Major car brand will discontinue diesel models early next year… as it switches to electric vehicles
A MAJOR car brand will stop producing diesel models early next year as it switches to electric vehicles.
Volvo has made the major decision to axe all diesel engines to focus on pure electric and hybrid petrol models.
Drivers will say their last goodbye to the diesel cars in early 2025 as the company confirmed it has stopped investing in combustion engines.
According to , Volvo will produce its last diesel-powered vehicle at the start of 2024 as the brand continues to focus on EVs.
The Swedish firm announced the shocking news at Climate Week NYC in the US.
Volvo CEO Jim Rowan said: “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.”
Volvo becomes one of the first legacy carmakers to turn its back on the diesel for good – with rivals as Audi and Mercedes expected to follow soon.
The brand is the sixteenth most popular car maker in Britain according to new vehicle sales in the first six months of 2023.
Over 24,877 Volvos entered British roads between January and the end of June – which surpasses mainstream carmakers including Mini, Renault, and Citroen.
When the first XC40 Recharge electric vehicle launched in 2019, the majority of Volvo models sold in Europe were only powered by diesel.
But combustible car sales have now plummeted drastically in recent years.
According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Trades, only a 7.8 per cent of new cars sold between January and August were diesel.
The changing market demand, the tighter emission regulations and the brand’s focus on electrification prompted the dramatic decision.
In response, the company said it will launch a new line of EX30 and EX90 fullly electric SUVs in the coming months.
Mr Rowan said: “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.”
It follows a pledge to become a fully electric brand by 2023 and aims to become a climate-neutral company by 2040.
Rowan asked industry and political leaders to deliver “meaningful policies and actions” to combat climate change.
He added: “What the world needs now, at this critical time for our planet and humanity, is leadership.”
The company previously announced its intentions to switch to EV after it axed saloon and estate models from its UK line-up.
Volvo immediately stopped selling the S60 saloon and remaining V60 and V90 estates last monthto focus on its popular SUV range.
It comes as industry giant VW recently announced it will phase out one of its most popular petrol cars as it focuses on producing EVs in the future.
Chief Thomas Schafer confirmed that the company does not plan to develop another internal-combustion-powered model of the legendary Golf.
Meanwhile, an Italian luxury car manufacturer discontinued some of its most popular motors amid a lull in sale as the cost of living crisis bites.
Maserati confirmed that their Quattroporte sedan and V8 Ghibli models will be scrapped at the end of the year.
