Volvo Car AB bid adieu to its diesel era as it rolled out its final diesel-powered vehicle, the XC90 SUV, marking a decisive step towards its vision of producing solely electric cars by 2030. The historic moment unfolded at the company’s plant in Torsland, Sweden, on Tuesday night, symbolizing the end of an era and the dawn of a new electric age.
Eric Severinson, Volvo Car’s head of new cars and operational strategy, expressed confidence in the transition, stating, “We are confident that even without diesel, we have very good offers for customers.” This bold move aligns with Volvo’s commitment made in 2017 to shift away from fossil fuel-dependent vehicles, as it seeks to lead the automotive industry into a sustainable future.
While Volvo steers towards electrification, other automakers remain cautiously non-committal regarding phasing out internal combustion engines. Mercedes-Benz Group AG recently revised its sales forecast, reflecting a slower uptake of battery-powered cars than initially anticipated. Similarly, Audi announced reductions in its electric vehicle (EV) lineup late last year.
The decline in demand for diesel vehicles, once heralded as a cleaner alternative, mirrors a broader global shift towards electric mobility. Factors such as Volkswagen AG’s emissions scandal in 2015 and increased competition from EV pioneers like Tesla Inc. have contributed to this transformation. Volvo’s decision to focus on electric propulsion underscores its commitment to sustainability amidst a rapidly evolving automotive landscape.
The XC90, a flagship model pivotal to Volvo’s resurgence since 2014, will find its place in history as the last of its kind. A testament to Volvo’s legacy, the final XC90 will be showcased at the Volvo Museum in Gothenburg, alongside its electric counterpart, the EX90.
Despite challenges in the EV market, Volvo remains steadfast in its commitment to innovation. Severinson emphasized Volvo’s unwavering support for diesel customers while prioritizing the growth potential of electric mobility. “We believe our customers see the transition to green mobility as much as we do,” he affirmed.
As Volvo bids farewell to diesel and embarks on an electric journey, it sets a precedent for the automotive industry, heralding a future where sustainability takes precedence over tradition.
Source: Bloomberg.