LIFE AFTER FORD: VOLVO LOOKING FOR NEW MATE

Volvo Cars used to be owned by Ford of the United States. Now it’s owned by Geely of China. The relationship with Ford means the two are still tied together in terms of some technologies and powertrains they both use. But this will all end in 2017, and Volvo wants to ensure it’s not left out in the cold when it happens.

Firstly it needs to develop its own car and engine platforms for models like the S60, S80 and XC90. Volvo expects to grow and sell around 700 000 cars globally within the next 5 years. At the moment sales are sitting at about 400 000. Cars like the C30 and possibly below, will apparently need a partner to co-develop. At this point it’s not yet clear who is being spoken to regarding this, if anyone. But for sure 4-cylinder turbo engines are part of the plan, and are to replace even the current large V6 and V8 units.

Then there’s the small matter of expanding the range. Volvo reckons an even smaller SUV below the XC60 is worth developing. Typically this car would compete with the likes of BMW X1, Audi Q3 and MINI Countryman.

Lastly the future powertrain. Hybrids are already the furore (V60 and XC60 Hybrids) but Volvo is also developing electric powertrains for several models, including the C30.