By Classic Yorkshire contributor Tony Lofthouse
The Swedish car giant has made a sharp ‘about turn’ to bring back two estate models to the UK.
Last Summer, Volvo decided it would no longer offer estate and saloon cars to UK buyers and instead focus on SUV sales.
The company’s change of heart now means the popular V60 and V90 models are returning to local showrooms, albeit in hybrid format.
Over the years, Volvo has built a large part of its business around producing ‘boxy’, yet reliable estate cars, capable of carrying a kitchen sink (literally!), the kids, the dogs and more.
In the sixties through to the nineties Volvo estates such as the 245, 740/760, 850 and 960 became the ‘must have’ carriers for growing families. Their popularity would make them modern-day classics amongst discerning British buyers.
It seems Volvo underestimated their enduring popularity and has had to concede there remains a strong appetite over here for driving around in a Swedish estate car.
A Volvo spokesperson conceded: “Whilst this (shift to SUVs) remains a long term trend we have seen a resurgence for our estate models in recent months.
“We have decided to reintroduce the V60 and V90 to our UK portfolio in response to this.”
One suspects, Volvo have reluctantly accepted not everyone wants to move to an SUV just yet!
I say, well done UK car buyers for showing real ‘people power’ and getting Volvo to change course.