Volvo Retires Four Models from UK Dealerships as It Moves Towards All-Electric Line-Up

Swedish car manufacturer Volvo has removed four models from its UK dealerships as it consolidates its line-up in preparation for going all-electric by 2030. The Volvo V60 Cross Country estate, Volvo V90 Cross Country estate, Volvo S90 saloon, and Volvo XC40 Recharge PHEV crossover can no longer be ordered from the factory. The company cited reductions in sales volumes and its electrification programme as the reasons for their retirements.

Sales figures for each model have not been released, but in 2016, the Cross Country version of the Volvo S60 saloon was axed after just 34 sales in its first year on the market. With sales of traditional estates declining due to the rising popularity of SUVs, it remains to be seen whether Volvo will directly replace its estates with electric equivalents and whether any replacement will be sold in Cross Country guise.

Volvo has been tight-lipped on any plans for a potential flagship electric saloon, although the S90’s current position as the firm’s lowest-volume car in Europe suggests it won’t be a priority. A Volvo spokesperson said: “We’re rapidly transforming our product offer, which means not only moving towards full electrification but also shifting to new platforms and technologies across all our cars. We will naturally need to evolve and consolidate our line-up as we prioritise fully electric cars and make this technological transition.”

The XC40 will remain on sale in B3 form, using a 160bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine. The XC40 Recharge, Volvo’s first electric car, will also remain on sale, as will its coupé-backed C40 Recharge sibling.

Volvo’s decision to go all-electric was based on the expectation of legislative changes and the “rapid” expansion of accessible charging infrastructure easing buyers into the acceptance of EVs, the company said. It’s also prioritising online sales: all electric models will eventually be sold online only.

H2: Volvo’s Electrification Programme

Volvo’s decision to retire four low-selling models from its UK dealerships is part of the company’s electrification programme. The Swedish car manufacturer aims to become a fully electric car company by 2030, with the goal of reducing its carbon footprint and contributing to a more sustainable future.

The company’s electrification programme involves shifting to new platforms and technologies across all its cars, as well as prioritising fully electric cars. Volvo’s first electric car, the XC40 Recharge, was launched in 2020, and the company plans to launch several more electric models in the coming years.

H2: Sales Figures and Market Trends

Sales figures for each of the four models retired by Volvo have not been released, but the Cross Country version of the Volvo S60 saloon was axed in 2016 after just 34 sales in its first year on the market. With sales of traditional estates declining due to the rising popularity of SUVs, it remains to be seen whether Volvo will directly replace its estates with electric equivalents and whether any replacement will be sold in Cross Country guise.

H2: Prioritising Online Sales

Volvo is prioritising online sales as part of its electrification programme. All electric models will eventually be sold online only, as the company aims to make the car-buying process more convenient and accessible for customers. This move towards online sales is part of a wider trend in the automotive industry, as more and more customers choose to research and purchase cars online.

H2: Conclusion

Volvo’s decision to retire four low-selling models from its UK dealerships is part of the company’s electrification programme, as it aims to become a fully electric car company by 2030. The company’s decision to prioritise fully electric cars and shift to new platforms and technologies across all its cars is driven by the expectation of legislative changes and the rapid expansion of accessible charging infrastructure. As part of this programme, Volvo is also prioritising online sales, with all electric models eventually being sold online only.