- Volvo CEO Håkan Samuelsson says the US market has gone a bit too far into being so closely SUV-focused.
- ‘We want decrease vehicles’ to assist with driving vary and aerodynamics.
- Samuelsson believes there shall be a generational shift ‘again to the workhorse’ that’s the wagon.
Ever for the reason that Ford Explorer crawled out of the Jurassic Park-era ooze (circa 1991), the US car-buying market has been obsessive about the SUV. There have been others earlier than it, however it’s secure to say the Explorer pushed issues to a brand new stage.
That client shift has led to the gradual dying march of all issues wagon. And that is an actual disgrace as a result of a wagon is the automotive consumers truly ought to need, even when their minds stay locked in on a perceived need for a sport utility automobile.
A wagon drives higher whereas providing the identical stage of helpful utility. Wagons look implausible, are simpler to park, and sometimes return much better gas economic system over most SUV choices. And in keeping with long-time wagon purveyor Volvo, the beautiful longroof might be prepared for its comeback second.
Chatting with Motor1, Volvo CEO Håkan Samuelsson says, “In all probability the US customers know higher, however I believe we consider that the market could have gone a bit too far right into a single SUV market. I do not suppose 10 years from now, we’ll solely have SUVs from Volvo.”
His reasoning is smart past my very own private need to easily see extra wagons on provide in our market. “So I believe for varied causes, we want the decrease vehicles. So air resistance is one, as a result of we talked about vary, and, after all, when you’ve got a decrease entrance space, it is simpler. Every part is less complicated.”
Samuelsson goes on to say that he believes a generational change lies forward. Patrons will “shift again to the workhorse. No less than we’re wanting into that, not simply wanting into, I believe it isn’t revealing an excessive amount of that I believe we won’t solely have SUVs 5 years from now.”
When you’re as a lot of a fan of wagons as I’m, these are nice phrases to listen to.
Motor1’s Take: It has been unhappy to observe American buyers transfer away from the wagon. This is hoping Samuelsson is true {that a} shift again to those good machines is simply down the street. Even when Mercedes-Benz happens to believe the opposite.
