Comments on: Volvo to cut dealer network http://www.leftlanenews.com/volvo-to-cut-dealer-network.html Car news, reviews, and specs for the auto-industry Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:09:00 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: jackjimturkey http://www.leftlanenews.com/volvo-to-cut-dealer-network.html#comment-350081 jackjimturkey Mon, 07 Jan 2008 22:41:04 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/volvo-to-cut-dealer-network.html#comment-350081 The two highest odometers I’ve ever seen were on Volvos. Too bad. I have a soft spot for Volvos. Veda: “Volvo has the brightest future compared to other dying brands.” So it’ll take longer for Volvo to die? Madcapp: “Volvo is only interested in producing boring crap.” Nah, I think it would be more accurate to say that Ford isn’t interested in spending the dough to get Volvo some interesting product. Impulsive: I actually like the C30. Get Real: “Shouldn't they just open "Volvo-Saab-Subaru" dealers? Save money and let university professors do one-stop shopping.” Good shit! The two highest odometers I’ve ever seen were on Volvos. Too bad. I have a soft spot for Volvos.

Veda: “Volvo has the brightest future compared to other dying brands.”
So it’ll take longer for Volvo to die?

Madcapp: “Volvo is only interested in producing boring crap.” Nah, I think it would be more accurate to say that Ford isn’t interested in spending the dough to get Volvo some interesting product.

Impulsive: I actually like the C30.

Get Real: “Shouldn’t they just open “Volvo-Saab-Subaru” dealers? Save money and let university professors do one-stop shopping.”
Good shit!

]]> By: ashkan http://www.leftlanenews.com/volvo-to-cut-dealer-network.html#comment-348481 ashkan Thu, 27 Dec 2007 04:30:08 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/volvo-to-cut-dealer-network.html#comment-348481 "Volvos are not the cars the brand alludes to anymore." You hit the nail in the head. “Volvos are not the cars the brand alludes to anymore.”
You hit the nail in the head.

]]> By: TomF http://www.leftlanenews.com/volvo-to-cut-dealer-network.html#comment-348475 TomF Thu, 27 Dec 2007 03:42:38 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/volvo-to-cut-dealer-network.html#comment-348475 Volvo owned the "safety" angle almost alone for years and years. Back when people mainly bought American gunboats that lasted three to five years and would only make it to 100,000 miles through divine intervention, Volvos were uniquely differentiated in the market. No longer. No carmaker has the corner on safety and Kias are built to coast past 100k. Meanwhile Volvos are not exactly quality stars any longer. Volvos are not the car the brand alludes to anymore. Volvo owned the “safety” angle almost alone for years and years. Back when people mainly bought American gunboats that lasted three to five years and would only make it to 100,000 miles through divine intervention, Volvos were uniquely differentiated in the market. No longer. No carmaker has the corner on safety and Kias are built to coast past 100k. Meanwhile Volvos are not exactly quality stars any longer. Volvos are not the car the brand alludes to anymore.

]]> By: Veda http://www.leftlanenews.com/volvo-to-cut-dealer-network.html#comment-348466 Veda Thu, 27 Dec 2007 02:10:37 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/volvo-to-cut-dealer-network.html#comment-348466 autonut: that is true but I thought their turbo AWD models are worth checking out but only if you're into AWD. Otherwise, an Audi 2.0T is a better choice in most cases. For some reason I still prefer the stock Volvo brakes better than any germans. It just felt a lot more solid in spirited driving. But that is also the achilles heel as they break down faster than any other brands. I've had 3 units that needed full brake pads replacements after only 1900 miles. autonut: that is true but I thought their turbo AWD models are worth checking out but only if you’re into AWD. Otherwise, an Audi 2.0T is a better choice in most cases. For some reason I still prefer the stock Volvo brakes better than any germans. It just felt a lot more solid in spirited driving. But that is also the achilles heel as they break down faster than any other brands. I’ve had 3 units that needed full brake pads replacements after only 1900 miles.

]]> By: autonut http://www.leftlanenews.com/volvo-to-cut-dealer-network.html#comment-348410 autonut Wed, 26 Dec 2007 21:01:26 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/volvo-to-cut-dealer-network.html#comment-348410 Veda, Ford sucked the life out of Volvo. It use to be enthusiasts car years ago. Then smartly it turned into "safest" car. Albeit all cars are safe now it was Volvo who pioneered crumbling zones, air bags (after Benz) and ABS. Today their 10 years old 5 cylinder is in European Fords along with their 5 cyl diesel. We don't see this stateside, but as a consumer in Europe I have to be nuts to spend extra coin for Volvo if their diesel or gasoline motor AND tranny sits in Ford/Mazda shell coupled with Volvo suspension bits. All new models of Ford cars in Europe are known to be of Volvo pedigree (in US we get 12 year old shitty cars that even Chinese would not buy). Veda, Ford sucked the life out of Volvo. It use to be enthusiasts car years ago. Then smartly it turned into “safest” car. Albeit all cars are safe now it was Volvo who pioneered crumbling zones, air bags (after Benz) and ABS.
Today their 10 years old 5 cylinder is in European Fords along with their 5 cyl diesel. We don’t see this stateside, but as a consumer in Europe I have to be nuts to spend extra coin for Volvo if their diesel or gasoline motor AND tranny sits in Ford/Mazda shell coupled with Volvo suspension bits. All new models of Ford cars in Europe are known to be of Volvo pedigree (in US we get 12 year old shitty cars that even Chinese would not buy).

]]> By: Commodore http://www.leftlanenews.com/volvo-to-cut-dealer-network.html#comment-348405 Commodore Wed, 26 Dec 2007 20:17:48 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/volvo-to-cut-dealer-network.html#comment-348405 Although it never would anyway because those companies compete against each other. That would be like selling Chevrolet and Ford at the same dealership Although it never would anyway because those companies compete against each other. That would be like selling Chevrolet and Ford at the same dealership

]]> By: Commodore http://www.leftlanenews.com/volvo-to-cut-dealer-network.html#comment-348404 Commodore Wed, 26 Dec 2007 20:17:08 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/volvo-to-cut-dealer-network.html#comment-348404 Get real, only if Ford sold Volvo, GM sold Saab, and Toy freed Subaru can that happen. Get real, only if Ford sold Volvo, GM sold Saab, and Toy freed Subaru can that happen.

]]> By: Get Real http://www.leftlanenews.com/volvo-to-cut-dealer-network.html#comment-348341 Get Real Wed, 26 Dec 2007 13:04:43 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/volvo-to-cut-dealer-network.html#comment-348341 Shouldn't they just open "Volvo-Saab-Subaru" dealers ??? Save money and let university professors do one-stop shopping. Shouldn’t they just open “Volvo-Saab-Subaru” dealers ???

Save money and let university professors do one-stop shopping.

]]> By: Commodore http://www.leftlanenews.com/volvo-to-cut-dealer-network.html#comment-348315 Commodore Wed, 26 Dec 2007 01:25:18 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/volvo-to-cut-dealer-network.html#comment-348315 As they should. I like Volvo, but they just have too many dealers. As does Chrysler. GM was smart to consolidate Pontiac-Buick-GM into one franchise. Same with Ford, who have been running Lincoln-Mercury for a while. I mean, who would go to a Mercury dealer unless SOMETHING else worthwhile was sold there? Volvo/Chrysler dealers should be converted to Saturn dealers in my opinions since Saturn is expanding. As they should. I like Volvo, but they just have too many dealers. As does Chrysler. GM was smart to consolidate Pontiac-Buick-GM into one franchise. Same with Ford, who have been running Lincoln-Mercury for a while. I mean, who would go to a Mercury dealer unless SOMETHING else worthwhile was sold there? Volvo/Chrysler dealers should be converted to Saturn dealers in my opinions since Saturn is expanding.

]]> By: Veda http://www.leftlanenews.com/volvo-to-cut-dealer-network.html#comment-348312 Veda Wed, 26 Dec 2007 01:14:23 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/volvo-to-cut-dealer-network.html#comment-348312 autonut: That's true but a few years ago all they have to sell is the all new S40 which is years ahead of everything else they were selling. Now with the C30 and new S80, the dealers should be doing somewhat better. The corporate Volvo is probably still losing money. autonut: That’s true but a few years ago all they have to sell is the all new S40 which is years ahead of everything else they were selling. Now with the C30 and new S80, the dealers should be doing somewhat better. The corporate Volvo is probably still losing money.

]]> By: autonut http://www.leftlanenews.com/volvo-to-cut-dealer-network.html#comment-348304 autonut Wed, 26 Dec 2007 00:09:24 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/volvo-to-cut-dealer-network.html#comment-348304 Funny to grasp the truth sometimes from execs. We never knew how well or poor Volvo performed, 'cause there were no stats available outside of FoMoCo. But Ford always insisted that Volvo is profitable and refused to sell it, like the rest of PAG. Now we know that it is may or may not been profitable and ford execs already expect bleak future for this brand: "If they couldn't make money two or three years ago, then they are going to really struggle going ahead." This is not bright prospect by any stretch of imagination. What a bunch of used car salesman. Funny to grasp the truth sometimes from execs. We never knew how well or poor Volvo performed, ’cause there were no stats available outside of FoMoCo. But Ford always insisted that Volvo is profitable and refused to sell it, like the rest of PAG. Now we know that it is may or may not been profitable and ford execs already expect bleak future for this brand: “If they couldn’t make money two or three years ago, then they are going to really struggle going ahead.” This is not bright prospect by any stretch of imagination. What a bunch of used car salesman.

]]> By: johnnycanuck http://www.leftlanenews.com/volvo-to-cut-dealer-network.html#comment-348250 johnnycanuck Tue, 25 Dec 2007 02:18:29 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/volvo-to-cut-dealer-network.html#comment-348250 Even cheap vehicles have a half dozen airbags, anti-lock brakes, 5 star safety ratings etc, etc. Safety is no longer a privilege and it definitely doesn't have to be boring. I'm not saying their safety record is passe, but Volvo needs a new angle. Even cheap vehicles have a half dozen airbags, anti-lock brakes, 5 star safety ratings etc, etc. Safety is no longer a privilege and it definitely doesn’t have to be boring. I’m not saying their safety record is passe, but Volvo needs a new angle.

]]> By: Impulsive http://www.leftlanenews.com/volvo-to-cut-dealer-network.html#comment-348239 Impulsive Tue, 25 Dec 2007 00:28:40 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/volvo-to-cut-dealer-network.html#comment-348239 The interior is truly boring. Intuitive is not a selling feature ... anything becomes second nature after a few uses. And that 'waterfall' console is pointless (storage should be in front, not behind), bland (no spice), although different. As for Chrysler's interiors ... they aren't as boring as Volvo's, just really cheap looking. The interior is truly boring. Intuitive is not a selling feature … anything becomes second nature after a few uses. And that ‘waterfall’ console is pointless (storage should be in front, not behind), bland (no spice), although different.

As for Chrysler’s interiors … they aren’t as boring as Volvo’s, just really cheap looking.

]]> By: global_lightning http://www.leftlanenews.com/volvo-to-cut-dealer-network.html#comment-348228 global_lightning Mon, 24 Dec 2007 23:40:23 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/volvo-to-cut-dealer-network.html#comment-348228 That 'boring' interior has excellent ergonomics and very intuitive controls (except for the radio. grrr...). The more time I spend in my S60 the more I appreciate how it's well laid out. Letting losing dealers out of their contracts will do both Volvo and the dealers a favor. I can't see why any would try to hold on. This is something Ford should consider doing for its entire corporate line-up. The only downside maybe in area where you'll suddenly have one (or no) Volvo dealers, suddenly they'll be the 'only game in town' when it comes to factory service or maintenance. That ‘boring’ interior has excellent ergonomics and very intuitive controls (except for the radio. grrr…). The more time I spend in my S60 the more I appreciate how it’s well laid out.

Letting losing dealers out of their contracts will do both Volvo and the dealers a favor. I can’t see why any would try to hold on. This is something Ford should consider doing for its entire corporate line-up. The only downside maybe in area where you’ll suddenly have one (or no) Volvo dealers, suddenly they’ll be the ‘only game in town’ when it comes to factory service or maintenance.

]]> By: sharpie http://www.leftlanenews.com/volvo-to-cut-dealer-network.html#comment-348223 sharpie Mon, 24 Dec 2007 22:41:58 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/volvo-to-cut-dealer-network.html#comment-348223 Well, if the dealer aren't making any money, corporate is doing them a favor anyway. I think Volvo is unique. The award for boring interior still goes to Chrysler. Volvo's interior is clean and unique with that waterfall center console. It is for the grown up, not rice boys. Well, if the dealer aren’t making any money, corporate is doing them a favor anyway. I think Volvo is unique. The award for boring interior still goes to Chrysler. Volvo’s interior is clean and unique with that waterfall center console. It is for the grown up, not rice boys.

]]> By: Impulsive http://www.leftlanenews.com/volvo-to-cut-dealer-network.html#comment-348221 Impulsive Mon, 24 Dec 2007 22:09:15 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/volvo-to-cut-dealer-network.html#comment-348221 'Madcapp', I agree ... the C30 looks attractive until you get inside. I don't think any other vehicle from any other manufacturer has me so bored on the inside. Sure, the console is 'cool' but bland, and the dash is one large expanse of nothing. ‘Madcapp’, I agree … the C30 looks attractive until you get inside. I don’t think any other vehicle from any other manufacturer has me so bored on the inside. Sure, the console is ‘cool’ but bland, and the dash is one large expanse of nothing.

]]> By: Madcapp http://www.leftlanenews.com/volvo-to-cut-dealer-network.html#comment-348213 Madcapp Mon, 24 Dec 2007 20:51:56 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/volvo-to-cut-dealer-network.html#comment-348213 LP640 if I want to hear anything from you, I'll check in with you down at the salvation army. Otherwise shut your filthy piehole. LP640 if I want to hear anything from you, I’ll check in with you down at the salvation army. Otherwise shut your filthy piehole.

]]> By: LP640 http://www.leftlanenews.com/volvo-to-cut-dealer-network.html#comment-348211 LP640 Mon, 24 Dec 2007 20:35:58 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/volvo-to-cut-dealer-network.html#comment-348211 ^you're confusing that with Chrysler and GM you fucking redneck ^you’re confusing that with Chrysler and GM you fucking redneck

]]> By: Madcapp http://www.leftlanenews.com/volvo-to-cut-dealer-network.html#comment-348198 Madcapp Mon, 24 Dec 2007 18:57:32 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/volvo-to-cut-dealer-network.html#comment-348198 Volvo is only interested in producing boring crap. 1 dealer per state should suffice. Volvo is only interested in producing boring crap. 1 dealer per state should suffice.

]]> By: Veda http://www.leftlanenews.com/volvo-to-cut-dealer-network.html#comment-348192 Veda Mon, 24 Dec 2007 18:20:43 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/volvo-to-cut-dealer-network.html#comment-348192 Necessary indeed however Volvo has the brightest future compared to other dying brands. Ford knows this and it's trying to see how well it'll fare in the future. With BMW seemingly trying to move lower in the price bracket to compete with Lexus, Volvo will also be in danger as well. Necessary indeed however Volvo has the brightest future compared to other dying brands. Ford knows this and it’s trying to see how well it’ll fare in the future. With BMW seemingly trying to move lower in the price bracket to compete with Lexus, Volvo will also be in danger as well.

]]> By: F451 http://www.leftlanenews.com/volvo-to-cut-dealer-network.html#comment-348189 F451 Mon, 24 Dec 2007 17:36:02 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/volvo-to-cut-dealer-network.html#comment-348189 neccassry = necessary neccassry = necessary

]]> By: F451 http://www.leftlanenews.com/volvo-to-cut-dealer-network.html#comment-348188 F451 Mon, 24 Dec 2007 17:35:10 +0000 http://www.leftlanenews.com/volvo-to-cut-dealer-network.html#comment-348188 Unfortunate, but neccassry. Unfortunate, but neccassry.

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