Latest news with #VolvoCars'
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Volvo Cars CEO: dual tech for China and the West is new trade reality
Volvo Cars will develop different technologies for products offered to Chinese and Western customers as trade becomes more fragmented, said CEO Håkan Samuelsson on Monday. 'It's our target now to have two versions of software and silicon components, the computer in the car,' he told Euronews at the EVS38 symposium in Gothenburg, Sweden. 'We need to have a Western version and a Chinese version. That's something we just need to live with and adapt to.' Volvo Cars has been headquartered in Gothenburg since its creation in 1927, although the firm has been majority owned by China's Geely Holding Group since 2010. If efforts weren't made to tailor products to different markets, the firm's Chinese R&D could complicate exports to the US, especially as Washington seeks to distance itself from Chinese tech. In January, the Biden administration finalised a rule banning smart cars from China and Russia over concerns linked to potential US data leaks. Some feared that these cars could also be used by foreign states to interfere with the US electric grid or other critical infrastructure. 'We don't see any risk … that we will be using Chinese technology in the US. That will not happen,' said Samuelsson. Related European shares show slight rise despite Iran-Israel crisis, while oil stays high A focus on China and the US In this year's first quarter earnings report, Volvo Cars reported a drop in profits, which it partly blamed on the 'current turbulence in the broader world economy'. New US tariffs of 25% on foreign cars and car parts are notably causing a headache for the firm, dampening consumer appetite as well as raising import costs. In the report, Volvo Cars announced an action plan to improve profitability, 'focusing on the US and China markets, as priorities'. Samuelsson told Euronews on Monday that he wanted to change the firm's approach to the Chinese market, tailoring it to local demands. 'We need to listen more to the local people in the region and adapt to local habits and tastes — and perhaps also have some special cars for the Chinese market,' he said. Related How is the European auto industry responding to Trump's tariffs? Volvo Cars announces that it will be slashing 3,000 jobs to cut costs Samuelsson pointed to the new XC70, an extended-range plug-in hybrid recently announced for Chinese customers, aimed at pulling market share away from competitors like BYD. Volvo Cars' retail sales decreased by 12% year-on-year in China in the first quarter, with electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids accounting for 10% of this total. In the US, Volvo Cars' sales jumped by 8% — potentially linked to tariff frontloading — with electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids making up 28% of that total. Tech restrictions in Europe Although the firm has signalled a desire to focus more on US and Chinese customers, Volvo Cars still relies heavily on the European market. The region represented nearly half of its total sales for 2024, as well as the same proportion of sales in Q1 2025. When it comes to manufacturing these vehicles, some are made on Belgian and Swedish sites, while others are made in China and shipped to Europe. This means that — on certain vehicles — Volvo is exposed to EU duties, introduced last year in response to alleged unfair subsidies from Beijing. 'Tariffs are not going to help the European industry to be more competitive long-term,' said Samuelsson. 'We should have an attitude of free trade and free competition…but realistically that will not happen. I think we're going into a more regional world.' Related Airbus pledges higher dividends as it confirms financial guidance A recent action plan published by the European Commission suggested that Chinese carmakers operating in the EU may be obliged to enter joint ventures with European companies or license parts of their technology. Asked how Volvo Cars would be affected given its ties with Geely, Samuelsson suggested the firm would be untouched, underlining that a significant amount of development is still happening in Europe. 'I don't see any problems with the Chinese technology in our cars in this respect…the software products in the car are to a large extent adapted and developed by Volvo,' he said. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
NDTV
7 days ago
- Automotive
- NDTV
2025 Volvo XC60 Facelift To Launch In India On August 1
Volvo took the wraps off the 2025 Volvo XC60 in February this year. However, the brand has pushed the official launch date for a few months now. However, now the Volvo XC60 is scheduled for the launch on 1st August, 2025. Recently, Volvo recorded sales of over 2.7 million units of the XC60, surpassing the Volvo 240 as the best-selling Volvo model ever. Since its debut in 2008, Volvo Cars' mid-size SUV has remained a favourite among customers. 2025 Volvo XC60: Exterior Updates The 2025 Volvo XC60 carries the same silhouette as the present model. However, it does get a bunch of design tweaks like a newly designed grille with diagonal slats and redesigned air vents on the rear, taillamps with smoked-out effects, and newly designed alloy wheels. 2025 Volvo XC60: Interior Updates The 2025 Volvo XC60 will get a bigger 11.6-inch freestanding infotainment screen with a new UX and OTA updates. A refreshed upholstery and cabin can be expected for the facelifted Volvo XC60. However, it retains the Bowers & Wilkins High Fidelity audio system and other major interior elements. 2025 Volvo XC60 Facelift Interior 2025 Volvo XC60: Engine And Powertrain The 2025 iteration of the Volvo XC60 is liley to carry the same engine as its present model. It will get a 2.0-litre twin-turbo petrol engine, paired with an 8-speed automatic gearbox. It is capable of delivering 250 hp of maximum power and 360 Nm of peak torque.
Straits Times
27-06-2025
- Automotive
- Straits Times
Car review: Volvo XC60 T8 is a plug-and-play driving sensation
Understated beefcake: The XC60 T8 packs 455hp and 709Nm of torque to send it to 100kmh in 4.9 seconds. ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG SINGAPORE – Singapore is particularly suited to electric vehicles (EVs) for well-known reasons – the same ones that make it rather ideal for plug-in hybrid vehicles too. The city-state is compact, and the average motorist here clocks no more than 50km a day. Singapore is pretty built-up and, hence, road speeds are quite low. The Government is also growing the charging network ambitiously, aiming for 60,000 chargers by 2030. Plug-in hybrids are cars with an engine and a motor. The motor is powered by a battery that is recharged by an external power source. If fully charged, most modern plug-in hybrids can be driven for a day almost entirely in electric-only mode in Singapore. These include the just-released Volvo XC60 T8 plug-in hybrid. The car is powered by a 2-litre turbocharged engine driving the front axle and a powerful motor driving the rear. The rear motor is fed by an 18.8kWh battery. Combined, the engine and motor produce 455hp and 709Nm of torque, endowing the XC60 with the attributes of a sports car. Standstill to 100kmh is accomplished in a blistering 4.9 seconds, while top speed is artificially limited to 180kmh to be in line with Volvo Cars' zero-fatality aim. The car's four-cylinder engine kicks in seamlessly and makes a stirring, growling sound not dissimilar to that of power plants from Milan or Bologna. And you get to enjoy this aural delight at low engine speeds too. This is a stark difference from the Volvo S60 T8 plug-in hybrid test-driven in August 2020. The S60 T8 – which was supercharged, turbocharged and electrically assisted – did not feel as quick as its 4.4-second century sprint suggested, and it was largely devoid of sound and fury. In the XC60 T8, the engine and motor work beautifully together to make response as instantaneous as an electric vehicle's (EV), and acceleration as tireless as a beefy V8's. The car's maximum torque of 709Nm is attained from 3,000rpm to 4,800rpm, which is a narrower peak band than non-hybrids, but wider than many EVs'. Compact conqueror: The car's turbocharged 2-litre engine is paired with a punchy rear-mounted electric motor. ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG There is sufficient shove in any speed. Actually, there is sufficient shove even when the car is driven with its battery depleted (three days out of a four-day test drive). When the battery is not depleted, the test car consumes as little as 5.3 litres/100km. The four-day average works out to 6.9 litres/100km. This could potentially worsen if you continue to drive the car without recharging the battery. Volvo states that the car consumes 1.3 litres/100km and 21.2kWh/100km. This is provided the battery is never allowed to go empty and the car is driven with a relatively light foot, so that its engine is rarely called into service. In this best-case scenario, the XC60 T8, with its 71-litre fuel tank, would pull into a petrol station no more than four times a year – assuming it clocks no more than 50km a day like the average car here. But that is not the way to enjoy this delicious Volvo. Despite its green credentials, the XC60 T8 is really one of the most engaging and entertaining cars to be had. Electric assistance has made this 2-litre four-cylinder feel and sound like a low-key V8, with a generous helping of soul and substance. To drive it purely for efficiency would be a sin. Fashionable fascia: The cockpit is stylish and functional, and keeps up with the look and feel of latter-day Volvos. ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG That said, to get the best out of its performance requires its battery to be charged. With an empty battery, the car is but a front-wheel drive, albeit still a pretty sporty one. With a low charging speed of 6.4kW (AC), the Volvo can use a home charger or most public ones. A full charge from empty takes three hours. Elsewhere, the 4,708mm-long, 1,999mm-wide and 1,651mm-tall XC60 T8 is functionally similar to the first facelift of the second-generation car that was reviewed here in 2021. But being a plug-in hybrid, it is around 250kg heavier, at 2,150kg. This makes it 500kg heftier than the Toyota Harrier, which is close to its size. The Volvo has a relatively long wheelbase of 2,865mm. When combined with ample foot recesses under the front seats, it translates to plenty of legroom. Volvo could, however, have taken pains to conceal wirings under the front seats. The car's 598-litre boot will accommodate a bi-fold bicycle with the handlebar intact. Best for two: The second row is adequately roomy, but the centre occupant has noticeably less legroom. ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG Cosmetically, the car has the new criss-cross grille seen on the XC90, and darkened rear lights. Inside, the cockpit shows off styling seen in the electric EX30. Compared with the 2021 car, it has a bigger and faster 11.2-inch infotainment touchscreen, a Harman Kardon hi-fi as standard fare and more soundproofing on its A and B pillars. Android Auto requires cable connection, while Apple CarPlay and phone-charging are wireless. You can stream music from your Android phone wirelessly, but reconnection is not automatic. The cabin is surprisingly well insulated against solar heat, and front seats are equipped with ventilation to augment an already powerful air-conditioner . Space to spare: The boot of the XC60 T8 is huge for a car of its size. ST PHOTO: CHONG JUN LIANG The car rides on 20-inch wheels with low-profile tyres, which are eminently suited to its sporty demeanour. It handles superbly for a sport utility vehicle with a 21cm ground clearance, with a ride quality which is decidedly firm but not uncomfortable. While Singapore may be well suited to plug-in hybrids for the reasons cited at the start of this article, the XC6 0 T8's success here may well lie in its appeal to folks who love brawny, fast cars which look understated. Volvo XC60 T8 PHEV Price: $345,000 with COE, before applicable discounts Engine: 1,969cc 16-valve inline-4 turbocharged with 145hp motor and 18.8kWh battery Transmission: Eight-speed automatic Power: 455hp at 6,000rpm Torque: 709Nm at 3,000-4,800rpm 0-100kmh: 4.9 seconds Top speed: 180kmh (electronically limited) Fuel/power consumption: 1.3 litres/21.2kWh per 100km Charging capacity: 6.4kW (AC) Agent: Wearnes Automotive Rating: ★★★☆☆ Comparable considerations Audi Q5 S-Line 40 TFSI quattro ($353,999 with COE) The Q5 is a competent mid-sized crossover. It is so competent that Porsche uses its platform to build its Macan. A plug-in variant is not available here, but this all-wheel-drive variant matches the XC60 T8's price, though not its performance nor efficiency. It is fairly spacious, but not as spacious as the Volvo. BMW X3 20xDrive M Sport ($358,888 with COE) The X3 is another compact all-wheel-drive crossover that is in the price range of the XC60 T8. But it does not compare well against the Volvo in almost every other aspect. Like Audi, a plug-in hybrid variant is currently unavailable here. Kia Sorento Hybrid SX Tech Pack ($282,999 with COE) The Sorento offers unbeatable bang for the buck. It is a hybrid, but not a plug-in hybrid. This means the car recaptures energy to keep its battery charged. Its tested fuel consumption is better than the XC60 T8's at 6.3 litres/100km. With a 67-litre fuel tank, its range is better than the Volvo's (on a non-stop journey). The Sorento is slightly larger and has three rows of seats, although the last row is best for small children. It is not as fun as the XC60 T8, but shines in the practicality department. Follow Christopher Tan on Instagram @ Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
NDTV
25-06-2025
- Automotive
- NDTV
Volvo XC60 Becomes Brand's Best-Selling Model; Over 2.7 Million Units Sold
Volvo has recorded sales of over 2.7 million units of the XC60, surpassing the Volvo 240 as the best-selling Volvo model ever. Since its debut in 2008, Volvo Cars' mid-size SUV has remained a favourite among customers, appealing to a wide range of drivers who value safety, quality, and a premium driving experience. In 2018, it was named World Car of the Year. Sussanne Hagglund, Head of Global Offer at Volvo, said- "Growing up in Sweden in the 1980s, the Volvo 240 was the iconic family car - you could spot one in almost every driveway. Today, the XC60 has taken over that position in two ways. Not only as the family favourite, but also becoming our all-time top-seller, which is the ultimate proof point of a successful car." Volvo XC60 interior Jyoti Malhotra, MD, Volvo Car India, commented- "What makes the XC60 so popular has a lot to do with how it seamlessly integrates power with the core value that defines Volvo: safety. For families across India, the XC60 offers that perfect blend of Scandinavian design, SUV practicality, and, most importantly, the unparalleled peace of mind that comes with driving a Volvo car. It's a confident and well-built package designed to showcase power and protect people". The brand claims that the Volvo XC60 has continued to introduce numerous advanced safety technologies, such as City Safety - the world's first standard low-speed automatic emergency braking system designed to help avoid or mitigate a collision at speeds up to 30 km/h. Launched in 2008, this feature has since become commonplace on new cars around the world. The Volvo XC60 gets a 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol engine with a mild-hybrid system, which delivers a peak power and torque output of 250 hp and 360 Nm. It can sprint from 0-100 kmph in just 6.9 seconds and boasts a top speed of 180 km/h.
New Straits Times
25-06-2025
- Automotive
- New Straits Times
XC60 overtakes iconic 240 as Volvo's best-selling model
VOLVO XC60 has surpassed the iconic Volvo 240 as the best-selling Volvo model ever, with more than 2.7 million cars sold. Since its debut in 2008, Volvo Cars' mid-size SUV has remained a favourite among customers, appealing to a wide range of drivers who value safety, quality and a premium driving experience. Initially built exclusively in Europe, the XC60 later became the first global Volvo model to also be produced in China, supporting local sales. In 2018, it was named World Car of the Year. The current generation XC60 introduced plug-in hybrid drivetrains to a broader audience, and it was the best-selling plug-in hybrid in Europe last year. "Growing up in Sweden in the 1980s, the Volvo 240 was the iconic family car - you could spot one in almost every driveway," said Susanne Hägglund, head of global offer at Volvo. "Today the XC60 has taken over that position in two ways. Not only as the family favourite, but also becoming our all-time top-seller, which in itself is the ultimate proof point of a successful car." The perfect family car The XC60 is the ideal all-rounder for families, effortlessly combining cutting-edge safety features, Scandinavian design and SUV practicality into one confident package. It has rightfully earned its position as a cornerstone in Volvo Cars' proud tradition of building cars that families trust. For years, the Volvo 240 estate was the most popular choice for families all over the world, loved for its safety qualities and fine driving characteristics. In many people's eyes, it defined what an estate car should be. Today, the SUV has replaced the estate as the obvious family pick, and the XC60's new status as Volvo's best-selling model of all time clearly reflects this shift in what customers want and need. Many who grew up with the Volvo 240 are now choosing the XC60 for their own families. And just like the 240 helped shape their childhoods, today's XC60 is creating memories for a new generation. Two cars, one safety heritage When the Volvo 240 was introduced in 1974, it set safety benchmarks that would remain relevant for decades. For its time, it featured an advanced body design with front and rear crumple zones, along with a reinforced passenger compartment. This kind of safety cage continues to protect Volvo occupants on the road today. The 240 was also among the first cars to incorporate enhanced side-impact protection, which later evolved into Volvo's patented Side-Impact Protection System. Additionally, the introduction of the Child Booster Cushion in 1978 marked a world-first innovation. The XC60 has continued to introduce numerous advanced safety technologies, such as City Safety – the world's first standard low-speed automatic emergency braking system designed to help avoid or mitigate a collision at speeds up to 30 km/h. Launched in 2008, this feature has since become commonplace on new cars around the world. In another world-first, the XC60 introduced Oncoming Lane Mitigation in 2017 with a system capable of steering you back into your lane if you drift into oncoming traffic. These innovations have earned the car several independent safety awards. Just as the 240 was at the time, the refreshed Volvo XC60 is one of the safest cars on the road. With its advanced safety cage and the latest active safety and driver support tech, it's designed to help protect you and your passengers.
