Volvo could build a Tesla rival

Volvo’s head for product strategy, Lex Kerssemakers, has said that the company would “love” to build a Tesla-rivalling all-electric version of its Concept Coupé. Although Volvo has traditionally had coupés in its line-up, the firm’s C-Range remains officially “on hold”.

Kerssemakers told our sister publication Autocar UK that Volvo’s primary aim is to replace its mainstream models and keep working towards hitting 800,000 annual sales globally by 2020. Last year Volvo sold 427,000 cars.

“The number one product on my want list would be a smaller crossover,” he said. “It will come eventually. We are working on our new CMA platform for the 40-series cars.” After the XC90 starts production next January, attention will turn to replacing the ageing S80, destined to be badged S90, and then a new flagship V90 estate.

Kerssemakers said Volvo was committed to remaining in the C-segment with a replacement for the V40. “It allows us to catch buyers who will rise up through the Volvo range as they get older.” Kerssemakers said launching the all-new SPA platform and all-new engines and transmissions was “the ultimate dream” for the firm.

He said, “When Ford decided to sell us in 2008, there was no XC90 replacement model in the cycle plan. I was sure that we couldn’t do a good enough seven-seat SUV using Ford’s EUCD platform, so I didn’t put a new version in the plan.” He also said he had concerns about the backlash towards big SUVs in urban areas and only wanted to make a “socially responsible” model.

Kerssemakers said Volvo is now in an “ideal position”, having bet in 2009 on using only four-cylinder engines and backing these with a plug-in hybrid transmission.