Volvo Plug-in sales UNAFFECTED by higher WLTP emissions

Volvo boss Hakan Samuelsson says Volvo’s sales of plug-in hybrids has been unaffected by new WLTP emission figures, unlike other car makers.

In the run-up to the new WLTP emissions testing coming in to force last September, many car maker removed their plug-in hybrids from sale as they realised the new WLTP testing would push them over the limit for incentives in many markets. But not Volvo.

In fact, despite the new WLTP test results pushing emissions up on Volvo’s plug-ins by around 30 per cent, sales of plug-ins have continued to rise. And that’s because, according to Volvo boss Hakan Samuelsson, buyers of Volvo’s plug-ins – like the XC90, XC60 and the rest of Volvo’s 90 and 60 Series ranges – don’t buy them for their low CO2, but for the extra performance.

That’s a bit of a surprise, but Samuelsson’s assertions seem to be confirmed by sales figures, with Volvo shifting 26,800 plug-ins in Europe in 2018 – up from 16,000 in 2017 – with no discernible drop in sales after the WLTP regulations came in to force in September.

Of course, the fact there’s up to a six month waiting list for plug-in Volvos may mean sales didn’t decline because they were already in the pipeline and buyers simply went ahead despite the changes, but it does appear to show that plug-ins aren’t just bought for tax breaks.

At least at Volvo.

Source: Automotive News