Volvo XC90 SUV Hybrid???
Created January 21, 2005, at 2:38 pm by Anonymous
Does any one have any more info on this???
This is what I found
http://www.whatcar.com/News_Article.asp?NA_ID=178333&EL_ID=2576991&ST=fromcurrentresults
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Well, the article is dated May 2003 so I'd say they're a bit behind schedule :-)
Since Volvo had a large hand in the FEH drivetrain I'd not be surprised to see a Volvo-badged hybrid at some point, but you have to remember Volvo is a VERY conservative company when it comes to new technology. One of the founders is quoted as saying "At Volvo we design, and we improve, but we do not invent"
I just thought Volvo had a "green" image
They certainly try to project one, but if you look at their CAFE ratings you'll see it's not what it could be.
Volvo has been fixated on performance as of late, their products have been getting bigger, more powerful engines and while they do try to keep them running clean there appears to be little interest in making them run economically.
Well here in the UK we are not to bad at being fuel efficent!!!
I dunno about the XC90 Hybrid, but the article also stated that the S80 would be following it. It looks like that would be comparable to an Accord Hybrid, and I will be very interested to see what comes of that.
This was taken from the following website (I cut this part out, cause there was a lot of other non-hybrid related stuff on the site): http://www.thecarconnection.com/index.asp?n=156,176&sid=176&article=7028
Ford has now announced plans for three gas-electric hybrid vehicles — the Ford Escape, Mercury Mariner, and the Ford compact sedan formerly known as Futura. Ford lost a legal challenge from Pep Boys over use of the name. But how about Volvo? Given Volvo’s fatter profit margins and the European demand for fuel-efficient vehicles, doesn’t Volvo make sense for a hybrid? “Absolutely,” says Volvo’s U.S. chief Vic Doolan. “I’d love to have a gas-electric hybrid and we are looking at it.” The car Doolan would like to see it in? He pointed to the XC90 SUV. Ford’s current hybrid system wouldn’t be sufficient for the XC90 weight. But Ford CEO Bill Ford says he is confident the second generation gas-electric hybrid system will be sufficient for Ford — and thus Volvo? — mid-sized SUVs.
Looks like those plans for the XC90 AND the S80 are a LONG way off...
I replaced a 2000 V70XC with a Ford Escape Hybrid. The V70XC was getting about 16MPG in around-town driving, due in part to the AWD and part to the turbocharged engine. We never got anything over 25MPG in that car.
Volvo simply won't bring their more efficient models to the US. We can't get any of the diesels here and we can't get the smaller gas engines either. I've read wonderful things about the XC90 with the diesel engine in it...
I did not know in the usa you were not given the small engines we get in the UK
Here we have been told americans drive big gas guserlers becauses they can NOT because they are not given the choice of efficent cars!!!
It is more complex than that, of course. The marketing people have decided the US buyer that they want to court wants a gas guzzler. The automakers then make the decision that they will not provide anything else. It becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.
As a marketing professor, I would say that you are exactly right Steve.
Does anyone know if someone can bring such an SUV into the states (XC90 diesel)????
I would also be interested in finding out if volvo would be able to send a diesel or hybrid, ANY volvo diesel or hybrid, to the US for sale. I want the safety without the environmental impact, and the options here are slim. I would give my right arm if any of the other hybrid companies, like toyota, would just make a safer car. Seeing as how volvo can't seem to figure out that we want hybrids, I may have to convert to a toyota owner. That's just depressing.
I also would like to have a Volvo hybrid. My wife has an S40 and I have the XC90. I keep searching for a Volvo Hybrid. It seems that they have no interest. With Gas so expensive I may have to switch to the Toyota Highlander or Lexus RX 400h. I want a Volvo but, I won't sacrifice myself for one.
I've been a Volvo owner for years. Even survived a pile-up with semi trucks, in my Volvo XC70. But I'm tired of waiting for a Hybrid Volvo.
I just ordered my Lexus.
Bummer. I too am a long time Volvo owner looking for a hybrid Volvo.
I just recently purchased a volvo s40 and i love it to death. I must say that with prices of gasoline sky rocketing specially due to this tragedy recently in Louisianna that I'm starting to look to get a hybrid. I too would love to get a hybrid from Volvo because i love the safety that their cars offers. Please post any news you have about them asap. :)
You are all funny. Doesnt anyone really look into things before jumping on the band wagon. Hybrid cars really dont save you any money. If you want to be more environmentally friendly, then go ahead and get one but if you are looking to save money, good luck. The higher cost of owning a hybrid usually wipes out the savings at the pump. Here is one of many articles about it.
http://www.edmunds.com/help/about/press/105827/article.html?tid=edmunds.h..pressrelease..1.*
until they get it figured out how to make it cost effective to own and drive, I will stick with a reliable internal combustion motor that is actually cheaper to own that a hybrid.
Sorry John, but I think for many the selling point of a hybrid is consuming less fuel, not simply finding the cheapest transport. If you look at what Americans typically drive and the cost of options people put on cars-I think that article becomes pretty ridiculous. Whats the cost of securing more oil?
JoJo--I agree. The idea is to use less gasoline. Gas prices will probably continue to rise, making the hybrid more competitive as time goes by. Also, if we experience spot shortages, we may well be glad to own a vehicle that goes farther on whatever gas we can find. I doubt if this country will use rationing; we let price ration gas. As for Volvo the company and Volvo owners, for both the manufacturer and the buyer, the prime marketing/buying concept in the U.S. is safety with power and European "luxury," whatever that is. This year, the 90 series added a V8, a master stroke of bad timing (as compared to Toyota's perfect timing). For 2006, Volvo is dropping the more economical, non-turbo engine for the 60 series, another un-cool move. Alas, somehow, it all seems consistant. You'll have to buy the 40 series to get a non-turbo (if they haven't turbo'd that line as well). Very few Volvo's come through with manual shifts, which are quite popular in Europe. Maybe ten years ago, I saw an article that said Volvo had an experimental hybrid sedan in the works; it looked a bit like the 60 series. I've never seen reference to it since. My older Volvo 740 gets about 22 mpg overall, about the same as the 240 I owned for 20 years. At least the 740 runs on regular; the 240 needed premium. I'm sure the parent company, Ford, pushed the luxury/power marketing strategy.
To an earlier poster that is interested in a XC90 Diesel, it would be nice if we could buy that version as part of Volvo's European Delivery program. See:
http://www.flyvolvo.com/index.htm (or volvo.com)
Now that low-sulfur diesel fuel mandate is rollling out in the USA ( http://www.epa.gov/cleandiesel/ ), this may be a good alternative.
The only problem with diesels is more CO2 emissions, or am I wrong?
Diesels overall, compared to gasoline fueled engines, have higher exhaust particulates. Bad for lungs. Benz and others have reduced particulates, yet they're still higher than in gas engines.
The Ford Escape was co-developed by Volvo:
http://4wheeldrive.about.com/cs/escape/a/00041903a.htm
And, if I am correct, the Ford Escape sits on the Vovlo XC90 wheelbase and frame, and since the Escape is also available in a hybrid, you already have a Ford/Vovlo Hybrid.
Now we need a diesel.
BTW Bought a conventional Ford Escape for my wife and we love it. Got rid of her Vovlo wagen, and even are driving the Escape on trips in lieu of my Lexus 400 sedan.
About 8 years ago, I think, I accidentally saw something I wasn't really supposed to see at a Volvo dealership in southern California. It was a brochure for a hybrid model that was ALREADY BEING SOLD in Sweden. It was a diesel/electric hybrid, in a large mid-size body. About the size of a Toyota Avalon. According to the brochure, it averaged in the 40-45 mpg range, could do 0-60 in about 8 seconds, and of course could seat 5 in extreme comfort. I walked into the sales manager's office and asked when this was going to be available, and the brochure was snatched from my hand and I was given the stone-wall treatment. I've never forgotten how that felt, that they ALREADY MAKE a car that LEGIONS of Americans would buy, but they won't sell it here, and you simply can't get ANY information about it in the US. Other than the politics pissing me off so bad, I'd STILL want to buy this car TODAY if they would just sell it here . . .
With hybrids flying off the lots like hotcakes, I wouldn't be supprised to see all the auto makers trying to jump on this bandwagon in a few years time. Just like they all jumped on the minivan and then the SUV bandwagons previously.
I can't wait. I've been wanting a more environmentally safe car that didn't feel and look like a tuna can for years. My husband had a Honda CRX and I was always worried we would get in an accident and be crushed...but the enormous mpg we got was wonderful...plus it was so light it pulled right over snow banks the plow pushed up over it. I have a minivan now because I actually need to cart 7 passengers to school(carpool as no bus service) but would like to downsize before the kids start learning to drive. I would love to get a safe, cheap, environmental car that I could use for 4 or 5 years and then hand down to son when he goes to college.
Thanks to Jeff's post of 30.Sep.2005:
"..Volvo dealership in southern California."
"...a diesel/electric hybrid, in a large mid-size body."
This is the kind of vehicle that would have many, many buyers. Surely someone in Sweden is on the web and can provide more info on this....
Are any Volvo executives even listening to anyone ????
Are they unreachable ???
Although not a hyrid, at least Volkswagen has the diesel Golf getting about 44 mpg. Available in WA state.
I'd like a Volvo hybrid sedan, too. I do not want a way-too-big SUV or a little hatchback. And I like the way my "brick" handles in the snow & ice. I guess I'll hang onto it for now, since I don't drive a whole lot anyhow ...
Volvo sells a S80 and V70 Bi-fuel (Diesel/Natural Gas) Version in Sweden. This is featured on the Volvo sweden Website in Swedish. http://www.volvocars.se/Volvoownership/bifuel/default.htm I noticed there is no mention of this on the US website or the UK website?
Intersting reading all your posts. I am just closing on a new 2006 S40, and am concerned with the low gas mileage compared to toyota and honda in their regular cars.
But one thing that only tthe volvo had was a lower dose of new car chemicals. Some cars I tested made my throat close. And I can't wait 4 months or more for the "outgassing".
Plus the incredible comfort of the seats.
But I would trade it in on an equivalent hybrid in a "new york minute".
Not for money, but for the abililty to travel when gas supplies get low... Think about leaving New Orleans during the hurricane...would you prefer a hybird with 45 mpg or a regular car with only 22 or 23 mpg?
Hurry, volvo, Hybird S40...and a little bit smaller too!
I believe that volvo should offer a diesel volvo for sale in america. I drive vw jetta diesel. Volvo already sell diesel cars in euopore. a diesel volvo would safe while still good on gas.
I believe that volvo should offer a diesel volvo for sale in america. I drive vw jetta diesel. Volvo already sell diesel cars in euopore. a diesel volvo would a car safe and still good on gas.
Like others, I love my S80. Now that my family has grown to 6, I need a larger vehicle. My other car is already a Suburban, but it is not friendly at all at the pump.
A diesel/hybrid XC90 would be perfect for me. I test drove the Highlander Hybrid, but after driving solid Volvo's and Suburban's, the Toyota is just too tinny for me.
Come on Volvo, get with the program. Some Americans would love to drive more economical cars, but due to the size of my family, I have few options (I can't even say Mini-van).
I emailed Volvo several months ago and asked them if they planned a hybrid for the U.S. They responded the next day saying the company was still in research and looking at options -- nothing definitive.
I would love to see the VOLVO XC70 in a Hybrid. I love the awd wagon, but the mileage is very poor and i really want it in a hybrid!
CAN WE BUY THE XC90 IN DEISEL FROM EUROPE THROUGH THEIR OVERSEES PROGRAM AND USE AS BIODEISEL? I WISH THEY WOULD SAY ONE WAY OR THE OTHER WITH REGARDS TO HYBRID PRODUCTION OR DEISEL AVAILABILITY IN US EVER SO I CAN BUY A CAR AND GET ON WITH IT.
A few years ago my brother looked into buying a diesel Land Rover in England and bringing them over to the states. Here's what he told me about his research:
Because that exact engine and model is not sold in America (therefore not tested), you can not legally buy one in Europe as a US citizen and drive it in America. (Or rather, you can own it... you just can't drive it on the road.) If you are a citizen of Europe living in America, you can bring your diesel car over to the states and drive it, but you have to fill out about a million forms declaring that you will A) not resell the vehicle and that B) you will take the vehicle back with you when you return to Europe.
Sorry guys. As much as I'd love to have a diesel Volvo (there's a biodesel station just down the road from me!) it is simply illegal for US citizens to drive a European Volvo that isn't sold in the US.
What.about.the.Volvo.V50.Flexi.fuel?..That.would.be.great.
Regarding the Volvo Diesel XC90: WHY AREN'T WE ABLE TO PURCHASE AND USE THESE IN AMERICA??? I would like to know that.
Check the link, http://www.hybridcar.com/news/in-the-news/ford-to-establish-new-hybrid-technology-centre-in-sweden.html
I think that it would be a very valuable investment for Volvo to make a hybrid car.
we saw volvo suv deisels while on a trip to iceland...toyotas as well...icelanders love the good gas milage...
No url
It's depressing to see some of these posts form 2/3 years ago and still nothing from Volvo. I live in Manhattan and we have 2 volvos XC and station wagon. Our lease i up on the XC90 and really want a greener car. We LOVE our volvos but we just test drove the Highlander. We like the Volvo much better but at this point we all have to think not only about the "me" factor. I am convinced that if Volvo came out with a hybrid for a family of 5 it would fly. Everyone complains about the huge gas guzzling SUVs in America, but when you have 3 kids and car pool to sports practices, schools or kids parties, there are just little to no alternatives. Amy guidance here?
I wouldn't count on Volvo. They've never been known for good gas mileage, preferring extreme safety to fuel economy. Also, they're owned by Ford, the company that has barely advertised their hybrids up until recently so I wouldn't count on any hybrid too soon. Volve had a good concept hybrid a while ago but it was a small, 3-seater.
The best thing you can get with reasonable space for carrying is the HiHy which, of course, you've already looked into.
Remember that the car companies don't want anything with an electric drivetrain and they will only build something if they feel they have to. Demand what you want from them and hopefully, eventually, they will provide it.
I'm an American. I live in California, and I'll tell you right now that I Hate with a passion gas guzzlers and gasoline period. I want to drive an electric car. I bought the Volvo XC90 for safety reasons, but I'm either going to have it converted to be an electric car and just through away that damn gasoline engine altogether(maybe I'll donate the gas engine to a college so they can study the outdated, internal combustion engine), and put batteries. AltAirNano has a nice system going with those batteries, that's for sure. That or maybe for now, I'll just convert the vehicle to run on natural gas. Volvo should be offering the XC90 with the choice of using both fuels. CNG or Gasoline. I hate being stuck with a car that just uses gasoline, that really makes me mad. I might just sell that XC90, and buy an electric car. I wish the Aptera Plug-In Hybrid was available now. I really like the look of that car. Now that's innovative. And people say the Prius was different. not when compared to the Aptera style.
Volvo is considered Green. This is why they do not have a hybrid yet, as no compmany has come up with a way to recycle the battery.
Marnie,
All automotive batteries (including old fashioned lead acid starter batteries) are recycled. Very few hybrid propulsion batteries have actually been recycled because very few have gone bad yet.
Why recycle things that are still in use.
The nickle content in hybrid propulsion batteries is sufficiently valuable that it would be ludicrous NOT to recycle them.
Where did you dig up this awful myth that they are not recycled?
By the way, Rednecks drive 20mpg gas guzzling pickup trucks under the excuse that they are safer and more useful, Liberal urbanites drive 20mpg gas guzzling Volvos under the excuse that they are safer and more useful. I fail to see the difference personally.
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