Along with the opening of the new China Euro Vehicle Technology (CEVT) operation in Sweden, Volvo Cars has announced that they are working on a new range of compact Volvos in the coming years. With Volvo being under Geely, the CEVT program will see some Geely products with Volvo input.

Volvo previously had a range of C-Segment cars in the 90's to the early 2000's. The company's compact lineup consisted of the S40 sedan, V50 wagon and, in the 2000's, the C30. The three models were merged into one with the introduction of the V40.

With the CEVT operation, the company describes the project as an "engineering and development centre for future C-segment cars, addressing the needs of Volvo Cars and Geely Auto". Heading CEVT is Mats Fagerhag, a former SAAB engineer who led in the development for the now defuct Phoenix platform. The Phoenix platform was supposed to be used for the next-generation 9-3 and 9-5 models had SAAB recovered in its bankruptcy.

Under the CEVT program, a technique called “modular technology” will be used in Volvo and Geely compact cars. The chassis that will be made under the program will be available in different lengths, widths, heights and wheelbases. The company says that, with the modular toolkit, it will be easier to add new technology and lower development costs.

According to the report,  a hybrid powertrain will be part of the new architecture, as well as mechanical all-wheel drive. Like the twin-engine hybrid found on Volvos, it is likely that the new plaform will use an electrified rear axle. Volvo has already said that the next generation V40 will adapt the CEVT program chassis.

Source: Autocar