Tag Archives: Volvo

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Refreshed Volvo XC90

At the 2002 North American International Auto Show Volvo unveiled its mid-size luxury SUV, the XC90. So far, several versions of this model have been presented, as well as a refreshed edition in 2019. Now, another refreshed version has hit the market.

The new XC90 has retained the design of its predecessor with the addition of redesigned “Thor’s Hammer” lights and diagonal slats of the radiator grille. The interior is also slightly improved, with a new 11.2-inch touchscreen instead of the old 9.0-inch one, the operating system has been optimized, the center console provides additional storage space, while the wireless smartphone charger has been relocated. There’s also a new cup holder that can hold thinner cans and bottles firmly, so there’s no more noise from moving around.

When it comes to the powertrain, the B5 and B6 powertrains receive help from a 48-volt electric motor, which in combination with a 2.0-L four-cylinder turbo engine delivers 247 hp and 295 hp, respectively. The hybrid option delivers 455 hp, and power is sent to all wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission in all options. This option reaches 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds, and thanks to the 14.9-kWh battery pack, it has an electric range of 70 kilometers.

The refreshed XC90 has better handling thanks to the optional air suspension, which provides a comfortable and isolated ride, but also coped well with most road situations.

Source: Volvo

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Refreshed Volvo XV90
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Volvo faced the reality

A few years ago, car manufacturers announced that electric cars are the future, and they took big steps towards the electrification of their cars, some even completely removing cars with internal combustion engines from their offer. However, production problems and a drop in demand for EVs showed that everything was too fast. This has prompted some manufacturers to abandon their plans, such as Volvo, which has a new plan. They hope that by the end of the decade, 90 percent of all sales will be electric and hybrid PHEVs.

There are three main reasons for changing the decision and facing reality. First, the Swedish automaker believes that the rate of development of infrastructure for electric cars is slower than expected. The second reason is the abolition or reduction of subsidies for these cars by several countries, and the third reason is attributed to the introduction of very high tariffs for certain markets.

Volvo has announced that it will continue to produce cars with internal combustion engines after 2030, but they will have mild hybrid systems and will be produced in limited series. Also, the plan is for PHEVs and electric cars to account for between 50 and 60 percent of total sales by the end of this year. This target is too ambitious if we consider the sales of the last few months when fully electric cars accounted for only 26 percent of the total sales.

It should be noted that Volvo’s long-term plan is to become completely carbon neutral by 2040.

Source: Volvo

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The Volvo S60 has reached its end

At the beginning of the century, Volvo introduced the compact executive car S60 from which the Swedish manufacturer expected a lot, but in the end got little. After two decades of production, the Volvo S60 is retiring. This is a continuation of the abolition of diesel engines, which was announced last year.

The Volvo S60 has reached its end

While other major manufacturers decided on a gradual transition to fully electric cars by 2030, Volvo chose a radical move in mid-2023. End of production of all diesel models by the beginning of 2024.

“Electric powertrains are our future, and superior to combustion engines: they generate less noise, less vibration, less servicing costs for our customers and zero tailpipe emissions. We’re fully focused on creating a broad portfolio of premium, fully electric cars that deliver on everything our customers expect from a Volvo – and are a key part of our response to climate change,” says Jim Rowan, Chief Executive at Volvo Cars.

The goals that the Volvo S60 was supposed to fulfill were not realized while traditional sedans were still high on the market. Now that demand for SUVs is on the rise, the S60 simply isn’t profitable anymore. Disappointed, Volvo decided to completely remove the S60 from its fleet. The last examples of the S60 will be produced at the US plant in South Carolina by the end of this month. Its replacement will be the all-electric Volvo ES60, but it is currently unknown when it will appear on the market.

Source: Volvo

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The Volvo S60 has reached its end
The Volvo S60 has reached its end