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XC60 Becomes Volvo’s Top Seller

Volvo has a new sales champion. The Swedish automaker’s mid-size SUV, the XC60, has officially earned the title of the best-selling Volvo model in the brand’s history, overtaking the iconic Volvo 240—a name once synonymous with the company’s reputation for durability and safety.

Since its debut in 2008, the XC60 has enjoyed a steady climb in global popularity. Now, 17 years later, with over 2.7 million units sold worldwide, it has surpassed the Volvo 240, which held the crown for decades with 2,685,171 units produced between 1974 and 1993.

The XC60’s journey has been one of both innovation and adaptability. The first-generation model marked a milestone for Volvo as the first car it produced in China, signaling the brand’s expanding global manufacturing strategy. A decade later, the second-generation XC60, launched in 2017, solidified its place in the premium SUV market by winning the prestigious World Car of the Year award in 2018.

Even as competition in the luxury SUV segment intensifies, the XC60 continues to evolve. Most recently, the model received a mid-cycle update for the 2026 model year, featuring subtle exterior refinements, upgraded cabin materials, and Volvo’s latest Google-based multimedia system.

Powertrain options have also kept pace with the times. The current XC60 is offered exclusively with plug-in hybrid variants—the T6 and T8 Recharge—delivering 350 and 455 horsepower, respectively, and offering an impressive electric-only range of up to 81 kilometers in mixed driving conditions.

Production remains rooted in Volvo’s Swedish heritage, with the Torslanda plant continuing to assemble the XC60—just as it did with the last Volvo 240 produced in 1993. Today, production is split between Torslanda and Volvo’s modern facility in Chengdu, China, reflecting the model’s global reach.

In surpassing the Volvo 240, the XC60 not only sets a new benchmark for the brand but also symbolizes the transformation of Volvo from a safety-first stalwart to a tech-savvy, electrification-forward premium automaker. As the industry continues its shift toward electrification and sustainability, the XC60’s blend of Scandinavian design, safety, and plug-in hybrid efficiency ensures it remains a cornerstone of Volvo’s lineup—and a favorite among buyers worldwide.

Source: Volvo

News

Tesla Struggles in Europe as Rivals Gain Ground Amid EV Boom

Tesla is facing a sharp downturn in Europe, with new car registrations falling 27.9 percent in May compared to the same month last year. The figures mark the fifth consecutive month of decline for the American electric vehicle (EV) giant, according to data from the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA).

The decline is particularly striking given the broader market trend: overall electric vehicle sales in Europe surged by 27.2 percent during the same period. While EV adoption is accelerating across the continent, Tesla’s dominance is clearly waning as competition intensifies and consumer sentiment shifts.

At the heart of the issue is the Model Y, once a market leader, which is now struggling to maintain its edge. Despite a recent refresh aimed at reviving interest in Tesla’s lineup, the model no longer commands the same loyalty or appeal. In May, the Model Y was still the top-selling electric car in Europe with 10,357 registrations — but this figure represents less than half of its former performance.

Meanwhile, rivals are closing in fast. Skoda’s newly launched electric SUV, the Elroq, recorded a strong debut with 9,222 registrations in May, underscoring the increasing pressure Tesla faces from both legacy automakers and new Chinese entrants.

Overall, the European car market grew modestly by 1.9 percent in May, with the most significant growth coming from plug-in hybrids and alternative fuel vehicles. Yet, Tesla’s market share fell to just 1.2 percent — a steep drop from 1.8 percent a year ago.

Industry analysts suggest multiple factors are behind Tesla’s slump. Price-sensitive consumers are increasingly turning to more affordable Chinese EVs. At the same time, some buyers are reportedly turning away from the brand in protest over the controversial public persona and political stances of Tesla CEO Elon Musk.

The company’s position in Europe is further complicated by ongoing trade tensions between the EU and China. As traditional manufacturers and emerging brands rapidly expand their EV portfolios, Tesla must now compete on more than just innovation — it must also win back public trust and offer better value in an increasingly crowded market.

While the EV revolution in Europe shows no signs of slowing, Tesla’s role as the segment leader is far from secure.

Source: Reuters

News

Chinese Carmakers Double Market Share in Europe Amid Sales Surge

The surge of Chinese car brands in Europe continues at full throttle, with a record-breaking performance in May that underscores their growing dominance in the region’s automotive market.

According to recent figures published by Automotive News, Chinese car manufacturers have significantly expanded their footprint in Europe. In May 2025, sales soared by an impressive 85 percent compared to the same month last year, reaching a total of 60,215 units. This rapid growth translated into a 5.4 percent market share on the continent—up from just three percent in May 2024 and 4.6 percent in April this year.

This expansion comes against the backdrop of modest overall growth in the European auto market, which rose by 1.3 percent year-on-year to 1,116,095 units sold.

Among the standout performers, BYD (Build Your Dreams) posted the largest absolute sales increase. The Chinese electric vehicle giant sold 13,580 units in May—more than triple its performance from the previous year—driven largely by the success of its Seal U model, which accounted for over 7,000 of those sales.

Meanwhile, Chery led in terms of percentage growth. The company recorded a staggering 900 percent increase in sales, with 7,963 vehicles sold in May, up from just 796 units in the same month last year.

MG Motor, a subsidiary of SAIC, remains the leading Chinese brand in Europe. In May, MG saw a 27 percent increase in sales, totaling 26,855 units. The MG 3 emerged as the most popular model. Over the first five months of 2025, MG sold 126,493 vehicles, followed by BYD with 54,986 units and Chery with 29,539 units.

Chinese manufacturers have also adapted quickly to shifting market dynamics. In response to the European Union’s newly imposed tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, many brands have pivoted toward alternative powertrains. As a result, sales of plug-in hybrid models have surged by 874 percent, while full hybrids recorded a dramatic 991 percent increase. Even sales of traditional gasoline-powered cars grew by 20 percent.

The data reflects a broader trend: Chinese automakers are no longer niche players in Europe. With competitive pricing, an expanding model range, and strategic adaptation to regulatory challenges, they are positioning themselves as serious contenders in the global automotive race.

Source: Automotive News

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