Volvo V40 Won't be Coming to the U.S.A.

We had a hunch that the all-new V40 hatchback wouldn't be making it to the United States after the Swedish automaker stated that it expects to sell 90,000 units per year with 85 percent of those or 76,500 cars earmarked for the European market. Nevertheless, just to make sure, we contacted Laura DiStefano, who is the Corporate Communications Manager for Volvo Cars of North America, asking her if the Swedish company had "plans to bring the new V40 or any of its future derivatives to the U.S.A. or Canada".
DiStefano replied, "We have no plans to bring the V40 to the U.S. market".
Of course, these things are not written on stone and depending on the situation, Volvo may have a change of heart in the future, but for now, U.S. buyers can cross the V40 from their shopping list.

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First Official Photos of Kia's New K9 RWD Sedan

Only hours after we shared with you a video showing the Kia K9 without any camouflage whatsoever, the South Korean automaker revealed the first official photographs of its all-new flagship sedan that will be launched in its home market this summer. Initially referred to by its codename 'KH', Kia confirmed that the Korean market version of the car will be named 'K9' adding that the name for export markets, as well as overseas launch timings, will be announced later this year.
With the new K9, Kia completes its domestic range of "K" sedans, which also include the K5 (Optima in overseas markets) and K7 (Cadenza in overseas markets).
We'll start with the first thing we noticed about the K9 and that has to do with its design. What started out as a hunch when Kia showed us a handful of teaser sketches of its first ever rear-wheel drive saloon has now became more of a certainty. And yes, as many of you also noticed, the K9 appears to borrow one too many styling elements from BMW and especially its 7-Series flagship.
We could go on and on, but some of the things that stand out are the headlamp "eyebrow" accents, the low forward bend in the C-pillar and the rear end design as a whole – notice for example, the reverse lights incorporated into the chrome trim on the boot.
That doesn't mean the K9 isn't a good looking car, in fact, we wouldn't be surprised if some may find it more handsome than the 7-Series.
Soon-Nam Lee, Kia's Director of the Overseas Marketing Group, commented on presentation of the firm's new flagship : "K9 is our first rear-wheel drive large sedan, created without compromise in its design, driving performance and new technologies. K9 sets a whole new level of standards and values in the large sedan segment, and its design will be another Kia demonstration of our brand's power to surprise the world."
Kia did not release any additional information on the K9, but as we previously noted, it most likely shares its platform and engine range with the Hyundai Genesis, meaning it could be offered with the same 3.8-liter V6, and 4.6-liter and 5.0-liter V8 units.

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New Volvo V40, Aims for 90,000 Sales Per Year

Volvo's new V40 is by far the most leaked model of the 2012 Geneva Motor Show. And after the recent revelations, there was no point to keep it under wraps so the Swedish automaker came forward with all the details about its new premium C-segment contender. “The all-new V40 is the first new model that is fully developed according to our human-centric, Designed Around You strategy”, said Volvo CEO Stephan Jacoby.
Jacoby added that the new model will “definitely give our toughest competitors a headache”. By which he means the BMW 1-Series and the upcoming Audi A3 and Mercedes-Benz A-Class.
As we've already revealed, the 4.37 m long five-door hatchback will be available exclusively with turbocharged power plants. The gasoline units are a 1.6-liter in two versions, with 150 and 180 PS bearing the T3 and T4 monikers respectively, and the range-topping 254 PS 2.5-liter five-pot.
The diesel range comprises the D2 115PS 1.6-liter that emits just 94 g/km of CO2, and two versions of the 2.0-liter five-cylinder, the 150PS D3 and the 177PS D4.
The V40 will sport a comprehensive list of safety features, such as the world’s first pedestrian airbag, the Pedestrian Detection system and an updated version of the City Safety low-speed collision avoidance system that operates at speeds of up to 31 mph (80km/h, up from 19mph (30km/h) in its previous versions. Its specification will also include the Park Assist Pilot and Lane Keeping systems.
Hakan Abrahamson, Volvo’s Vehicle Line Director and V40 Vehicle Program Manager, commented: “The all-new V40 is the most intelligent and safe Volvo model so far. All its features are designed around the driver, helping him or her to stay alert and well informed to avoid collisions and dangerous situations.”
Volvo will commence production of the new V40 at its Ghent plant in Belgium in March. The annual sales target it has set is 90,000 units, with 85 percent of them earmarked for the European market.

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