Volvo EX30: Is a cheaper Core trim coming?

The United Kingdom has just introduced an oddly priced entry-level Volvo EX30 Core. Coming soon to France?

What is happening at Volvo? There are press releases boasting about unparalleled sales figures, and the reality of registration data reveals a collapse, particularly in France. Should we once again remind that we need to distinguish between sales to dealers… and to customers?

Produced in China, the Volvo EX30 had to raise its prices in the spring to absorb the increase in customs taxes affecting Chinese electric cars. In France, the loss of the environmental bonus of 4000 euros led to a real price increase of 5600 euros. Enough to lose all relevance in the market. But there may be hope.

England as a Trojan Horse?

In our British cousins’ land, the Volvo EX30 finally receives a more affordable entry-level trim. Named Start in France, it is more commonly known as Core elsewhere. But where the surprise is great is that its price is lower than previously announced. That’s not in line with current trends.

Indeed, at the time of its presentation, the Volvo EX30 was promised at 33,795 pounds sterling, or 40,000 euros. The two other trims, Plus and Ultra, were announced at 38,545 and 40,995 pounds sterling… whereas they are now priced at 39,850 and 43,350 pounds sterling respectively. In contrast, the Core version is now available starting at 32,850 pounds sterling (38,900 euros). Everywhere else inflation is present, but not on the entry-level Core version?

You might say that in France, the Volvo EX30 Start is listed from 39,100 euros, a 200 euro difference. Here is the error: in England and the UK, everything is much more expensive than on the continent. Moreover, the exercise of comparing the prices of other Volvos with their French, German, or Italian versions is striking. On some models, the same car can be 20,000 euros more expensive across the channel.

All these signs suggest that a severe price adjustment on the entry-level version of the Volvo EX30 is approaching. Will this be enough to make it relevant again?

What is certain is that this format of car is popular since its clone, the Renault Megane E-Tech, is number 1 in sales in France.

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