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Volvo is phasing out the less popular S40 sedan and V50 wagon for the 2012 model year, as the automaker continues to make changes in its lineup since it was recently acquired by Chinese automaker Geely.
The demise of the V50 isn’t too shocking, seeing as the company isn’t planning on selling any conventional wagon (including the sexy new S60) here in the United States, but the death of its sibling, the S40, is a little surprising. Although both models had a cult following and received mild bumps in power for 2011, it wasn’t enough.
Interestingly, while some automakers proclaim the merits of downsizing and moving towards small cars, Volvo’s larger offerings are actually proving more popular with American buyers. In fact, Volvo PR representative James Hope said sales figures for both the S40 and V50 aren’t where the company would like them to be, and as a result, Volvo’s shifting attention to its product lines that post greater sales volumes. Currently, Volvo’s superstars are the XC60 crossover and the all-new S60 sedan (which was handily outselling the S40).
But does the death of Volvo’s small sedan and wagon spell the end for its small hatchback and (midsize) convertible, the C30 and C70? Not at this time. Both models have recently been treated to substantial makeovers, and are apparently performing well enough to avoid the Swedish chopping block.
Source: Volvo
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