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Volvo Will Stop Competing Against S-Class to Emphasize Next XC90

Volvo does not believe it can compete against German executive cars

Volvo does not plan to add a flagship sedan but will upgrade the S80 on the SPA platform

VolvoVolvoSweden, 1927 > present49 models
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6 videos
does not believe that it can keep competing against German executive sedans like the A8Audi A8 Gen.3Germany, 2010 > present48 versions
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, S-ClassMercedes-Benz S-Class Gen.5 [W 221/ V 221]Germany, 2005 > 201373 versions
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and 7 SeriesBMW 7 Series Gen.5Germany, 2009 > present50 versions
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. Instead, it will put its focus on the next generation XC90Volvo XC90Sweden, 2002 > 201355 versions
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that is currently in testing.

Volvo has not cancelled plans to build a next generation S80Volvo S80 Gen.2Sweden, 2006 > present145 versions
203 photos
sometime after the XC90. Volvo refuses to let the car use a V8 or V12, and it will not be the size of the larger German sedans. The company wants to build a greener image with a range of new, more economical engines and hybrids. It plans to no longer build engines larger than four cylinders.

Volvo will share the SPA platform with the XC90. The SPA platform will eventually be used on the S60Volvo S60 Gen.2Sweden, 2009 > present252 versions
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, V60Volvo V60Sweden, 2010 > present301 versions
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and XC60Volvo XC60Sweden, 2008 > present261 versions
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. The platform is 90% aluminum, and just the platform will reduce the weight of most Volvos by about 100kg (220.5kg).

"We don't have any ambitions to go into a segment where we would compete with vehicles that have V8 or V12 engines. We don't believe it would fit our brand image," said Volvo CEO Hakan Samuelsson.

The alternative to a flagship sedan is building a new generation XC90 in 2014 that will be its first car on the SPA platform. The current XC90 has been in production for 11 years and is due for replacement.

Volvo's future seems to have it getting closer to its owner GeelyGeelyChina, 1986 > present5 models
6 photos
. Volvo and Geely are co-developing a new platform for compact cars. Volvo will also begin producing cars at a Geely factory later this year and open 100 more dealers in China.