????Whether Volvo can ever shake off its jinx is in question. In the U.S., once its biggest market, it sold just 67,240 cars last year -- half its total in 2004. So far this year, it is running slightly below that rate, leaving it behind traditional laggards like Mitsubishi. Meanwhile, BMW enjoys four times the volume.
????At the Geneva auto show in March, Volvo showed its first model designed under its new owner. Named the V40, it is a five-door hatchback with the world's first pedestrian air bag that ejects from the hood. Neither the hatchback design nor the airbag is likely to appeal to American buyers.
????As for the 240, it seems likely to only grow in reputation and appeal. Volvo has withdrawn its wagon from the U.S. market and now sells only crossovers.
