Volvo Car AB produced its last automobile with a diesel engine this week, ending an era for the manufacturer that plans to only make electric vehicles by 2030. The XC90 SUV rolled off the line at the Torslanda plant in Sweden on Tuesday. Volvo is phasing out diesel technology amidst a global shift towards electric vehicles, while still producing cars with gasoline engines.
Erik Severinson, a Volvo Car executive, stated, “We are quite confident that we have very good customer offers even without the diesel.” Other automakers have been noncommittal about phasing out combustion engines. Mercedes-Benz pushed back its EV sales forecast last month, and Audi scaled back its EV rollout late last year.
Volvo Car committed to phasing out fossil fuel-powered vehicles in 2017 and has since introduced hybrid and fully electric models. In Europe, diesel car sales peaked nine years ago and now account for only 14% of new registrations. The XC90 played a key role in Volvo’s revival and will be displayed at a Volvo museum opening next month in Gothenburg.
Diesel, once marketed as a cleaner alternative to gasoline, saw a decline in demand after Volkswagen’s emissions scandal. Volvo will continue to support diesel customers but is focused on expanding its EV lineup for long-term growth. Severinson mentioned, “We believe our customers see the same transition to green mobility as we do.”
Volvo Car’s historic move to cease production of diesel engines marks a significant shift towards electric vehicles in the automotive industry. With global demand for EVs rising, Volvo’s commitment to sustainability and innovation sets a progressive example for the future of mobility.
