Originally Posted by
sba110
That's factually incorrect. The new Volvo S40, for example, is based on the ford Focus platform. The current V70 is based on the Ford EUCD platform, and shares its suspension, engine, and most interior fixtures with Fords. You're falling for badge marketing if you don't take a minute to find this out from Wikipedia.
So, both are essentially American cars. One is considered a competitor to some European sports cars, and one is considered a badge engineering job. I thought I'd point that out for the OP's benefit - don't really care if you disagree with he facts
You're referring to the C1 platform, which is Ford's World platform, designed by Ford, Mazda and Volvo engineers and developed and produced in Germany. The platform is not used in any current model American cars, only the European version of the Ford Focus. The 2010 Focus will use this platform.
The V70 you refer to is a station wagon, most similar to a Volvo S80 in terms of interior, the C70 is also very similar to the S80 interior, which is pure Volvo in terms of aesthetics and design. The platform/frame technology is also very basic in terms of design, allowing for flexibility based on the end manufacturer to add additional tech to it.
We can continue this banter if you'd like, but the Volvo is as far from American design as MB was in the relationship between Chrysler. That's not really part of the conversation, rather just correcting you on your insistance that Volvo is American, I'd call a Toyota Camry American before a Volvo.