Volvo is making news in Detroit with the introduction of the S60 Cross Country sport-utility sedan, and the Swedish automaker is just getting started. We had the opportunity to shoot Volvo North America Tony Nicolosi some of our queries about Volvo's presence at the auto show, as well as its plans for expansion in China and beyond.
The auto show schedule is busy for all executives, but Nicolosi kindly answered took the time to answer our questions.
What's a reasonable guess as to first-year production for these two? Is the V60 Cross Country set to displace the V60 any time soon, as the XC70 did for the V70?
We are projecting about 500 sales for the S60 Cross Country to start, and we will monitor demand for the future with the ability to ramp up as needed. We expect sales of about 3000 V60 Cross Country the first year. Volvo has a long history of wagons and is committed to making them available to U.S. consumers. The response to both cars has been very positive. There will of course be some cannibalization but we think there is customer demand for both versions.
Will a Chinese-built Volvo be sold in the United States, or North America, in 2015-16?
We announced today that the S60 Inscription will be introduced to the U.S. market. This car is tailor-made for U.S. consumers and will offer best in class rear legroom. This model will be built in the new Volvo factory in Chengdu.
What do you think of the crossover strategy from the German companies, given the relatively traditional nature of the XC90? Is a hatchback-style crossover something we should look out for?
The V60 and S60 Cross Country models are very versatile premium vehicles based on popular designs. They have the cargo capacity, passenger space and all terrain capabilities many people with active lifestyles demand, at a reasonable price.
At what point will the T5 five-cylinder be phased out in the U.S. market? Have diesel plans changed in the U.S. because of [these temporarily low] petrol prices?
We've recently introduced the Drive-E four cylinder turbocharged and turbo and supercharged engines, which offer a great combination of efficiency and power. Eventually they will replace all our previous powertrains. We're always considering bringing in diesels but there has to be a good business case for them - at the moment there is not.
Is there room in the lineup for a new C70, or a coupe/convertible of any sort, a la Cadillac ATS?
There is room for many things. During 2018 the all-new XC90 will be the oldest vehicle in the lineup. So stay tuned.
Auto World News is on the ground and covering the 2015 North American International Auto Show. Stay with us this week for up-to-the-minute coverage of all the action in Detroit, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
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