Volvo to shake up S, V, C and XC badges

Volvo will overhaul its naming system in the coming years - removing some of the uncertainty over odd numbers in the same range, such as the S40 and V50.

Chief executive Stephen Odell today admitted he found Volvo's badges confusing when he first joined Volvo two years ago.

'When I arrived at Volvo I struggled to understand the nomenclature,' he admitted. 'Yes, we will be changing it.'

Under the new naming system, the S40 and V50 would carry the same number. 'And I've asked [new design boss] Peter Horbury to make the badges easier to read,' added Odell. 'Maybe it's because I'm in my fifties, but I struggle to read many of our badges.'

By Tim Pollard