Business 302
Volkswagen launches full-hybrid Golf to rival Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla
In this issue
Business 302
Volkswagen launches full-hybrid Golf to rival Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla
Culture 338
Main suspect in Madeleine McCann case no longer under round-the-clock police surv…
Economy 48
Three Tankers Reportedly Strike Mines in Strait of Hormuz
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Private parking firms face pressure as UK motorists call for fairer rules
Politics 121
Burnham denies stopping ministers from discussing closer EU ties
Sports 295
BMW unveils one-off M3 tribute to late racing driver Alex Zanardi
Technology 351
Cracked Oil Pan Starved and Destroyed a Porsche 911 Flat-Six Engine
Volvo will launch 13 new cars by the end of 2030, split between seven Western-market models and six China-only vehicles, as the Swedish firm regionalises its line-up in response to tariffs and diverging customer preferences.
By Edward Beaumont · 3 min read
Volvo will launch 13 new cars by the end of 2030 in what the Swedish manufacturer describes as the largest and most ambitious range expansion in its 99-year history. The plan splits the line-up into seven new models for Western markets, including the UK, and six vehicles dedicated to China, marking a deliberate shift towards a regionalised product strategy.
The company said the decision to separate its offerings was driven by technology restrictions, trade tariffs and diverging customer preferences, but added that it intends to turn regionalisation into a competitive advantage rather than a defensive necessity. The new cars will be a mix of fully electric vehicles and hybrids, reflecting Volvo's continued investment in both powertrain types.
The seven Western-market models will sit on Volvo's existing SPA2 and SPA3 architectures and use its HuginCore software platform. SPA2 currently underpins the EX90 large SUV and ES90 saloon, while SPA3 is used for the new EX60 SUV. The six Chinese models will be developed in collaboration with parent company Geely and will share platforms and a dedicated Chinese technology stack. Volvo already offers the EM90 MPV as a China-only model.
Volvo said it aims to double its market share in the full battery-electric segment, while also investing in a new third-generation hybrid system for customers still reluctant to go fully electric. The firm recently upgraded its XC90 and XC60 plug-in hybrids with a significantly larger battery, enabling up to 124 miles of range with the engine off — more than any other PHEV on sale.
The new cars will also move Volvo into what it calls the next era of design, with design efforts now led by Thomas Ingenlath, who has returned to the company after running Polestar. Volvo boss Håkan Samuelsson said the firm's showrooms will look very different in 2030, adding that this is its strongest product pipeline ever, tailored to regional needs, and emphasises its ambition to be the leading premium car brand.
Volvo said developing the new models will require less investment than previously because they will be based on existing architectures, which should help its efforts to achieve strong growth and push its EBIT beyond 8%. The company will also introduce a new business model built on simplicity, transparency and precision, including transparent pricing and a line of cars tailored for fast delivery.
Further details of the line-up are expected in a strategy update. The announcement represents a significant bet on regional differentiation at a time when global carmakers are navigating uneven electric-vehicle adoption, shifting trade rules and intensifying competition in China.
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