We say we like wagons, but the depressing truth is we just don't buy them. And so Volvo will stop importing its midsize V70 auto to the U.S. this May. Only 1,800 V70s found homes in the U.S. in 2009, saint Hope, Volvo product communications manager, told us, compared to 10,000 back in 2004.

This new comes in the wake of BMW's declaration that it won't bring the 2011 5 Series wagon here.

Volvo, though, isn't leaving this niche completely unfilled. A front-wheel-drive version of its XC70 (the Outback-style V70 with raised suspension) will be added to the U.S. lineup soon. It's aimed at buyers drawn to the XC70's all-terrain look but who don't want to pay the premium for all-wheel drive.

In addition, says Hope, "should the demand for wagons once again become strong, we have the flexibility to offer the V70 and the V60 in the U.S. market."

The V60 is a new auto based on the redesigned 2011 S60 sedan. Look for it to debut this start in Paris right before in goes on understanding in Europe.

Tip of the hat to Autoblog for digging up this story yesterday.