Quote:
Originally Posted by Volvophile
The V40 was launched some three years before Ford took over and is in fact based on the Mitsubishi Carisma. Like all Volvos launched in the late 90's/early 2000's, there is not a hint of Ford in it.
I understand how Volvo AB needed to sell the car business and all, as it was simply too small to survive on its own. I do however think that Ford took their eye off the ball around 2005 and allowed the company to become loss making. All of the successful cars in recent years that people think were produced by Ford (S60, XC90 etc) were actually Volvo's last independently produced models. It should also be ackknowledged that Ford pinched a load Volvo technology that went towards producing some of the successful models they have today (Ford Focus ST/RS and the majority of their US range).
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I agree completely with your point regarding the S60 and XC90, but my point is that Ford provided both the financial backing, and backed the Volvo design team to allow these cars to come to fruition. GM cancelled all Saab`s design work, and said "heres a Vectra and some assorted engines and transmissions, badge engineer them" Without Ford the S60 etc. would not have seen the light of day, and credit should be given for that.