Volvo has continued to cut down its North American lineup by axing the S40 and V50 models for 2012. This comes surprisingly soon after Volvo also recently cut the V70 earlier this year. As Volvo's lowest volume models in North America, the S40 and V50 saw declines of 30 and 59 percent, respectively over the first 5 months of 2011. Recently, Volvo has signaled a desire to shift towards smaller crossover cars.

Part of the reason for the demise of the S40 has been the increased circulation of the redesigned S60. The S60 provides a much more powerful engine and runs about $3,000 more than the S40. Volvo spokesman James Hope recently said that the C70 convertible and the C30 small hatchback will continue to be offered in North America beyond 2011.