Volvo resides as much as the promise it made final 12 months when it introduced to end production of vehicles powered by diesel engines in early 2024. This XC90 assembled on the firm’s Torslanda manufacturing facility is the ultimate oil-burner produced by the Swedish automaker, ending an period that began 45 years in the past. The blue SUV will not be heading to a buyer since it will go right into a museum for posterity.
The Geely-owned marque did not begin to preserve observe of diesel automobile manufacturing till 1991, and since then, it has constructed greater than 9 million automobiles. Since the data do not present what number of automobiles have been constructed from 1979 till 1991, the entire quantity is far larger contemplating 12 years are lacking. The final of the diesel breed is heading to the World of Volvo museum in Gothenburg.
The diesel story began with the 244 GL D6, however it did not have a Volvo engine. Instead, it was powered by a naturally aspirated six-cylinder unit borrowed from Volkswagen and Audi. It wasn’t till 2001 that Volvo launched a diesel engine of its personal, a five-cylinder mill assembled in-house on the manufacturing facility in Skövde.
In 2017, Volvo introduced plans to finish improvement of diesel engines. Last month, the ultimate automobile with a diesel engine (a V60) was inbuilt Ghent, Belgium. Now, the diesel engine is totally gone from the lineup.
The subsequent step is to finish the manufacturing of automobiles powered by combustion engines altogether. Although different luxurious manufacturers resembling Mercedes and Bentley have pushed again their overly ambitious EV targets, Volvo is sticking by its plan to go utterly electrical by the top of the last decade.
Europe is the final bastion of diesel automobiles, however demand has been shrinking within the aftermath of the Volkswagen Group’s messy emissions-cheating scandal. In addition, stricter emissions rules are forcing automakers to progressively drop diesel engines. Investments to make diesels adjust to the EU’s more durable laws can be costly, and since demand is dropping, it does not make sense to spend cash on these dying engines.
The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) claims diesel’s market share in Europe dropped from 16.4 % in 2022 to 13.6 % in 2023. Fully electrical automobiles have been extra in style final 12 months by taking a 14.6 % share, whereas plug-in hybrids accounted for 7.7 %. Gasoline automobiles reigned supreme with 35.3 %. Regular hybrids took a 25.8 % share whereas different kinds of propulsion accounted for the remaining 3 %.
Small and mighty certainly – we’re celebrating as we speak, as a result of our totally electrical Volvo EX30 has landed an enormous accolade on the prestigious World Car Awards.
Beating a aggressive subject of nominees, the EX30 was awarded the title of 2024 World Urban Car in a presentation held as we speak on the New York International Auto Show. Our smallest ever SUV was additionally named as one of many high three vehicles on this planet out of an inventory of 38 nominees.
“Winning this award with the EX30 is incredibly gratifying and a firm validation of our ambitious electrification strategy,” says Jim Rowan, our Chief Executive. “Customer response to the EX30 has exceeded our expectations, and it has proven to be a perfect car for today’s marketplace as a growing number of car buyers switch to fully electric cars. I’m convinced the EX30 will strongly contribute to our growth this year and beyond.”
The EX30 was revealed final summer time to virtually common acclaim and has already gained a number of main awards, together with The Sun Car of the Year, the Small SUV/Crossover of the Year award from The Sunday Times, and the Eco Warrior of the Year award from Top Gear journal.
As such, the EX30 is a robust addition to our product portfolio, which additionally incorporates a number of engaging plug-in hybrid and mild-hybrid fashions in a number of segments. Those vehicles are an essential bridge on the best way to Volvo Cars’ ambition to promote solely electrical vehicles by 2030.
Since its reveal, the EX30 has quickly confirmed to be a well-liked automotive with prospects – primarily based on our orderbook, we count on it to be certainly one of our best-selling fashions this 12 months.
It is the smallest SUV we’ve ever launched and it’s constructed on a purpose-designed electrical automotive platform. In addition to producing zero tailpipe emissions, it has been developed with a deal with preserving its carbon footprint to a minimal throughout the automotive’s full lifecycle.
EX30 patrons have a selection of three electrical powertrains: a Single Motor model with 200kW (272hp) and a 51kWh battery; a Single Motor Extended Range with battery capability elevated to 69kWh; and a Twin Motor Performance mannequin with 315kW (428hp) and a 69kWh battery. The EX30 provides a driving vary of as much as 296 miles (476km) and its battery could be recharged from 10 to 80 per cent capability in slightly over 25 minutes.
The small print
Charging instances are depending on components similar to out of doors temperature, present battery temperature, charging gear, battery situation and automotive situation.
Range in line with the life like WLTP driving cycle below managed situations for a brand new automotive. Real-world vary might range.
Features and companies might not be accessible in all markets and won’t be customary in all markets or for all fashions.
The 2024 Volvo V60 Recharge is a singular, quick, and family-friendly plug-in hybrid wagon value contemplating over an SUV.
The V60’s efficiency, inside design, and know-how make it stand out, providing a cushty, spacious, and chic driving expertise.
While dealing with restricted competitors, the V60’s practicality, electrical vary, and Polestar Engineered drivetrain set it aside as a best choice.
You might imagine that an SUV or a crossover is the proper car to hold your family members from level A to level B, however I’m right here to inform you {that a} good-old original station wagon remains to be one of the best family-friendly resolution. There are a number of causes for this which I’ll be very happy to run by you in my newest evaluate of the 2024 Volvo V60 Recharge.
It’s unhappy to see how the station wagon – a well-liked kind of car in different components of the world – has taken a backseat to SUVs within the U.S. and Canada. Take a peak at Volvo’s 60 Series (the S60 sedan and V60 wagon) gross sales figures, and you will see it for your self; lower than 15,000 models have been shipped on this continent final yr. It’s much more miserable when you think about that Volvo offered more than three times as many XC60 crossovers throughout the identical interval.
But you already know what? I do not care. I’m nonetheless going to go forward and suggest this earlier than an XC60, and also you’re about to search out out why.
2024 Volvo V60 Recharge
The fantastically understated Volvo V60 Recharge is a singular automotive. First, it is a sensible wagon, a kind of car that is develop into a uncommon breed on this aspect of the pond. Second, it is a plug-in hybrid, a know-how no different wagon offered in North America at the moment affords. And third, it is quick! The V60 proves that you do not at all times want an SUV to satisfy your loved ones duties.
Will out-accelerate some purpose-built sports activities vehicles.
Decent electrical vary for many every day duties.
Cons
Not low cost.
EV mode ditches all-wheel drive.
Limited rear legroom.
The Volvo V60 pictured here’s a press unit that belongs to Volvo Canada. The automotive was delivered clear and with a full tank of gasoline, however with a 0% cost. I assumed all gas and electrical energy payments throughout my time with it. For detailed perception into testing procedures and information assortment, please evaluate our methodology policy.
2024 Volvo V60 Recharge First Impressions
While I’m fairly conversant in the Volvo S60 sedan, the final time I drove the V60 station wagon was approach again throughout its product launch in 2019. That’s proper, that is how lengthy this automotive has been on sale in its present type, but, it nonetheless appears adequately engaging, now would not it?
At this level, it is develop into cliché to affiliate Volvo vehicles with a good looking Scandinavian design. It’s anticipated on condition that the corporate is Swedish. Yes, I do know that Volvo is now owned by Chinese giant Geely, however all of the design, the engineering and the cold-weather testing remains to be finished in Gothenburg.
Look, the V60 appears good as a result of it has elegant, sporty proportions, a menacing entrance finish adorned with the corporate’s iconic Thor’s Hammer LED headlights, and the model’s anticipated oversize taillights for, you already know, improved security. The package deal is then wrapped in a fantastically understated demeanor that is by no means too loud, however by no means too refined.
All V60 Recharge fashions at the moment are “Polestar Engineered”, which supplies them the gorgeous 19-inch wheels you are seeing in these images. Behind these wheels, the signature Polestar Brembo brake calipers, in gold
Driving Impressions And Performance
Polestar Engineered mainly signifies that the automotive was tuned by Polestar by means of improved chassis dynamics and brakes. It was additionally fitted with a set of Öhlins efficiency shock absorbers.
The Recharge plug-in hybrid drivetrain (internally known as the T8) can be the V60’s most potent. It combines a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with two electrical motors; one which acts as a generator to energy the automotive’s equipment, the opposite put in on the rear axle, driving the rear wheels. A 14.9-kWh liquid-cooled, lithium-ion battery ensures full electrical locomotion for as much as 41 miles. The total setup is then mated to an eight-speed automated transmission.
What’s significantly spectacular about this drivetrain is the quantity of mixed output it places down. When every thing is working in sync, the all-wheel drive V60 is sweet for a mixed 455 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque, or 0 to 60 MPH in lower than 4.5 seconds.
So, sure, the V60 Recharge is fast off the road, and particularly fast throughout rolling begins. Punch that accelerator pedal and, due to the electrical motor filling in for any turbo lag, this little wagon flies. That little four-cylinder engine additionally sounds correctly coarse.
Volvo additionally did an awesome job of fixing the throttle delays of the early vehicles. While it nonetheless takes a short while till the entire drivetrain understands what you need from it, it is loads faster to react and, extra importantly, significantly extra coherent when every thing operates in tandem.
Your greatest wager if you are going to carry out with the V60 is to set the automotive to its Polestar Engineered mode. That’ll quicken up response occasions when flooring that throttle.
Each time I drive the S and V60, I’m reminded by how nice their chassis is. The automotive press is fast to place the German automotive manufacturers on a podium with regards to negotiating a nook rapidly, however this V60 has nothing to envy its primary European rivals.
Its chassis is rock strong, its suspension damping – whereas at all times on the stiff aspect – is calibrated for sportiness. Even its steering is fast to react and exact. In phrases of driving dynamics, the S/V60 actually is Volvo’s best-kept secret. It’s a minimum of 50% extra enjoyable to drive than an SUV.
Performance Specifications
Battery Type
Liquid-Cooled Lithium-Ion
Usable Battery Capacity
14.9 KWH
Level Two Home Charging Rate
3.7 KW
Engine
Turbocharged 2.0L Four-Cylinder
Combined Horsepower
455 HP
Combined Torque
523 LB-FT
Transmission
8-Speed Automatic
0-60 MPH
4.3 Seconds
Top Speed
113 MPH
2024 Volvo V60 Recharge Energy Consumption, Range And Charging
Before driving this automotive, I had an opinion about plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs). Since I dwell in a northern local weather, a majority of these car by no means truly drive in EV mode. In order to maintain the battery and cabin heat, the interior combustion engine (ICE) always kicks in, defeating the aim of getting a plug-in hybrid within the first place. I additionally discover a majority of these automobiles uselessly sophisticated.
But the V60 Recharge satisfied me that there could also be hope for PHEVs. While I did have a ton of enjoyable hooning it like a sports activities automotive, it additionally proved to be a formidable zero-emission city companion for my dad duties. For starters, as a consequence of a smaller capability battery than on a totally electrical car, it takes much less time to completely cost the V6 Recharge on a house charger. Within about 4 hours on my residence unit, I used to be good to go.
I used to be additionally shocked that, though outside temperatures hung beneath the freezing level, the V60 very seldom activated its ICE. It solely did it throughout a chilly begin one morning to get the heater going, but it surely rapidly shut it off once more, permitting me to do every thing I needed to do in EV mode.
I obtained about 35 miles of vary driving it that approach, throughout winter, which is not too far behind Volvo’s claims.
But I need to warn you of the truth that when the V60 Recharge is working in full electrical mode, it turns into rear-wheel drive as a consequence of that electrical traction motor being out the rear. That caught me off guard throughout a light-weight snowfall.
The automotive can be considerably slower that approach since that rear motor solely develops 143 horsepower and 228 pound-feet of torque. Still, it was sufficient to get myself, my spouse, my son, and my canine round city.
The desk beneath reveals official and examined power and gas consumption information for the V60 Recharge. I invite you to match these with these of the Volvo XC60, powered by the identical drivetrain. You’ll uncover one more reason to go for a wagon as an alternative of an SUV.
Energy Consumption Data
City
Highway
Combined
EPA Rated Energy Consumption
74 MPGe
EPA Rated Fuel Consumption
29.4 MPG
32.6 MPG
31 MPG
Energy Consumption As Tested
71.6 MPGe
Interior Design And Comfort
The V60’s inside is basically the identical as again in 2019, for higher or for worse. While it is true that competing luxurious manufacturers now provide splashier cabins, the V60’s spartan, but elegant format nonetheless stays aggressive. Everything is put along with a way of high quality and longevity.
There are additionally some neat design particulars on this cabin. The signature glass shifter is a sublime piece, whereas the center-mounted begin/cease button might seem like an afterthought, but it surely’s truly a nod to the center-mounted ignition swap in previous Saabs.
The Bowers & Wilkens speaker grilles on the door playing cards and the dash-mounted tweeter not solely appear to be effective items of audio gear, however they generate some of the satisfying acoustic experiences I’ve ever witnessed inside an vehicle. Also, yellow seatbelts imply quick!
The V60 is a compact wagon, so it does at occasions really feel tight in there, particularly should you’re of a bigger format like yours actually. But it’s a snug automotive due to seats that envelop you in an virtually chiropractic approach. Volvo has at all times excelled in seat consolation, and the V60 isn’t any exception. At the rear, a child’s seat will match no stress, whereas a tall grownup may must ask the individual in entrance of them to maneuver their seat ahead as a consequence of restricted legroom. Headroom, nonetheless, is rarely a difficulty due to the roof’s form.
Interior Dimensions
Front
Rear
Headroom
37.4 in.
38.1 in.
Shoulder Room
56.1 in.
54.5 in.
Hip Room
55.3 in.
44.8 in.
Legroom
42.1 in.
35.3 in.
Technology And Ease Of Use
The V60 encompasses a touch-operated, Android-based, portrait-style infotainment pill. While it does seem like the identical primary Sensus system Volvo has been using in its vehicles since 2015, it is made big strides through the years due to software program updates and the mixing of the Android setting.
The interface itself will take a while getting used to because of the hidden menus and minimalist design. You’ll must pinch, swipe left, proper, up, and down to really unwrap every thing this method hides beneath the hood. But as soon as I obtained my head round it, I discovered it quite satisfying to function due to its quick-reacting nature and exquisite esthetics.
The residence display stacks all important apps one above the opposite in a clear, non-offensive approach. I additionally recognize how Volvo saved the display quite small, as if to inform you that that is actually all you want in life. I like that. But I do discover the touch-operated local weather controls finicky. These ought to at all times depend on bodily knobs.
It’s the identical story for the digital instrument cluster, which supplies you the data you want and nothing extra. It’s doable so as to add the Google Maps navigation display as a background, or just depart that space clean, permitting you to focus solely on important info.
Cargo And Storage Space
But the motive why wagons are so cool is as a result of, as we have established, they deal with and carry out like a sports activities sedan, eat about the identical quantity of power within the course of, but, provide as a lot, and in some instances, extra cargo house than some crossovers. I child you not of us, the V60 has a bigger trunk than an XC60 (17.1 cu-ft) when its rear seat is in place. See the desk beneath for reference.
Minimum Cargo Capacity (All Seats In Place)
18.3 cu-ft
Cargo Capacity Rear Seat Folded Down
31.4 cu-ft
How The 2024 Volvo V60 Compares To Its Competition
Volvo
The fantastic thing about the Volvo V60 Recharge is that it would not actually have any opponents. It’s form of alone on its rock, a minimum of right here in North America. Yes, it is true that Audi sells the A6 Allroad, however that is an journey wagon that quite competes towards the V60 Cross Country. It’s the identical story for the Mercedes-Benz E-Class All-Terrain.
There’s the Audi RS 6 Avant, however that is a a lot quicker, extra highly effective, and costlier luxurious station wagon. It’s additionally a usually bigger automotive. But then, when you concentrate on it, the Volvo V60 Recharge can be a efficiency wagon, simply of smaller scale. However, no station wagon at the moment on sale within the U.S. and Canada could be fitted with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. The V60 Recharge is a singular automotive.
Although gross sales of the 2024 Volvo V60 Recharge are amongst a few of the lowest of any mannequin offered on our market, kudos to Volvo for staying true to its values and nonetheless providing this automotive in its lineup. Volvo would not be Volvo with out the existence of a sexy-looking station wagon that would give a Ford Mustang GT a run for its money in a drag race.
Add to all that the advantages of plug-in hybrid and what you find yourself with is mainly the proper automotive for a younger household with an above-average income. If you are studying this and might afford this automotive, then please, do us all a favor and assist hold the nameplate alive.
The Volvo EX30 possesses the smallest carbon footprint of any totally electrical Volvo automotive to this point1. That’s in response to the life cycle evaluation (LCA) of the Volvo EX30, out there here, which concludes that it has a complete carbon footprint of 23 tonnes per 200,000 km – approximately 60 per cent lower than the XC40 ICE (petrol)2.
The carbon footprint report identifies the important thing contributing supplies and processes to the automotive’s emissions. Exclusively targeted on greenhouse fuel (GHG) emissions, the report covers the automotive’s life cycle, beginning with the extraction and refining of uncooked supplies and ending with the automotive’s finish of life.
Using wind-based electrical energy to cost the EX30 considerably reduces the carbon footprint in contrast with world or European electrical energy mixes by roughly 42 per cent and 22 per cent respectively3. This underlines the necessity to speed up investments in renewable power infrastructure globally for electrical vehicles to achieve their full local weather potential.
“Transitioning to electric cars is key to limiting climate change, but increased transparency about its challenges is needed to reduce their emissions even further,” says Jonas Otterheim, Head of Climate Action at Volvo Cars. “By studying the EX30’s carbon footprint and identifying its primary materials and processes, we aim to provide valuable insights that can help guide decisions in our company towards becoming more sustainable, as well as among the wider industry.”
We have now accomplished complete LCAs of the carbon footprint for 3 of our totally electrical vehicles launched since 2019: the Volvo EX40, EC40 and now the EX30. By making these experiences out there to the general public, we hope to assist prospects make knowledgeable selections when selecting their subsequent electrical automotive.
An vital step in our journey in the direction of web zero greenhouse fuel emissions A automotive is not only pushed. It can be designed, developed,constructedand transported –offering us withquite a fewalternativestocut back greenhouse fuel emissionsand make progress in the direction ofachievingevery of our sustainabilityambitions.With the Volvo EX30 weare taking an vitalstride in the direction of our purpose of turning into a completely electrical automotive firm by 2030andour intentionto achieve web zero greenhouse fuel emissions by 2040. The proportion of recycled supplies within the EX30 is the best of any Volvo automotive up to now. Around one quarter of the aluminum and nearly one fifth of the metal is recycled materials. In addition, round 17 per cent of all plastics inside the automotive, from inside parts to exterior bumpers, are comprised of recycled materials.
Thanks to initiatives throughout our provide chain and manufacturing, the LFP-equipped Volvo EX30 has a ‘cradle-to-gate’ affect of an estimated 14.8 tonnes – simply over 60 per cent of the mannequin’s complete carbon footprint4. This consists of emissions generated through the manufacturing of supplies and the automotive, however excludes emissions from the use and end-of-life phases of the EX30.
We plan to scale back the EX30’s CO2 affect even additional by collaborating with suppliers throughout our total worth chain. By 2025 for instance, our battery suppliers are working in the direction of decreasing emissions from manufacturing the LFP battery by 20 per cent, and by 46 per cent within the case of the NMC battery. To do that, our suppliers intention to switch electrical energy utilization throughout cell manufacturing with renewable power sources, improve the share of recycled content material of their supplies and cut back their provide chain emissions.
Production of the EX30 started in November 2023, and the primary vehicles have been delivered to their new homeowners in European markets late final 12 months. To date, the EX30 has acquired a number of prestigious awards, together with Small SUV/Crossover of the Year within the News UK Motor Awards, Carwow Car of the Year 2024, Eco Warrior of the Year within the TopGear.com Awards 2023, and Car of the Year by The Sun.
1The lowest carbon footprint of any totally electrical Volvo automotive to this point assertion pertains to globally out there merchandise over 200,000 kilometres of driving utilizing the identical power combine through the use section
2Based on Single Motor geared up with an LFP battery (51kWh) with 15 years and 200,000 kilometres of driving, utilizing an EU28 common power combine
3Based on Single Motor geared up with an LFP battery (51kWh) with 15 years and 200,000 kilometres of driving, utilizing an EU28 common power combine
4Based on Single Motor geared up with an LFP battery (51kWh) with 15 years and 200,000 kilometres of driving, utilizing an EU28 common power combine
Volvo Cars has partnered up with Breathe Battery Technologies (Breathe), turning into the primary automobile firm to get entry to the newest model of its patented, algorithm-enabled charging software program to be used on our new-generation totally electrical vehicles.
By integrating Breathe’s software program in Volvo Cars in-house-developed battery administration platform to optimise and enhance the efficiency of our charging know-how, we are able to present Volvo clients with even sooner charging occasions and an enhanced general driving and charging expertise.
We will implement the brand new know-how in our new-generation totally electrical vehicles, the place we anticipate it is going to scale back the time it takes to cost your totally electrical Volvo from 10 to 80 per cent charging state by as a lot as 30 per cent*, whereas sustaining the identical vitality density and vary. Even higher: the charging time enhancements will final throughout the total battery life cycle with out impacting its well being standing.
The collaboration with Breathe is the results of a sourcing settlement for its flagship product, Breathe Charge, and represents the newest funding by the Volvo Cars Tech Fund, our company enterprise capital arm. It displays our ambition to steer the event of premium electrical vehicles and change into a totally electrical automobile maker by 2030.
Sharing our ardour for electrical mobility and pleasant driver experiences, Breathe is a London-based start-up that develops battery administration software program with the intention of contributing to sooner, higher and extra sustainable electrification.
“The investment and commercial partnership with Breathe helps us address a familiar pain point for electric car customers and makes our charging performance even more competitive,” says Ann-Sofie Ekberg, CEO of the Volvo Cars Tech Fund. “Faster charging times, in the range where customers typically fast charge, represent a major step in the right direction as we continue to boost electric mobility and make it available to more people.”
Software-defined batteries Unlike conventional stepped charging, which depends on pre-determined guidelines, Breathe’s software program makes use of adaptive charging to dynamically management the battery in actual time, leading to considerably shorter charging occasions.
Using algorithms, the software program manages the charging course of in keeping with the battery’s well being to ship the perfect driver expertise whereas avoiding the danger of lithium plating, which may hurt the battery’s efficiency and lifespan.
Our funding in Breathe helps place us for an all-electric future, but it surely additionally suits with our ambitions of reaching web zero greenhouse fuel emissions and turning into a round enterprise by 2040. While lowering charging occasions for our vehicles, the know-how achieves this with out the necessity to change battery pack design or mine additional supplies, with out extra environmental impacts.
Also, since it’s totally suitable with the {hardware} utilized in our new-generation totally electrical vehicles, scaling will likely be straightforward as a result of we anticipate our electrical gross sales to extend considerably within the coming years.
“We’re very pleased with this investment and sourcing agreement with Volvo Cars, and support their exciting journey towards full electrification,” says Dr Ian Campbell, CEO of Breathe Battery Technologies. “Deploying our technology at scale on Volvo’s next-generation EV platform opens doors to innovative car designs and performance improvements. We share a profound passion for electric mobility, and convenient, fast charging is one of the cornerstone enablers for the future we strive towards.”
The Volvo Cars Tech Fund was established in 2018 to put money into firms and know-how areas that remodel the automotive trade, akin to electrification, AI, autonomous driving, sustainability and digital commerce. The Tech Fund makes strategic investments to assist start-ups thrive and collectively speed up the transformation of the worldwide mobility trade.
*Different battery packs will end in various charging occasions. Testing indicated cost time enhancements starting from 15-30%.
• Robert Deane joins Volvo Car UK as Commercial Operations Director
• Deane’s intensive automotive sector expertise will help the corporate’s direct-to-consumer (D2C) gross sales technique, strengthening its shopper and retailer relationships
Volvo Car UK is happy to announce the appointment of Robert Deane as its new Commercial Operations Director.
Deane joins the corporate with intensive expertise in senior positions within the automotive sector. Most just lately he was Commercial Director – International Markets on the electrical bike firm LiveWire and Director of Sales Planning and Network Development for the EMEA areas at Harley-Davidson. His expertise additionally covers time throughout Jaguar Land Rover, Volkswagen Group UK and PSA Peugeot Citroën, based mostly each within the UK and in China.
He took up his new function on 4 March, succeeding Nicole Melillo Shaw, who was appointed Managing Director of Volvo Car UK in November 2023.
Speaking about his new function, Deane stated: “We are in a fast-changing business landscape where we need to be able to do more than simply offer great products and meet consumer expectations. As well as making the consumer experience as smooth, straightforward and reassuring as possible, we have to strengthen and maintain mutually rewarding relationships with retailers as we develop our D2C sales strategy – this is something I am very passionate about. I’m delighted to be joining at this exciting time and am looking forward to this new chapter with Volvo.”
Welcoming Deane to the corporate, Nicole Melillo Shaw stated: “I am delighted with Robert’s appointment. His experience in leading the transition to a direct-to-consumer model, coupled with his longevity within the automotive sector, will help us to enhance our consumer journey and retailer relationships. These will ultimately drive further growth for our brand.”
Volvo Cars studies gross sales of fifty,315 vehicles in February, a decline of two per cent in comparison with the identical month final yr. The principal cause for the decline is the timing of the Lunar New Year in China.
In February, Volvo Cars achieved its highest-ever share of electrified fashions – each in totally electrical in addition to in plug-in hybrids and totally electrical mixed. This was primarily pushed by the ramp-up of the corporate’s new totally electrical small SUV, the EX30.Fully electrical vehicles constituted 22 per cent of all vehicles offered globally through the month, whereas the mixed gross sales of totally electrical vehicles and plug-in hybridsaccounted for 44 per cent.
Sales in Europe remained robust and grew 26 per cent in comparison with February 2023, reaching 26, 773 vehicles. Sales of vehicles with a totally electrical or plug-in hybrid powertrain elevated with 18 per cent, whereas gross sales of totally electrical vehicles elevated by 31 per cent, in comparison with February final yr.
In China, gross sales reached 7,911 vehicles, a lower of 39 per cent in comparison with February 2023. The cause for the decline was as a result of timing of the Lunar New Year, which primarily befell through the month of February.
Our gross sales within the US reached 7,920 vehicles, a lower of seven per cent in comparison with final yr. Sales of vehicles with a totally electrical or plug-in hybrid powertrain grew by 6 per cent in comparison with February 2023, and accounted for 32 per cent of all vehicles offered within the US.
In December 2023, Volvo Cars launched its newest addition to the totally electrical household, the EX30. During the primary two months of 2024, a complete of 5,863 vehicles have been offered. Deliveries to clients have began in Europe, Japan and Brazil with extra markets following the approaching weeks.
For February, the Volvo XC60 remained the top-selling mannequin with gross sales reaching 16,026 vehicles (2023:16,103 vehicles), adopted by the XC40 with whole gross sales of 13,193 vehicles (2023: 15,435 vehicles), and XC90 at 7,299 vehicles (2023: 7,120 vehicles).
With Volvo increasing its lineup lately, the portfolio is turning into a bit complicated. But the Swedish model has an answer. Going ahead, its absolutely electrical and plug-in hybrid fashions will now not be known as “Recharge.” The firm is streamlining its nomenclature to make it simpler for patrons to grasp.
As a outcome, the XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge at the moment are known as the EX40 and EC40, respectively. These be a part of Volvo’s different EVs, together with the smaller EX30 crossover, the full-size EX90 SUV, and the China-only EM90 minivan. Simultaneously, plug-in hybrids just like the XC60 Recharge, S60 Recharge, and others undertake the “T6” or “T8” suffix, relying on the mixed output. This designation was beforehand used for gasoline fashions however is being repurposed as Volvo transitions to a completely electrical lineup by 2030.
Volvo Cars is streamlining and standardising its mannequin names for totally electrical vehicles, consistent with our ongoing transformation in the direction of turning into a completely electrical automotive maker by 2030.
The totally electrical XC40 Recharge and C40 Recharge fashions are renamed to EX40 and EC40 respectively, now seamlessly becoming in with our different totally electrical fashions: the EX30, EX90 and EM90. The XC40 title stays for inside combustion-powered variants of the mannequin.
The transfer displays our transformation in the direction of turning into a completely electrical automotive producer. In 2023, totally electrical vehicles represented 16 per cent of our international gross sales volumes, a rise of 70 per cent versus 2022. The EX30, EX90 and EM90 will all hit the street this yr and produce the variety of totally electrical fashions in our product portfolio to 5, with a number of extra new fashions to come back.
The replace additionally contains the removing of Recharge badging from our plug-in hybrid fashions, which are actually denoted just by the T6 or T8 suffix indicating completely different ranges of energy output.
The new and streamlined mannequin title customary makes it even simpler for present and new clients to know which of our fashions are totally electrical and that are hybrids, as they store for a brand new Volvo automotive.
“By aligning our trailblazing first electric models with the rest of our electric car portfolio, we simplify choice for consumers as we continue to electrify our line-up and refresh our hybrids,” says Björn Annwall, our Chief Commercial Officer and Deputy CEO.
We are additionally introducing a brand new Performance software program pack for our EX40 and EC40 Twin Motor variants, and as an improve for the earlier mannequin yr in chosen markets. The Performance software program pack, which will increase energy output by 25kW for quicker acceleration, additionally contains distinctive pedal mapping for faster accelerator response and a novel ‘Performance’ drive mode to unlock the total 325kW.
In accessible markets, the Performance software program might be provided as an elective improve pack through the Volvo Cars app when ordering a brand new automotive, whereas drivers of earlier model-year 2024 C40 and totally electrical XC40 Recharge vehicles should buy and obtain the software program from the consolation of their couch.
We’re additionally investing in enhancements to our hybrid merchandise. B5 mild-hybrid petrol variants of the XC60 and XC90 now make use of a extra environment friendly engine combustion cycle, anticipated to end in CO2 emission reductions and gasoline economic system enhancements of as much as round 4 per cent for the XC60 and round two per cent for the XC90 based mostly on the WLTP cycle*.
Finally, we’re introducing a particular Black Edition of the EX40, EC40 and the XC40 fashions, following the success of our XC60 Black Edition launched final yr. The Black Edition fashions include Onyx Black paint, high-gloss black badging, 20-inch five-spoke alloy wheels in high-gloss black, and the selection between microtech or textile charcoal interiors.
The EC40, EX40 and XC40 are as compelling as ever, with Google built-in and good inside storage – and within the case of the electrical duo, electrical vary of as much as 583 kilometres for the EC40 and as much as 576 kilometres for the EX40**.
The UK-specific product providing might be confirmed at a later date.
First buyer deliveries are anticipated in late Q2 2024.
The small print
*CO2 and gasoline economic system based on the real looking WLTP driving cycle beneath managed situations for a brand new automotive. Real-world gasoline economic system might range. Figures are based mostly on preliminary goal. Final car certification pending.
**Range based on the real looking WLTP driving cycle beneath managed situations for a brand new automotive. Real-world vary might range.
Vehicle specs and the precise buyer provide might range from one nation to a different. Please go to volvocars.com for additional data.
Google, Google Play and Google Maps are emblems of Google LLC.
Irv Gordon’s Volvo P1800S has coated an unimaginable 3,250,257 miles in 52 years, making it the very best mileage automobile on the earth.
The Volvo’s sturdiness and longevity have been largely attributed to its authentic transmission, which survived your entire distance with out breaking down.
Irv’s meticulous upkeep and cautious driving performed an important function in reaching such a excessive mileage, with the automobile requiring minimal repairs throughout the first 500,000 miles of possession.
When you purchase a brand new automobile, it’s solely pure to consider how lengthy you’ll be driving it earlier than it lastly stops, or it turns into time to promote. For some vehicles, this quantity reaches the million miles mark, and consider it or not there are a few cars which have far surpassed even that mammoth mileage.
While there could also be a number of vehicles able to making it to seven-figure miles, there may be all the time one automobile that stands out from the rest and that automobile belonged to a person who lived and breathed driving; Irv Gordon and his Volvo P1800S, overlaying an unlimited 3,250,257 miles.
We’re speaking a mean of over 60,000 miles a 12 months for private use (not enterprise use) for over 50 years. When he purchased the automobile again in 1966, he picked it up on a Friday afternoon and by Monday morning he was again on the dealership for the automobile’s first service at 1,500 miles.
If you are in search of dependable and reliable vehicles that may final you a lifetime, you merely cannot go unsuitable with the fashions on this record
In order to provide the most modern and correct info doable, the info used to compile this text was sourced from numerous producer web sites and different authoritative sources, together with Hagerty, Hemmings, Road and Track, Guinness World Records, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo.
The Three Million Mile Car
A Life Spent Behind The Wheel
Three million miles isn’t any mere feat, particularly for a small sports activities automobile from 1966, however that didn’t cease this Volvo P1800S from ticking alongside mile after mile for 52 years. Its proprietor, Irv Gordon, purchased the automobile when he was 25, paying an entire 12 months’s wage of $4,150 and unknowingly taking step one in what would grow to be a history-making journey.
For the following 5 a long time, Irv drove as a lot as doable, overlaying the equal of 120 laps of the planet or seven spherical journeys to the moon in his little Volvo, breaking and re-breaking his report 3 times to face out because the all-time highest mileage car on the earth. His every day commute to and from his middle-school instructing job was 125 miles, however to hit the large milestone of three million miles he was averaging simply over 170 miles each single day.
In the phrases of Irv himself, there was all the time someplace to go, and the drive was a part of the pleasure of journey for him, so the miles added up pretty simply.
The Car That Drove Three Million Miles
Looking on the Volvo P1800S, you wouldn’t guess that such a modest and compact sports activities automobile was able to the immense feat of reaching over three million miles. However, everything seemed to click when Volvo moved manufacturing to Sweden in 1963.
Originally produced in England, the shift to Sweden to fabricate the 1800S (S indicating the brand new location they selected to construct the vehicles) labored out for Volvo with the sporty 1.8-liter four-cylinder managing to surpass all different vehicles for sturdiness and longevity. Possibly essentially the most spectacular a part of this automobile is the power of the transmission, with the four-speed guide surviving your entire 3,250,000 miles with out breaking down, one thing that’s extraordinary with at the moment’s vehicles.
Bring-A-Trailer
While the engine had a rebuild at 675,000 miles and once more simply shy of three million miles, the engine block itself was nonetheless authentic which supplies credit score to the staff behind the engineering at Volvo. With zero at-fault accidents throughout its lifespan and solely common upkeep work conserving it working for therefore lengthy, it begs the query; was it the automobile or was it the meticulous care of the driving force, Irv?
From low-slung coupes to humble sedans, these high-mileage champions are actually a part of the distinguished one-million-mile membership
Was It Car Or Was It Driver?
The Car
Volvo
With just one Volvo P1800 managing to get such a excessive variety of miles, it makes you surprise if there was one thing distinctive about Irv’s automobile specifically. While typical issues to anticipate from the Volvo are rust, gasoline leaks, and electrical points, this isn’t in any respect stunning and you’ll anticipate these issues to happen in any automobile with excessive mileage.
It’s while you have a look at the numbers that issues get actually spectacular, and partially due to Irv’s strict upkeep schedule. Ensuring he saved his automobile working in addition to when he purchased it, Irv had some guidelines he abided by; no consuming or consuming within the automobile, nobody else was to drive the automobile however him, and (consider it or not) he adopted the service guide’s suggestions for upkeep. 52 years of driving something is spectacular, not to mention a automobile that has traveled to this point, and the numbers are mind-boggling.
Original gearbox and transmission: 3,250,257 miles
Original engine: 675,000 earlier than rebuild
Original clutch: 450,000 miles
130,000 gallons of gasoline
3,714 quarts of oil
928 oil filters
520 spark plugs
180 tires
The Driver
For the primary 500,000 miles of possession, the Volvo P1800S didn’t want a single restore; probably attributable to Irv’s meticulous upkeep and cautious driving. When he booked it in for its first engine rebuild, the Volvo mechanics mentioned it wasn’t wanted as there was nothing unsuitable with it, however within the spirit of preventative upkeep, Irv went forward anyway and gave the automobile one other two million miles of life (earlier than the second engine rebuild).
If there was ever a person destined for driving three million miles, it was Irv; in reality, he drove fairly much more. Volvo gifted Irv two vehicles throughout his record-setting streak; a 780 Bertone coupe in 1987 when he hit a million miles, which he drove for 450,000 miles earlier than promoting, and a totally loaded C70 coupe in 2002 when he hit two million miles, which he then put a tidy 130,000 miles on. In whole Irv drove Volvo’s for simply shy of 4 million miles, so he was all the time going to be setting a report a technique or one other.
Over his P1800S’ 3,250,000 miles (and alter), Irv would have burned via over 130,000 gallons of gasoline on the modest 25 miles per gallon he squeezed out of the Volvo, however this implies for a automobile that he paid simply over $4,000 for in 1966, he would have spent round $187,000 on gasoline throughout the 52 years he drove his P1800S (based mostly on historical gas prices).
While not all Mercs are created equal, this is why these fashions earned a fame for being a number of the hardest vehicles to put on the three-pointed star
The Mercedes Mileage Machine (In Second Place)
The 240D, Mercedes-Benz’s Crown Jewel
Wikimedia Commons
Unlike the Volvo P1800S, the second-highest mileage of all time is held by a taxi driver whose automobile was used totally for enterprise, a 1976 Mercedes-Benz 240D by a person named Gregorios Sachinidis who drove 2,850,000 miles. Mercedes-Benz is thought for making vehicles that can fortunately keep on the street deep into the tons of of 1000’s of miles, with multiple models hitting the million-mile mark.
Gregorios’ 240D isn’t even the one one to go a million. One factor that holds true throughout these fashions is that hitting giant milestones appears very simple; sustain with oil adjustments and upkeep and Mercedes-Benz’s wonderful engineering does the remainder.
Performance Specifications
Engine
2.4-Liter diesel inline-four
Transmission
4-speed guide or automated
Horsepower
64
Torque
101 Pound-feet
Driveline
Rear-wheel-drive
Top Speed
86 MPH
(Data was collected from Mercedes-Benz)
Where Is It Now?
Mercedes-Benz
After reaching such a major milestone in simply 28 years in comparison with Irv Gordon’s 52 in his Volvo, you’ll assume Gregorios could be on observe to far surpass the report (though it could be a separate report as it’s enterprise mileage). However, in recognition of his achievement, Gregorios donated his Mercedes-Benz 240D to show within the Daimler-Benz museum in Stuttgart, and in return they gifted him a model new C-Class as thanks.
If he had saved driving the automobile at 100,000 miles a 12 months, the odometer could be nearly to hit the 5 million miles mark, assuming it was nonetheless working as easily because it had for its 28 years on the street.
Another spectacular instance of Mercedes engineering is Magnus Sæle’s 1991 E-Class W124 which clocked up 2.1 million miles throughout his taxi driving profession. However, at 86 years of age, he’s having fun with not having to drive round fairly as a lot as previously and his W124 is displaying indicators of its age and distance with some rust harm and put on and tear slowing it down in recent times.
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Can Anyone Surpass The P1800S?
Since setting his information, nobody has come near overtaking Irv Gordon for non-business miles, and as time passes the chance decreases as vehicles grow to be extra complicated and replaceable. While some vehicles have raced to the million miles mark, few have managed to maintain up with the calls for that placed on a automobile and it begs the query of whether or not it’s even doable to exceed the report.
This is even additional put into query as electrical vehicles enhance in reputation, whereas some fashions ought to last more than 300,000 miles, nobody is admittedly positive how lengthy they will hold driving. Some of the million-mile vehicles have additionally had vital work achieved, just like the 1.5 million-mile Tacoma which had the engine and transmission totally changed, so like Theseus’ ship; is it nonetheless the identical automobile? Should having a inventory engine or inventory physique be the qualifier?
However you resolve to measure the very best mileage automobile on the earth, it’s clear that Irv Gordon’s spectacular Guinness report goes to face for a few years and he leaves behind an unimaginable legacy of driving and a terrific instance of how taking care of your automobile can pay you again tenfold.
While Irv was a person devoted to his automobile and the enjoyment of driving (he sadly passed in 2018), his spectacular odometer report begs the query; was it the person, or was it the automobile? With the next-best automobiles coming in at 2.8 and a couple of.1 million miles, there’s one thing in Irv’s report that stands out from the remainder.
Another issue to contemplate is that Irv set his report initially in 1998 and re-set it once more in 2014, but since then nobody has topped it and even surpassed the three million miles mark. Ten years on from setting such a powerful report, we’re taking a deep dive into the person, the parable, the automobile legend, and his excellent Volvo P1800S.
Unlock Your Automotive Passion and Explore the Road Ahead
