Volvo Says STOP to Diesel

Volvo Cars announces the end of diesel during New York Climate Week. The last diesel car will be produced in early 2024.

In a few months, the last Volvo vehicle powered by a diesel engine will have been built, making Volvo Cars one of the first traditional automakers to take this step. In November 2022, Volvo had already sold its stake in the last diesel engine manufacturing unit at Aurobay. Effective immediately, the R&D budget dedicated to developing new internal combustion engines has been eliminated.

“ Electric powertrains are our future, and superior to combustion engines: they are quieter, produce fewer vibrations, generate lower maintenance costs for our customers, and produce zero emissions, says Jim Rowan, CEO of Volvo Cars. Currently, we are focusing all our efforts on creating a broad portfolio of fully electric, premium vehicles that meet all our customers’ expectations of a Volvo; this is a key project among the measures we are taking to combat climate change. ”

Radical but anticipated decision

Since its acquisition by the Chinese group Geely, owner of brands including Smart, Lynk & Co, and Zeekr, Volvo was the last brand to offer thermal engines. By signing the Glasgow Declaration on Zero Emission Vehicles, the Swedish brand paved the way for this virtuous transition.

The declared goal of Volvo is now that 100% of new vehicles and vans emit no exhaust gases by 2040, and no later than 2035 in key markets. Hybrid petrol engines thus have a temporary reprieve.

This decision to completely eliminate diesel engines by early 2024 illustrates how quickly the automotive sector and consumer demand are evolving. Just four years ago, diesel engines were Volvo’s mainstay in Europe, as was the case for most other European automakers. The trend has largely reversed since then, driven by market demand shifts, stricter emission regulations, and the wide range of electric technologies provided by Geely, the global leader in electric mobility. Now, Volvo mainly sells electric vehicles, with either fully electric or plug-in hybrid powertrains.

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