[Report] Volvo XC40 due in five years, no compatible platform available currently

Volvo might want to get dynamically the small premium segment with the Volvo V40, but it happens when you want to compete with giants of the class, see Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz not being ready to offer that competition offers.

According to the latest rumors, the crossover version of the V40, the XC40 is expected no earlier than 2018, since Volvo does not have a platform that could accommodate the model.

So the Audi Q3, BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA will compete with each other, until the Swedes to build a new platform. The SPA (Scalable Platform Architecture) platform that Volvo is preparing a true modular but can not accommodate such a small model. The first model to be built on it will be the new XC90, while the smaller model that can be built on it will be the next generation S60.

So Volvo is currently considering two scenarios. Whether to build itself a platform, or trying to find another car to either build a new platform together, either to borrow some ready. The first scenario is highly unlikely, since the parent company of Volvo, the Chinese Geely is not willing to invest so much money into a new platform and so the Volvo looks earnestly another car to work on this platform.

Volvo has lost the bet of small crossovers. Today these cars (small premium crossovers) sell like hot fresh bread as showing global sales, with the Swedes to pay their mistake, not develop a platform capable to be able to host the production XC40. If you ask me why not using it the V40, will tell you that this is not the Volvo, but comes from Ford and is not as flexible to be used for construction of the XC40.

In related news, the Geely seems to be about to take to market a new brand models which will be placed between those of Geely and Volvo. To date not known if these models are only sold in Chinese market or sold elsewhere in the world.