Volvo SPA2 plans vs BMW vision for the future (CEO resigns)

[jonnyu]

From the latest developments that dated back to 2018, Volvo has strong partners engaged on the development of the SPA2 platform:
-LG Chem and CATL are the new partners supplying batteries
-They will electrify all their range starting in 2019
-Nvidia is the technological partner for the autonomous driving level 4, possibly leading to Volvo being the first production car with level 4 autonomous driving in the market
-Google is being another technological partner for their future infotainment system.

In terms of security and technology, Volvo presents a solid strategy and may become the world's first in may aspects.

However, this has not been the case for BMW.
https://www.theverge.com/2019/7/9/20...-specs-release

BMW has failed to bring to the market proper strategy or solutions for the upcoming electric revolution. In fact this is one of the main reasons why Krueger resigned. Quoting the article: "He delayed BMW’s first long-range EV, which reportedly led to an exodus of talent in that field. Sales of the i3 stumbled. He also doubled down on internal combustion engine cars at a time when European countries moved to restrict or outright ban them, especially diesels. Amid all of this, the company still lost market share to rivals like Daimler, which owns Mercedes-Benz."

Even if BMW starts right now to define a strategy for the future, it comes 2 years too late. I'm sure that with their economic power they will be able to turn it around but still not sure how they will stand against Audi, Volvo and Mercedes in these following transition years.

Sales from BMW are already tumbling and they have been for a few months. I remember when I wanted to buy my car that I could get a 30% discount from a brand new BMW, the highest discount from all the available brands (Mercedes 15%, Audi 20%, Volvo 18%,...).

So what is your opinion regarding brands like BMW and their future strategy against Volvo?

[m2srt]

Originally Posted by jonnyu

From the latest developments that dated back to 2018, Volvo has strong partners engaged on the development of the SPA2 platform:
-LG Chem and CATL are the new partners supplying batteries
-They will electrify all their range starting in 2019
-Nvidia is the technological partner for the autonomous driving level 4, possibly leading to Volvo being the first production car with level 4 autonomous driving in the market
-Google is being another technological partner for their future infotainment system.

In terms of security and technology, Volvo presents a solid strategy and may become the world's first in may aspects.

However, this has not been the case for BMW.
https://www.theverge.com/2019/7/9/20...-specs-release

BMW has failed to bring to the market proper strategy or solutions for the upcoming electric revolution. In fact this is one of the main reasons why Krueger resigned. Quoting the article: "He delayed BMW’s first long-range EV, which reportedly led to an exodus of talent in that field. Sales of the i3 stumbled. He also doubled down on internal combustion engine cars at a time when European countries moved to restrict or outright ban them, especially diesels. Amid all of this, the company still lost market share to rivals like Daimler, which owns Mercedes-Benz."

Even if BMW starts right now to define a strategy for the future, it comes 2 years too late. I'm sure that with their economic power they will be able to turn it around but still not sure how they will stand against Audi, Volvo and Mercedes in these following transition years.

Sales from BMW are already tumbling and they have been for a few months. I remember when I wanted to buy my car that I could get a 30% discount from a brand new BMW, the highest discount from all the available brands (Mercedes 15%, Audi 20%, Volvo 18%,...).

So what is your opinion regarding brands like BMW and their future strategy against Volvo?

Interesting, especially considering the BIK rates for company car drivers in 2020/21 on hybrids and EV's.

Although I still think that these types of vehicles are just moving CO2 output further along 'the chain' so to speak. There was an article in Autocar a few days ago, https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/i...drop-half-june, that suggests that consumer confidence in PHEV's isn't as strong as it was with the full grant in place but should return once the British government finally puts together a cohesive plan on the future of transportation in the UK. Last month we bought a diesel XC60 as we feel it is the most viable, for us, ICE.

[airforced]

Originally Posted by m2srt

Interesting, especially considering the BIK rates for company car drivers in 2020/21 on hybrids and EV's.

Although I still think that these types of vehicles are just moving CO2 output further along 'the chain' so to speak. There was an article in Autocar a few days ago, https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/i...drop-half-june, that suggests that consumer confidence in PHEV's isn't as strong as it was with the full grant in place but should return once the British government finally puts together a cohesive plan on the future of transportation in the UK. Last month we bought a diesel XC60 as we feel it is the most viable, for us, ICE.

I tthink the salient point in your response is when you mention the Government putting together a cohesive plan (which people believe will be carried through) for the future of electric cars. Everything we have seen and heard so far has failed to convince me that they have a clue as to their direction of travel. Consequently I too bought another derv muncher last year.

[Wizzpop]

Originally Posted by airforced

I think the salient point in your response is when you mention the Government putting together a cohesive plan (which people believe will be carried through) for the future of electric cars. Everything we have seen and heard so far has failed to convince me that they have a clue as to their direction of travel. Consequently I too bought another derv muncher last year.

As I have said before, unless there is a very significant increase in electric generation using nuclear, we haven't a hope of being all electric.

[jonnyu]

Volvo plans to release a larger XC90 called XC100.
Using the CMA platform, they also intend to debut the XC20.

More smaller models could be introduced since Geely now owns a 50% stake in Mercedes-Benz founded Smart since March.

[Clan]

It might be interesting to see how the manufactures are doing ....
volvo have been on the up for the last 5 years ...and are the biggest growing prestige car maker in the UK if not the world ..