Reports say plans for a second generation XC90 have been shelved, and shelved for good. The decision was made a few days ago and the information has not yet trickled down to supplier companies. This conclusion was reached after the decision makers sat down to study the pros and cons of the upcoming model, and the ‘cons’ outweighed the ‘pros’ by a good amount.
Market for large SUVs is dwindling, particularly in the USA which also happens to be the biggest market for these vehicles. Secondly, there is a requirement to reduce weight, and adding lightweight components would weigh heavy upon the pricing. Also, there are no new engines, transmissions or a hybrid technology for this vehicle. Ford believes that in order to be competitive and comply with new emission standards, vehicles must have low fuel consumption plus a hybrid variant.
This means there will not be any second generation XC90 but the SUV will receive a facelift in 2009 and continue with the same look and without new engines until 2012, when it will be removed from the market.
[Source: WorldCarFans]
