Volvo targets BMW 1-Series and X1, S80 and XC90 to get their own platform

September 27, 2010October 29, 2011 Omar Rana Compact Cars, Crossovers, Sedans, SUVs, Volvo S40, Volvo S80, Volvo XC90

As Volvo adapts to its new Chinese owner and a brand new CEO – Stefan Jacoby, former CEO of Volkswagen – the brand is making all sorts of changes to improve its luxury image. First and foremost – Volvo has its sights set on the BMW 1-Series and the BMW X1.

The compact sedan, which will compete with the size of a 1-Series, will be smaller than the S40, according to Doug Speck, CEO of Volvo Cars of North America. He said that the S40 will be phased in the next two years since it is to close in size to the new S60 sedan.

“We need enough gap in size to justify small and large vehicles,” Speck said. Volvo wants a small crossover because “there will be more X1 counterparts in the luxury segment.

Speck also said that the S80 sedan and the XC90 crossovers will get their own platforms when they are redesigned in the next two years.

– By: Omar Rana

Source: Automotive News (Subscription Required)