We say we like wagons, but the sad truth is we just don't buy them. And so Volvo will stop importing its midsize V70 wagon to the U.S. this May. Only 1,800 V70s found homes in the U.S. in 2009, James Hope, Volvo product communications manager, told us, compared to 10,000 back in 2004.
This new comes in the wake of BMW's announcement that it won't bring the 2011 5 Series wagon here.
Volvo, though, isn't leaving this niche completely unfilled. A front-wheel-drive version of its XC70 (the Outback-style V70 with raised suspension) will be added to the U.S. lineup soon. It's aimed at buyers drawn to the XC70's all-terrain look but who don't want to pay the premium for all-wheel drive.
In addition, says Hope, "should the demand for wagons once again become strong, we have the flexibility to offer the V70 and the V60 in the U.S. market."
The V60 is a new wagon based on the redesigned 2011 S60 sedan. Look for it to debut this fall in Paris right before in goes on sale in Europe.
wasaabi92 says:
12:07 PM, 03/26/10
I feel like everybody my age (early 20s) had an old Volvo wagon when they were learing to drive. I had a 740 GLE and he (Ralph!) was a looker! Metallic gray with oxblood red leather, heated seats, a sunroof and a rear foglight! Luxury, right?!
Boxy old wagons are what come to mind when one thinks of a proper Volvo, after all the V70 dates back to the 850 of 1993, which basically replaced the ancient 740/60 range from the early 80s. Nearly thirty years of midsize wagons, and it's over.
And what's the point of a fwd XC70?? It's like an "sDrive" varient of an X1 or X3. The X signifies AWD in both cars nomenclature! So stupid.
Not sad to see the V8 go from the S80 lineup, I've only seen 3.2's and a sprinkling of T6's around here anyways. Still, a 50k V8 midesize sedan is something of a rarity. (XF 4.2 and M45)
Finally, the S40/V50 lineup. Thank goodness the 2.4i was dropped, it was a dog. I've Zipcar'd them, my grandmother has an S40 2.4i and my aunt has a V50 2.4i. Slooooow, with no real payoff. It's kinda sad that you can't get a manual with the boost'd 5, nor AWD.
Volvo's getting kinda boring over there.
xprojected says:
12:47 PM, 03/26/10
The big wagon may be perceived as the quintessential Volvo, but if you look at US sales figures, wagon sales (V50 and V70) have been very low -- around 100-150 a month each. Buyers have jumped to the XC60, XC70, and XC90 instead. Offering FWD on the XC70 is a sad sign that some buyers favor it more for image than functionality. Nobody will miss the non-turbo I5 or V8, but it's a shame about the S40/V50 losing manual and AWD. I guess Volvo was adding more model choices than it could handle.
stovt001 says:
02:33 PM, 03/26/10
Such a shame. I really liked the V70, and my wife and I both loved the V50 (which is thankfully still being offered). We love wagons and don't like SUVs or CUVs. Xprojected is right. This is all about an image thing. Americans just love the idea of having an "all terrain" vehicle even if their only "off road" adventure is missing the driveway and ending up on the lawn.
drissel27 says:
02:41 PM, 03/26/10
those sales are pitiful, especially when you consider that many v70s went to rental fleets. my regular airport rental location had a few v70s as their premium class cars. I liked it... the interior was really comfortable and the quality of the cabin materials was excellent. I took one on a 6 hour road trip once, it's a great highway cruiser, but the 3.2 is slow, gotta plan ahead and mash the pedal to pass on the highway. also, the back seat to small for adults if you are a tall driver... overall I thought it was a sweet ride, nearly invisible to cops, which is a definite plus for guys like me... The SUVs are the wagons now.
dino6 says:
05:49 PM, 03/26/10
Too bad. The V70 was my favorite in the entire Volvo lineup. Maybe, I'll rent one on my next road trip before it disappears. America is really different from the rest of the world. Have never understood the anti-wagon sentiment.
I never thought V70 sales were that low because I used to see them quite a lot in high income La Jolla in San Diego. That crowd is quite a bit more sophisticated than the rest of the country though.
bodyblue says:
08:33 AM, 03/27/10
"That crowd is quite a bit more sophisticated than the rest of the country though.
"
OH GAG People who drive wagons are smarter and more sophisticated than the rest of us peasants????? What a completely elitest and ignorant statement. And besides that it is not even close to being true.
stovt001 says:
10:49 AM, 03/27/10
@bodyblue, Yeah, I'd say people smart enough to realize all they need is a good box-shaped cargo area on a reasonably priced car are generally more sophisticated than the person who thinks they need 4 wheel drive, massive ground clearance, and 5 tonnes of weight to safely cover their leave covered driveway and take their one kid to school.
bodyblue says:
02:31 PM, 03/27/10
^ Wow...thaks for the awesome advice! Why should I or anybody else follow their own wants and desires when you are around? More elitest BS....living in America must be hell for you with all of the SUVs and pickup trucks around! Do you think that anybody that does not agree with your choices in transportation is not as smart as you? If that is how you really think then what I think of you and others like you cannot be printed here. Good luck in finding your wagon, comrade.
rsholland says:
07:00 AM, 03/28/10
Volvo and BMW have learned what Subaru has known for several years now: larger traditional station wagons don't sell well here. That's why Subaru only offers the quasi-off-road Outback wagon. Volvo is following the same game plan by offering only the XC70.
isaacl says:
07:24 AM, 03/29/10
As sad as i am to see this happen, I understand why Volvo is pulling the plug. I don't own one and never have (even though I've always loved V70s.) However, I dont see people buying XC70s with 2WD. I could be wrong though. Sub 2,000 sales is absolutely horrible. I wonder what it was the previous year or 2.
minnie_dirk says:
11:31 PM, 03/ 7/11
Volvo V70 appears to be the best in its line-up since its best suitable for long drive.