension has been tensed up, in some parts by 50 percent, and rudder are made more quickly in what they call sportiest sedan Volvo to date. The driver can select three driving styles automatically adjusts the shock absorbers and torque-vector-drive rear brake system helps the car corner. Volvo S60 claims is the first sedan with a sophisticated stability control to help identify and correct before skidding.

A force including cabins each pair of complementary trim and high-contrast color combinations, standard leather, and metal (Urbane wood available) in a design, simple and functional, minimalist Scandinavian, highlighted by a center console that flows from the forearm for the shifter and back to floating waterfall panel for audio / navigation / climate control. A split rear seat and passenger seat-folding allows loading long items. Dual analog gauge with a graphical screen inset and shaded to look at some of the camera provides plenty of information without interference. Increases from dashboard navigation screen to see the optimum, and Gamin integrated portable navigation unit (with Bluetooth, HDD, etc.) is one option.

Safety and Volvo remain the same. Among the new options pedestrian detection with automatic brake fully in the radar / camera-based system to complement the negligent driver and minimize or eliminate injury to pedestrians. park is also available in the same category: lane departure warning, driver alert, wary distance, collision warning, blind-spot alert, front and rear assist, and active cruise control with queuing helps. Other facilities, some standards and some parts of the package options, including bi-Xenon headlights on, rear fog lights, upgraded 650-watt sound system, heated front seats, moonroof, and navigation with real-time traffic, long distance and voice-recognition. Expected Pricing $30,000-$44,000.

Independent Volvo Specialists in Coventry

Are there any independent Volvo specialist garages in Coventry?

I have been trying to find one for sometime but without any success. My old Volvo S40 is giving me a headache. The remote doesn't work and opening the car manually with the keys sets off the alarm and the hazard lights start blinking. Unlike other cars, there is no way to manually shut off the alarm from inside the car. I know my old Proton car had a button that you could press to shut off the alarm.

Searching on the net reveals that other S40 owners have had similar problems but unfortunately there were no solutions. I tried a few garages but they were not able to help me.

A friend suggested VRS who call themselves "UK’s leading MOT and auto repair experts". However, when I told them my problem, the guy on the line replied that they had diagnostics solutions for every brand apart from Volvo.

In the end it look like I have to go to TMS Volvo Coventry - the official distributor here in Coventry. Of course they would be the best people to help me but the problem is that like all "authorised" garages, they will charge me a lot. A call to their service centre confirmed it: "It will be £80 to run the diagnostics". You should note that this £80 is only for the diagnostics and don't cover the actual repair costs.

Now the car is parked there in front of my house, practically useless while I wait for my pay to come in.

I do regret buying the Volvo and should have gone with a Ford Mondeo instead. Cheaper and easier to repair.

Arrgh!

Latest car test results from Euro NCAP

Test results for 6 cars were released by Euro NCAP yesterday:

In the Supermini category, the Daihatsu Materia and the Mazda 2.

In the Small Family Car category, the Honda Civic

In the Large Family Car category, the the Mercedes Benz C Class, the Renault Laguna and the Volvo V70

Out of these, four cars received five stars in adult occupant protection. These were the Mazda 2, the Mercedes Benz C Class, the Renault Laguna and the Volvo V70.


Mazda 2

During the trest, delay in the deployment of airbags was detected in the Mazda 2 and the Volvo V70 even though they were not part of Euro NCAP tests.

In the frontal impact test of the Mazda 2, a small disturbance shortly before impact led to a delay in the firing of the airbags and protection of the front seat occupants was compromised. Although these disturbances are not part of Euro NCAP’s tests, they could occur in real life accidents. In the case of the Volvo V70, curtain airbag deployment was delayed in the side pole test.

Both manufacturers have taken steps to rectify the problems.

Read the full press release here: "Euro NCAP - up to speed on testing".