#VolvoC30

A lot went down in 2013. It was something of a banner year for the automotive business. Products continued to get better, sales steadily improved and alternative propulsion, whether in the form of electricity or diesel gained significant traction.

Shopping for a new car? Then chances are you’re not in the market for one of these ten vehicles. Unless, of course, you put a lot of value on the individuality of your vehicle.

After checking out the top 10 best selling vehicles of last year, it’s now time to take a look at the worst performers on dealerships lots.

As 2012 winds to an end, AutoGuide looks back at all the vehicles that received the axe this year, some that will be missed, while others surely won’t be.

In the sea of modified cars at the 2012 SEMA Show, it’s fairly easy to miss a few, no matter how hard you’re looking. We spotted this hidden gem in the form of a limited edition Volvo C30 Polestar Edition in the Ohlins booth.

Those still debating whether or not to get their hands on the Volvo C30 Polestar Edition should probably stop hesitating. The Swedish automaker is pulling the plug on that special edition and the rest of the C30 lineup at the end of the year.

Swedish automaker Volvo is looking to shack up with a new mate in the hopes of making a fresh set of small cars. Their current compact, the C30 (above), is based on technology from former parent company Ford.

The words high performance and Volvo aren’t typically used in the same sentence, but in recent years, Volvo has really put a new focus on developing sportier and more performance-oriented vehicles. While they probably still have quite a ways to go to change the customer’s perception that Volvos are mainly safe and boring vehicles, the launch of a performance-oriented line will go a long way in establishing Volvo a high-performance manufacturer.

Like the waistline of its parent country’s bikini models, Volvo is considering trimming down—cutting its product line in half, including its legendary wagons.

Volvo is collaborating with Belgian technological and development specialist Flanders’ Drive to develop inductive charging for its model line up.

Defending World Challenge champions, K-PAX Racing, headed back to the podium in Utah over the weekend. After conquering their respective class last season and capturing the World Challenge Drivers Championship with their Volvo S60 in the GT Class, K-PAX’s newly built C30s are already looking like true competitors in the Touring Car class as well. Showing the team’s strength, the number 88 C30 driven by Aaron Povoledo topped the podium in the car (and the driver’s) second race.

Volvo recently revealed that it is looking for 400 early adopters to test a prototype of its 24 kWh all-battery powered  C30 Electric car. Better get in line early, because the limited range, practically hand-made vehicle will be leased for just $2,100 per month.

Why bother with an every day C30 four-passenger, two-door hatchback, when the exotic version can be had for 7.5 times more? OK. Snarky leading sentences behind, here’s a bit of background: Some are taking this as a sort of honesty index – with Volvo showing  just how expensive developing a viable EV can be.

Its been alleged that presently Nissan has not pleased too many automakers for practically giving away its LEAF at $32,780 before $7,500 federal tax credit.

The first Smart ForTwo test EVs looked like a rip-off by comparison at $599 per month, but are those more realistically priced considering what it cost to develop such vehicles?

Like Smart’s initiative, the plan with its “DriveE-powered C30 is to get significant numbers on the roads as a test vehicle. Production versions that may be available by 2013 or so would come with a less-than-exorbitant electric powertrain, or so the plan goes.

For now, Volvo is calling on a pool of heavily subsidized, environmental-advocating organizations, government fleet users, and such. Its plan is they should ante up, so Volvo does not have to take the price hit in preparing to launch its EV.

About 300 C30 Electrics could be leased in Europe, and 100 in the U.S. – with 50 on the West Coast, and 50 on the East.

Sounds like a win-win between Volvo, “green” corporations, and other advocating entities spending other people’s money to help usher in the age of the EV.

[Source:  Edmunds Green Car Advisor]

Video after the jump