Premium automakers have, in the past few years, been delving into smaller and smaller segments. This has given Volvo an idea, which used to be taboo within the company until recently: the possible development of a sub-40-series range.
It’s nothing more than a rumor at this point, yet it has been hinted by CEO Hakan Samuelsson, who spoke at the Financial Times Future of the Car Summit. Quoted by AutoExpress, the exec admitted that such cars could happen.
“We took one step down with the XC40, which is our smallest SUV. We have a very strong lineup of SUVs. So, never say never”, he said. “There is a trend now that premiumness is more and more decoupled from size. Small cars can also be premium. Just because you have a small suit, it doesn’t have to be polyester. So, let’s see. Right now, it’s not planned, but it’s a good idea also.”
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It is understood that if Volvo’s small cars will be greenlit, they could get electric powertrains, and the automaker is already considering an allowance or charging infrastructure to better suit the needs of its clients.
“That could very well happen”, added Samuelsson. “It’s an interesting idea, because in some way, when somebody has an electric car, they need a good concept on how to charge them.”
Meanwhile, the most affordable Volvo on sale today remains the aging V40. The hatchback is, however, limited to certain markets – and the U.S. is not one of them. A successor is being planned and could become more of a crossover, while also possibly getting a battery-electric variant.
The XC40 premium subcompact SUV, on the other hand, is their smallest high-riding vehicle and goes against models such as the BMW X1, Mercedes-Benz GLA and Audi Q3.
