Volvo Kills Their Sedans and Wagons in the UK, and the US will likely be Next
I bet no one expected that the first manufacturer to go all-in for SUVs, and abandon a long legacy of great Station Wagons and Sedans would be Volvo, but its true, and starting in the UK.
As reported by Felix Page in Autocar today, While Volvo’s decision to go SUV-only may be well-received by SUV lovers and their accountants, it might also raise concerns among loyal customers of many decades who have favored the brand’s traditional sedan and wagon models.
In a strategic move to adapt to changing consumer preferences and market demands, Volvo, the renowned Swedish automaker, has announced its decision to shift its focus exclusively to SUVs in the UK market. As part of this shift, all sedan and wagon models in the Volvo lineup will be discontinued.
The numbers tell the story: The S90 was the most popular of the soon to be gone, showing 23,000 sales over the six-month period. The S60 was just 18,000, the V60 wagon just over 16,000 and the V90 was only 7,100.
The best-selling Volvo XC60 SUV by itself sold more than those models combine, it sold 106,000, remaining hugely popular even being an aging model on its sixth year on sale. Volvo’s South Carolina plant will likely shift to Volvo SUVs and Polestar cars very shortly. I expect the US to follow suit later this year.
This shift reflects Volvo’s commitment to evolving its product portfolio to suit the needs of modern car buyers who crave SUVs. The move away from sedans and wagons may be seen as a bold step, considering these models have been an integral part of the brand’s heritage for many years. However, Volvo’s decision is driven by a pragmatic approach to secure long-term success.
The sedan models being discontinued include the Volvo S60 and S90, which have been known for their elegant design and luxurious features. Likewise, the wagon models being discontinued include the Volvo V60 and V90, which have been admired for their practicality and spacious interiors.
Pour one out for the great Volvo Wagons, if you want one, now is the time to get one. It will be too late in 2024 to get one of the best Station Wagons in the market.
