Volvo Cars has launched an electric blitz to convert all its flagship models (three SUVs and two sedans) into battery electric vehicles and introduce a luxury electric van aimed at boosting sales in Asia. We are preparing. Said.
The Swedish automaker, wholly owned by China’s Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, plans to launch at least six new battery-electric vehicles by 2026, two sources told Reuters. rice field.
Volvo has announced a goal of fully electrifying its entire range by 2030. The company’s Australian arm says he plans to sell only EVs in that market by 2026.
The previously unreported product plan marks the biggest refresh to Volvo’s model line-up since Geely acquired the brand from Ford Motor in 2010. Under new owners, Volvo began sharing technology with Geely, including its automotive platform.
Volvo’s makeover for Swedish brand Volvo, which built a reputation for safety and practical design, follows a greater focus on Asian customer trends and a push to win sales there, officials said. rice field.
The two people, who are familiar with Volvo’s plans, requested anonymity because the details have not been released by the company. Geely declined to comment.
Among the new battery electric vehicles planned for the next four years is a Volvo branded van based on Geely’s Zeekr branded vehicle sold in China.
Called the Zeekr 009, the giant battery-powered vans start at around 500,000 yuan ($74,179) and offer three rows of seats. The vehicle competes with the likes of the Toyota Alphard, a business or family van with seats like business class on an airplane that has become a popular limousine alternative in Asian markets such as China and Japan. I’m here.
Volvo has moved development work on its sedan and upcoming people mover model to its Shanghai R&D base, they said. The center, which has tripled its design staff to about 60 people, recently moved to a new and larger building in Shanghai, one of his sources said.
The first of Volvo’s planned new electric models, the EX90 battery-electric SUV, was unveiled late last year. It is expected to go on sale in early 2024.
Other battery electric vehicles in the pipeline include electric versions of Volvo’s flagship XC90, XC60 and XC40 crossovers, as well as the S60 and S90 sedans, the sources said.
These cars follow Volvo’s well-established simple design cues, but the new van has a more “emotional” design, built from a Zeekr 009 with a huge LED-lit grille. Target buyers in China and other markets. a source said.
Volvo has split its gasoline engine and hybrid powertrain business and sold it to Geely. The Chinese automaker is moving to consolidate all of its gasoline powertrain assets, including Volvo, and plants carved out of Renault to form a new company focused on hybrid and gasoline engines.
Reuters reported that Renault and Geely are finalizing a deal to bring Saudi Aramco into the business as an investor and partner.