Electric Cars

Navigating Production Woes: Volvo's EX60 Journey to the US Market

Ambitious Targets and Unexpected Obstacles

Volvo had set an ambitious goal of selling 200,000 vehicles annually in the U.S. by 2030. A key component of this strategy was the EX60, positioned to be a major player in the luxury electric SUV market. However, a recent report from Automotive News highlights significant production delays, indicating that most EX60 shipments to the U.S. will not occur until late 2027.

The EX60's Market Position and Predecessor's Success

The EX60 is designed as the electric counterpart to Volvo's highly successful XC60, which achieved the status of Volvo's best-selling vehicle globally in 2025. While the combustion-powered XC60 continues to thrive, the EX60 represents a more audacious venture for Volvo, especially given the earlier discontinuation of the smaller EX40 EV in the U.S. due to insufficient demand.

Initial Projections Versus Reality

When the EX60 was unveiled in January, Volvo expressed confidence in selling approximately 7,000 units in the U.S. this year, surpassing the sales figures of its EX30 and EX90 models from the previous year. To meet a global sales target of 40,000 units, the automaker aimed for a weekly production of 2,000 vehicles at its Torslanda, Sweden, plant. However, current production is reportedly only achieving a tenth of this target.

Manufacturing Innovations and Their Challenges

Unlike previous EV launches plagued by software or quality control issues, the EX60's production difficulties are rooted in its innovative manufacturing processes. The vehicle utilizes advanced megacasting and cell-to-body construction methods, intended to enhance handling, reduce weight, and lower costs. The primary challenge, as reported by Automotive News, lies in the intricate process of integrating the battery system with the cast structural components.

Prioritizing Markets Amidst Supply Constraints

The drastic reduction in production capacity has compelled Volvo to prioritize its distribution efforts, with Europe currently receiving precedence over the United States for the remainder of this year and the first half of 2027. U.S. dealerships have been informed that while a limited number of pre-allocated vehicles will arrive early next year, significant shipments of the EX60 are not anticipated until the latter half of 2027. For eager buyers, a very small quantity of EX60s has already reached American shores, offering a narrow window for immediate purchase before a prolonged waiting period for the new EV SUV, which starts at approximately $60,000.

Nissan has officially launched the 2027 Altima, confirming its continued presence in the market despite earlier rumors of discontinuation. The latest iteration of the sedan introduces a minor price adjustment and strategic modifications to its trim levels, particularly concerning its all-wheel-drive availability.

The base model, the front-wheel-drive Altima SV, now carries a starting price of $29,065, which includes a consistent destination charge. This represents a modest increase from the previous year. Notably, the all-wheel-drive option is no longer offered on this entry-level trim. Consumers desiring an all-wheel-drive Altima will now be directed towards the higher-tier Altima SR, which begins at $30,465, with the AWD feature available as an additional $1,500 upgrade. Nissan has indicated that special edition trims, such as the SR Midnight Edition, are not currently part of the 2027 lineup. Under the hood, the Altima maintains its 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine, producing 188 horsepower (182 hp with AWD) and 180 pound-feet of torque (178 lb-ft with AWD), paired with an Xtronic continuously variable transmission. This configuration ensures an estimated fuel economy of up to 26 mpg city, 36 mpg highway, and 30 mpg combined for front-wheel-drive variants. Standard features across the range include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and remote engine start, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system and wireless phone charging available as upgrades. The SR trim further enhances the vehicle's appeal with 19-inch alloy wheels, gloss-black accents, and a sport suspension on FWD models.

In a competitive landscape, the 2027 Nissan Altima faces rivals like the Kia K5, priced similarly at $28,935, and the Toyota Camry, which, despite a slightly higher starting price of $30,955, offers a highly efficient hybrid powertrain achieving up to 51 mpg combined. The Altima, now in its sixth generation, has seen a 26.0 percent decline in sales during the first nine months of the year, with 56,424 units sold, in contrast to the Toyota Camry's robust 260,684 units over the same period. Despite these market dynamics, Nissan remains committed to the Altima, ensuring its presence for the 2027 model year.

The automotive industry is a testament to perseverance and adaptation. The Nissan Altima's continued production, even with market challenges, underscores the importance of evolution and meeting consumer demands, highlighting that every journey, much like every model year, brings opportunities for growth and refinement.