Volvo's Future Models Will All Go Hybrid
Volvo is going green in a big way.
The Swedish automaker admitted to Auto Express that the demand for the new XC90 hybrid model has been a surprise, so much so that it now plans on adding hybrid variants to all future models. According to Volvo UK managing director Nick Connor, the company expected a three- to five-percent take rate on the XC90 hybrid but current orders put the hybrid at over 20 percent. In the UK, the XC90 hybrid won’t be arriving until late this year but the model is already sold out well into 2016.
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More importantly, the hybrid variants may not be the range-topping variants on some of the other models in Volvo’s lineup, unlike the XC90. Connor added that low-emissions versions could be available at all price points so that it’s more accessible for the brand’s buyers.
On the other end of the spectrum, Volvo is also looking into expanding Polestar models in its lineup to offer performance variants for those not quite looking to just save gas. “It’s a statement of our engineering prowess,” said Connor. “I would like to see a V40 Polestar – I think there is a clear demand for that. We have seen what Mercedes have done with AMG, but it [the V40] has got to be right and at a price that people can afford to buy.”
[Source: Auto Express]
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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A progressive move, I hope they follow through with their announcement. Every automaker should be offering more hybrid choices. My only gripe is that this should have already started. It just makes no sense to completely use up all the oil before we start to rely on another fuel source which seems to be the way we're going. I think we'd all feel better if we left some oil in the ground and chose to change our habits rather than being forced to, and at the cost of our environment and health.
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