It won't be an exaggeration to state that the compact crossover SUVs dictate the way the auto industry works today.
The new segment assumed a pivotal role in such a short period that many automakers never saw it coming.
To limit the damage, such manufacturers are working overtime to develop a compact crossover SUV.
Volvo has the XC40 crossover which debuted at the Paris Motor Show as V40 Cross Country concept (pictured). Based on the Volvo V40 hatch, the XC40 is more of a grown up hatchback with a raised suspension and an off road body kit rather than a compact SUV.
The XC40 is expected to be launched in India by March 2013. The car will be shipped as CBU (Completely Built Unit) and will be the entry level model in Volvo's Indian lineup.
Meanwhile, Volvo is determined to have a compact crossover SUV but is facing a problem in sourcing a suitable chassis. The platforms available presently are sourced from the Volvo's former owner Ford for which the Swedish brand needs to pay royalty.
Moreover the platforms are getting old and are not suitable to underpin future crossovers. Volvo's new Scalable Platform Architecture (SPA) is reportedly not small enough for the planned compact crossover SUV.
These difficulties with the existing platforms had made Volvo look elsewhere and the company is apparently searching for a viable partner who can share a suitable platform to underpin the compact SUV.
It seems until Volvo finalizes a platform sharing agreement, the development plan of the much needed mini SUV will stagnate.
Better hurry up Volvo!
[Source: Autoevolution.com via auto-motor-und-sport.de]
