Volvo and safety have gone hand in hand for years, but the Swedish automaker has announced a big recall. It will cover three model lines, including the C30, the S40, and the V50. All three of these models being recalled are from the 2010 model year.
According to Volvo, the recall only included the C30, V50, and S40 models equipped with a six-speed manual transmission. Putting a manual in the V50 and S40 seems a bit odd and, as you would imagine, not many Volvo owners have one. We would imagine that there are more C30 manuals than the other two combined. The total number of cars recalled is around 536.
The gearshift level stub assembly may not have been properly tightened at the factory. This could cause the gearshift level cable or stud to come loose. If this happens while driving, it may not be possible to shift gears. As you could imagine, this would not be good. On the plus side, the problem shouldn’t cause any accidents.
Dealers will fix the affected vehicles by tightening the gearshift level stud assembly, hopefully free of charge. Owners will be notified by the end of the month. No accidents or injuries have occurred because of the problem.
2008 Volvo V70
Volvo seems to be trimming the fat in regards to their product lineup. A leaked Volvo product update shows the elimination of some models while others receive modifications that Volvo hopes will fill the void. The first model to go was the S80 V8 whose orders have already ceased. The S80 V6 will be supercharged to 300hp and 325lb-ft of torque to make up for the disappearing act of the V8.
In addition, Volvo will be dropping the 168hp and 170lb-ft 2.4i engine that was offered in the S40 and V50 and only offering the models in the higher powered T5 engine with a 227hp and 236 lb-ft engine. The models will still maintain the combined fuel economy rating of 24mpg. The T5 will also only be available in FWD with an automatic transmission powertrain.
The biggest change happening at Volvo is the elimination of the V70. The launch of the 2011 models will bring an updated model of the XC70 who has outsold the V70 every year since 2000. The XC70 will now include a FWD model eliminating the key reason consumers chose the V70 over the XC70.
Final production for the eliminated models will be on May 14, 2010 with a projected sales rundown at the end of the 3rd quarter.
As we close yet another chapter in car history, we must wonder where the original, reliable wagons of yesteryear have gone. Volvo seemed to have the market cornered in the wagon department and, with a foul societal swoop, has decided to join the ranks of the high-powered SUVs. Is this a decision that will make the Volvo rise in status or break the spirit that once was? You decide.
Follow the jump to see the leaked Volvo product update.
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Trying to be safe, sporty and a little stylish? Volvo wants to remind that there is more to Swedish style than what’s found in an Ikea store. It’s showing a conservative wild side with the R-Design line of appearance packaging.
Press release after the jump.
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Volvo is recalling 82,000 V50 and S40 models due to a rust problem that might lead to the vehicle’s engine stalling. The recall pertains only to the five-cylinder petrol engined S40 and V50 models that were manufactured between 2004 and 2006.
Volvo Cars spokeswoman Maria Bohlin said recalls were being made in the company’s "corrosion markets,".
’Corrosion markets’ are countries in which the cars are exposed to more rust-speeding factors such as rain, snow, or road salt. "In the worst case, the car can stall," said Bohlin. In warmer and dryer countries, the cars have instead been provided with an extended guarantee.
Bohlin said the problem was located in the fuel pump electronic module, which controls the fuel supply to the engine. The electronic module is situated in a way that it can be affected by corrosion, which would lead to the fuel supply being cut off.
Volvo sold the majority of these cars in United States, Sweden and Germany. If you own a Volvo car that falls in the affected category, contact your dealer for help.
The R-design package for the Volvo C30, S40 and V50 includes a choice between 10 exterior colours and the R-design badge in the grille is accompanied by a range of specially designed exterior and interior details.
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