Volvo’s last diesel car, the XC90 SUV, rolls off the assembly line on Tuesday at its plant in Torslanda, Sweden.
Only five years ago, diesel-powered cars was the Swedish brand’s best-seller in Europe. But today, most of Volvo Cars sales on the continent are electrified cars (all-electric and hybrid).
Swedish automaker Volvo Cars has finally bid farewell to diesel-powered cars after its last ever example, an XC90 SUV, rolled off the assembly line on Tuesday at its plant in Torslanda, Sweden.
“These events mark a huge milestone in Volvo Cars’ 97-year history,” Volvo Cars said in a statement, entitled ‘Dear diesel, it’s time to say goodbye’.
“With this move, we’re taking a big step towards our ambitions of becoming a fully electric car maker, as well as achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040.
Volvo had on the sidelines of Climate Week NYC in September last year first announced that production of all diesel-powered Volvo models will end by the beginning of 2024.
“In a few months from now, the last diesel-powered Volvo car will have been built, making Volvo Cars one of the first legacy car makers to take this step,” the manufacturer writes.
In Europe, Volvo Cars now primarily sells electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids. Only five years ago, diesel-powered car was Volvo’s best-seller in Europe. But today, most of its sales on the continent are electrified cars.
Last year, Volvo increased its sales of fully electric cars by 70 per cent, and the Swedish brand’s global electric market share rose by 34 per cent.
“For a long time, our diesel engines were synonymous with reliability and efficiency, and they meant a great deal to us for many decades. Indeed, the success of our diesel cars played a significant role in our evolution into a premium brand.”