Volvo Cars has announced the production of its last diesel vehicle, signalling a significant transformation in its 97-year journey. This landmark event took place at the company's plants in Ghent, Belgium, and Torslanda, Sweden, where the final diesel models, a V60 and an XC90 respectively, rolled off the assembly line. This momentous change underscores Volvo's commitment to becoming a fully electric car manufacturer and achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.
Volvo's diesel journey began in 1979 with the introduction of the Volvo 244 GL D6, marking the start of diesel's ascent in the European market. The company's diesel innovations continued with the launch of its first self-built diesel engine in 2001 and the introduction of the Drive-E lineup in 2008, featuring efficient 1.6-litre diesel engines. In 2012, Volvo unveiled the V60 D6 plug-in hybrid, the world's first diesel plug-in hybrid, showcasing the brand's engineering prowess. The 2013 launch of the Volvo Engine Architecture (VEA) diesel engine family represented another milestone, further enhancing fuel economy, reducing emissions, and maintaining high output.
Volvo's departure from diesel is emblematic of the broader automotive industry's pivot towards electric vehicles (EVs), driven by stringent emission regulations and growing consumer demand for sustainable transportation. Once the backbone of Volvo's offerings in Europe, diesel engines have given way to electrified models, reflecting a dramatic market transformation. In 2019, diesel vehicles dominated Volvo's European sales, but today, the company's portfolio is predominantly electric, with a 70% increase in sales of fully electric cars and a 34% rise in its global electric market share last year.
While Volvo's future is decidedly electric, the company acknowledges the value of its plug-in hybrid and mild-hybrid models. These vehicles serve as transitional solutions, offering consumers a blend of traditional and electric automotive technologies while the industry and infrastructure fully adapt to electric mobility.
Volvo's transition away from diesel and towards electrification aligns with the global automotive industry's shift towards sustainability and reduced carbon emissions. By focusing on electric vehicles, Volvo not only responds to the evolving market dynamics and regulatory landscape but also demonstrates its commitment to environmental stewardship and innovation.
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