Just yesterday, we reported that Volvo will not replace its XC90 SUV after its current life cycle, but the automaker has responded to the report by saying that a new XC90 has not been canceled. It was believed that the decision not to continue with the Swedish brand’s flagship SUV was made due to a lack of environmentally friendly powertrain options — as Volvo currently doesn’t have any hybrid drivetrains or engine start/stop technology for use in a large SUV — but that doesn’t appear to be the case.
Volvo said in a statement that a facelift is planned for the XC90 and that the next-generation SUV has not been canceled. However, “not canceled” doesn’t seem to have the same meaning as “under development,” so a cancellation could still be in the cards. The SUV was already scheduled for an update in 2009.
So for all intents and purposes, Volvo could still be planning to kill the XC90 after the 2012 model but just doesn’t want it to be public knowledge yet.
Sales of the XC90′s competitor — the BMW X5 — have also been on the decline, which could be playing a role in the decision to forgo the next-generation of the SUV.
Two smaller SUVs — the XC60 and XC50 – will join the Volvo lineup in the coming years.
