Sounds like a fluff response to me, no reason to move a platform in its last days back to an expensive production unless EU get super protectionist like the US. EU/UK were trying to with the rules that were supposed to come into force on the first with respect to rules on origin, but of course not having invested enough in supporting localised industries they have had to push it back, this is more likely the reason to delay cars whilst they see whioch way it was going to fall and whether they'd have to up prices for additional tariffs.

No cars are built here, both EU and China are imported goods to UK, if the quality is good I'll buy from either, there's no reason really to support one over the other, both fill another states coffers and supports people that are not here.

MGs are good for the money, but they are not as good as any Volvo.

I suspect the cheap Chinese car will soon be a thing of the past as each country does what the US has done and starts to implement protectionist policies for their own industries and people.

And starting at about 32k the Volvo EX30 is at a not dissimilar price point to the MGs, BYDs and GWM Ora cars. I know which I would rather have (in fact have already ordered.....).

I guess we all have different views. My thesis is that the major European brands have been milking consumers for years with ever increasing margins the reward. We are now going through a massive technological disruption and the Chinese/Koreans (and Californians) have a lead. Volvo is better places than most for obvious reasons (and the EX30 is good relative value as is mentioned) but the BEVs coming out of Europe are just deeply unimpressive on both range and price criteria. It’s a great opportunity for the Chinese to take market share until the Europeans move on from their ‘rushed out in a hurry’ current BEV offerings.

PS I’d still buy a petrol XC90 if prices/spec options were more reasonable. I’m going down to funerals in southern England soon and will do 1000+ miles in a few days. Still don’t fancy that in a BEV.

Placed order for XC60 in Sept- started with late jan deliver, then told Feb/march- called Volvo Uk this week- production delays on XC60- should be with dealer in May.
Now thinking of cancelling.

Also seeing what options are available.
I spoke to Volvo earlier and the issue is, apparently, distribution problems in Belgium. I was expecting late Jan/early Feb but the estimate is now May. The Volvo person did her best to emphasise that May is pessimistic.

Xc60 plus
 

I ordered an XC60 Plus in Aug 23. Due Jan/Feb but pushed back to April. I was told by Volvo they have difficulty with ‘build slots’ (?) Not sure what is going on really.

I spoke to Volvo this morning. My car hasn't been allocated a build slot but they anticipate it'll be allocated Feb/March which would mean a late April or early May delivery. Honestly, not holding my breath.

He acknowledged that Volvo is having production issues. He also said that they are now re-routing components and finished cars away from the Red Sea and that's adding a minimum 14 days to the journey.

That is annoying. You would think that after Covid, companies were building more resilience into supply chains. I still miss Volvos’ being made in Sweden or Belgium but so be it.

Autocar have tested the XC60 and given it a bit of a kicking which I think is unfair:

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/volvo/xc60

I find the XC60 and XC90 still to be compelling cars and can’t understand why Volvo won’t be keeping them in production as ICE cars as fully amortised good margin products. They won’t have a problem meeting the BEV targets so I don’t see the downside in keeping these cars on the market but the Autocar article says the XC90 is about to die. Shame.

I agree with the 'pros' and don't have an issue with the so-called 'cons'. As soon as reviewers talk about dull handling and uninvolving drive I switch off. Just give me silence and comfort. I'm a big fan of the interiors in particular and think they've aged really well. I actually prefer the look to some of the more modern competitors.

Also you have to question a reviewer who doesn't get the basic facts correct. The driver's display is 12" (has been for years) and the T8 doesn't have a supercharger any longer.

Like you, I'm very surprised Volvo will drop these cars soon. They should be a big cash-cow for Volvo. Plus, BEV cars aren't suitable for everyone. I make a 1,800 miles round trip to France every year. I can't imagine stopping every few hours to charge up.

T8
 

My understanding is that the T8 has both a turbo and a super charger.