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Tag: Volvo cars

  • Volvo Cars Registers 33% Growth in Global Sales

    Volvo Cars Registers 33% Growth in Global Sales

    Volvo Cars has announced a significant surge in sales for the month of June. The company reported selling a total of 66,379 cars worldwide, marking a 33% increase compared to the same period last year. A major contributor to this is the demand for Volvo’s fully electric vehicles, which experienced a fourfold increase in sales compared to June 2022. It’s worth noting that last year’s figures were adversely affected by supply chain constraints, leading to lower production. In June, Recharge models saw a staggering growth of 129%, accounting for an impressive 37% of all Volvo cars sold globally. Among the Recharge models, fully electric cars comprised 14% of the total sales.

    During the first half of this year, Volvo Cars achieved sales of 341,691 cars, representing a notable 17% increase compared to the corresponding period in 2022. A significant contributing factor to this success is the company’s Recharge line-up, consisting of chargeable models with either fully electric or plug-in hybrid powertrains.

    In Europe, Volvo Cars experienced a substantial sales surge of 70% in June, with 27,196 cars sold compared to the previous year. Recharge models accounted for 58% of overall sales in the region. Looking at the cumulative sales for the first half of the year, Volvo Cars witnessed a 23% increase in Europe, reaching a total of 146,943 cars sold.

    Meanwhile, in the United States, Volvo Cars achieved a remarkable 53% increase in sales in June, with a total of 12,933 cars sold compared to the previous year. Recharge models were the driving force behind this growth, with a notable increase of 79%. Consequently, Recharge models accounted for 29% of total sales in the US. During the first half of 2023, Volvo Cars achieved sales of 59,750 units in the US, representing an 18% increase compared to the same period last year.

    However, Volvo Cars faced a slight dip in sales in China, with 15,405 cars sold in June, representing a 7% decrease compared to the same month last year. Despite this decline, Recharge models still held a respectable 8% share of the total sales in the Chinese market.  In terms of individual models, the Volvo XC60 emerged as the top-selling vehicle in June, with a total of 21,053 cars sold. This represents an increase from the previous year when 18,275 units were sold.

    The XC40 followed closely behind, with sales reaching 18,170 cars, the XC90 also maintained a steady performance, with 9,895 cars sold. Volvo Cars’ sales growth, is particularly driven by the soaring demand for its fully electric vehicles.

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  • Volvo Cars India To Expand Benguluru-Based Digital Technology Hub

    Volvo Cars India To Expand Benguluru-Based Digital Technology Hub

    Volvo Cars India is set to expand its Bengaluru-based Digital Technology Hub in the coming months. The company’s India Tech Hub recently moved to a larger office space in Bengaluru. The company plans to hire new employees from the India IT sector to employ 240 people by the end of 2023.

    “Volvo recognizes the vast pool of talent in the country and our Digital Technology Hub leverages the best available, we expect this to be 240 strong in a year’s time. While this hub strengthens our presence in India with the opening of new office space in Bengaluru, it will also contribute to the ever-growing digital needs of Volvo globally more so as Volvo readies itself to showcase and launch cars of the future that have digital technology as their integral part” said Jonas Olsson, Head, Digital Technology Hub.

    Volvo says the Digital Technology Hub is an integrated part of its global delivery setup and aims to leverage the Indian IT industry talent to meet the growing digital needs of the company.

    “The Digital Hub is designed to promote a flexible style of working while encouraging collaboration & innovation.  It can host up to 500 colleagues working in a hybrid work model,” Volvo says.

    The Bengaluru hub will boost the company’s capabilities in software engineering, data science and analytics, product management and user experience. Volvo says that future models from the company will also benefit from the developments from the hub.

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  • Volvo Cars Reports 29.1% Sales Growth In The First Two Months Of 2021

    Volvo Cars Reports 29.1% Sales Growth In The First Two Months Of 2021

    Volvo Cars’ global sales performance remained strong in February after the company posted a 29.1 percent growth for the first two months of the year, compared with the same period last year. Total sales during the period amounted to 110,383 cars as US, Europe and China reported a growth in volumes. The sales increase was driven by an ongoing recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic in China compared to last year, a solid performance on the US market, and increased sales in Sweden.

    For the month of February, Volvo Cars sold a total of 50,795 cars, up 27.8 percent compared to the same month last year and the company’s best February sales performance ever.

    For the month of February, Volvo Cars sold a total of 50,795 cars, up 27.8 percent compared to the same month last year

    Its Recharge line-up of chargeable models, with a fully electric or plug-in hybrid powertrain, continued to grow in popularity among customers and accounted for 26.6 percent of all Volvo cars sold globally in February. In Europe, Recharge cars represented 44 percent of the overall sales volume.

    In China, Volvo Cars sold 29,243 cars in the first two months, up 160.6 percent year-on-year, as the company managed to more than recover lost sales due to Covid-19 shutdowns last year.

    US sales continued to grow year-on-year and reached 17,315 cars in January and February, up 23.7 percent compared with the same period last year. The strong increase was led by the brand’s premium SUVs which accounted for 80 percent of total sales. The company’s European sales grew 5.5 percent in the first two months of 2021 to 48,784 cars, compared to the same period last year, driven mainly by increased sales in Sweden.

  • Volvo Cars Initiates First Ever Over-The-Air Software Update On XC40 Recharge

    Volvo Cars Initiates First Ever Over-The-Air Software Update On XC40 Recharge

    Volvo Cars is rolling out its first ever over-the-air (OTA) software update on the XC40 Recharge, the company’s first fully electric car. Starting soon, XC40 Recharge drivers in Europe will receive a range of updates, including new features, bug fixes and stability improvements to the car’s infotainment and propulsion systems. The introduction of OTA updates means that customers no longer have to visit a workshop in order to enjoy the latest software and new, updated features on their electric Volvo.

    It also means that a new Volvo is no longer at its finest when it leaves the factory, but keeps improving over time as additional OTA updates are launched.

    The update is available automatically and XC40 Recharge drivers only have to accept the download and installation.

    “The benefits of over-the-air updates are obvious,” said Henrik Green, chief technology officer. “Yesterday you still had to drive to the workshop in order to get the latest updates to your car. Today you simply click OK and your electric Volvo takes care of the rest. It couldn’t be easier.”

    Features included in this latest software update are a new base software for the car’s main electronic systems, an increase in charging speed and an improved driving range.

    There are also updates to the Android Automotive operating system that powers the car’s infotainment system, as well as an important safety-related propulsion bug fix.

    Finally, the software package also includes updates to a variety of items such as Bluetooth connectivity, climate timers, the car’s digital owner’s manual and the 360-degree camera. The update is available automatically and XC40 Recharge drivers only have to accept the download and installation.

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  • Volvo Cars To Produce Electric Motors In Skovde, Sweden

    Volvo Cars To Produce Electric Motors In Skovde, Sweden

    Volvo Cars will assemble electric motors at its powertrain plant in Skovde, Sweden, and plans to establish complete in-house e-motor production by 2025. It will invest 700 million SEK to this end in the coming years. The company is committed to becoming a premium electric car company and aims for its global sales to consist of 50 percent fully electric cars by 2025, with the rest being hybrids.

    Volvo Cars announced earlier this year that it is investing significantly in the in-house design and development of e-motors for the next generation of Volvo cars. With the planned investments in Skovde, it now takes the first steps towards in-house e-motor assembly and manufacturing. In the first stage, the Skovdefacility will assemble e-motors. At a later stage, the company intends to bring the full manufacturing process for e-motors in-house into a facility in Skovde.

    Bringing the development and production of e-motors in-house will allow Volvo Cars engineers to further optimize electric motors and the entire electric driveline in new Volvos. This approach will allow engineers to make further gains in terms of energy efficiency and overall performance.

    Design and development of the company’s electric motors take place in Gothenburg, Sweden, and Shanghai, China. Earlier this year Volvo Cars opened a new electric motor lab in Shanghai, in addition to ongoing e-motor development in Gothenburg, Sweden, and state-of-the-art battery labs in China and Sweden.

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  • Volvo Cars Thailand launches an expansive new warehouse in Thailand

    Volvo Cars Thailand launches an expansive new warehouse in Thailand

    Volvo Cars Thailand officially launches an exciting and innovative new dedicated Volvo warehouse for the first time in Thailand. The “VOLVO CAR THAILAND CENTRAL DISTRIBUTION & TRAINING CENTER” (VCT CDTC) on Bangna-Trad Road Km 23, Samut Prakan Province, spread over an area of 23,331 square meters, is set to become Volvo’s one-stop hub in ASEAN and is the result of an investment of over 1 billion baht. The warehouse can store up to 550 Volvo cars with efficient spare parts management. There is also a comprehensive vehicle condition inspection department with world-class technology ensuring that every Volvo delivered to dealers across the region, and for direct delivery to customers, is in perfect condition. In addition, there is an international training center and a dedicated performance-testing center for the press. This warehouse has been developed to support future growth and expansion for Volvo’s business in Thailand and is in line with Volvo’s strategic plan and vision of becoming a regional leader in the premium car business.

    Mr. Chris Wailes, Managing Director, Volvo Car (Thailand) Limited, said, “Our new Volvo Car Thailand Central Distribution & Training Center, or VCT CDTC warehouse, is specially designed for Volvo Cars Thailand, in collaboration with our partners, the WHA Group. It is equipped with cutting-edge technology to manage warehouse and spare parts stock and has been designed to support our long-term strategic plans for Thailand. Our focus, as always, is on quality; all our new cars undergo a thorough quality check and steps before being delivered to our retailers and customers. This level of care and attention ensures every vehicle that leaves the warehouse is in perfect condition for the customer. We have also planned ahead and installed a new battery charger for recharging cars the electric cars we will be launching next year. We are confident that this new warehouse will play a major role in moving Volvo’s business forward in the future.”

    Volvo Car Thailand Central Distribution & Training Center (VCT CDTC) covers an area of 23,331 square meters, this expansive warehouse has been Built-to-Suit in cooperation with WHA Corporation Public Company Limited. Volvo has a comprehensive warehouse management plan developed to be the center of five key Volvo business units:

    • Distribution Center: a large distribution center equipped with a high-tech management system conveniently located to facilitate easy transportation access and enable Volvo cars to be efficiently delivered to customers and distributors across the region.
    • Pre-Delivery Service (PDS): this service provides Volvo vehicle condition inspection services that meet our stringent world-class standards, with a software station for ensuring that all software and systems are in perfect condition before the car leaves for delivery and is the first of its kind to be launched in Thailand. This dedicated software program has been developed specifically for Volvo cars only, ensuring each and every car that leaves the center is in perfect conditions, this adds an additional level of confidence for distributors and customers across the region.
    • Parts Distribution Center: providing the management and distribution of Volvo car parts and accessories supported by the latest in warehouse technology so as to enhance the efficiency of both before and after-sales services as well as supporting the lifetime warranty for Volvo parts and accessories (Customer Lifetime Parts Warranty).
    • Training Center: the new Volvo mechanic and sales consultant training center, operated by a team of experienced professionals from Volvo Cars (Thailand) Co., Ltd. The training center has been transformed into a modern new workshop under the concept of Volvo Personal Service (VPS) with an atmosphere that is elegant, airy, and resplendent in Scandinavian style, reflecting the aesthetic found at all Volvo car centers throughout the country.
    • Press Car Center: developed specifically for the testing and performance of Volvo cars for the press, all coordinated under the supervision of the PDS Center (Pre-Delivery Service Center) and the Press Car staff, so as to provide Volvo car test drives for the media. With VCT CDTC’s extensive space, there is ample private parking space for the press with a 24-hour a day security system, including a lounge area, and Volvo staff on hand to give professional and informed advice on all cars and services.

    Volvo Cars always prioritize the customer experience and know it is one of the most important factors when it comes to owning a Volvo and as such makes every aspect of Volvo’s operations, from warehouse to showroom, align with this concept.

    “Our goal is to provide a streamlined, efficient, and advanced experience for all our staff whose job it is to coordinate all sectors of our business, including working with all our distributors, customers, and the media. Volvo can clearly see the great potential for current and future growth in the premium car sector in Thailand. The opening of this new and expansive one-stop warehouse is an integral part of Volvo’s vision to become a true leader in the premium vehicle business in this country and is part of our infrastructure plans to make Thailand Volvo’s future business center in the region.” Mr. Chris Wailes added.

  • Volvo Cars Partners With POC To Develop Safer Helmets For Cyclists

    Volvo Cars Partners With POC To Develop Safer Helmets For Cyclists

    Volvo Cars are one of the pioneers in the development of safer modern cars and the Swedish carmaker is now coming up with something innovative to take the safety quotient one step ahead. Volvo is partnering with POC for a series of world’s first crash test of bike helmets against cars in a bid to protect cyclists in case of a collision. Accidents between cars and cyclists often result in severe injuries and even death of the rider. Cyclist detection with full auto brake uses cameras and radars to detect cyclists, warn the driver of an imminent collision and apply the brakes as a precautionary measure.

    The Volvo-POC research project consists of a number of specially designed crash tests at the Volvo Cars safety research facilities in Gothenburg, Sweden and is part of a wider research project to understand the types of long-term injuries sustained by cyclists. Speaking about the new project, Malin Ekholm, head of the Volvo Cars Safety Centre said, “This project with POC is a good example of our pioneering spirit in safety. We often develop new testing methods for challenging traffic scenarios. Our aim is not only to meet legal requirements or pass rating tests. Instead, we go beyond ratings, using real traffic situations to develop technology that further improves safety.”

    Volvo Cars also use the auto brake system with help of cameras and radars to detect cyclists, warn the driver of an imminent collision and apply the brakes as a precautionary measure.

    The tests are based on existing regulatory test procedures for pedestrian head protection. During these tests, POC bike helmets are worn by crash dummy heads mounted on a testing rig, from where they are launched towards different areas of the hood of a static Volvo car, at different speeds and angles for various measurements. The learnings from the research project will help POC make its helmets safer and more protective in the event of a car-bike accident, while the tests will also provide valuable insights and learnings for Volvo Cars into these types of accidents for future development.

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  • Alibaba Announces Smart Mobility Initiatives with Partners

    Alibaba Announces Smart Mobility Initiatives with Partners

    Alibaba Group Holding Limited announced a series of smart mobility initiatives in partnership with auto brands and technology service providers. The announcement was made during The Computing Conference, the company’s largest technology showcase, held over four days in Hangzhou, Alibaba’s home base.

    Partnering with Bosch on Automated Valet Parking

    Alibaba Cloud, the cloud-computing arm of Alibaba Group, and Bosch, a leading global supplier of technology services, announced plans to introduce Automated Valet Parking (AVP) solutions in China. Both parties will work together to enable the infrastructure-based, driverless parking solution. The technology is powered by software in a cloud and it will offer a fully automated valet parking service in the near future.

    As part of the cooperation, Bosch will provide its AVP technology, its experience in systems engineering and its IoT competencies. Alibaba Cloud, meanwhile, will share its technologies and its experience in cloud computing, data analysis and smart mobility. Both parties intend to explore building showcase sites to demonstrate next-generation AVP technology throughout China.The two companies are also committed to exploring future opportunities in connected mobility in China and abroad.

    AVP is an ideal accompaniment to smart cities, an area in which both Bosch and Alibaba aim to become significant players. AVP is also an important milestone on the road to autonomous driving.

    Partnering with Volvo Cars for Car-to-Home AI services

    Alibaba A.I. Labs, the department leading consumer AI product development at Alibaba, announced it is upgrading its auto Artificial Intelligence solution, Tmall Genie Auto, by partnering with Volvo Cars and adding car-to-home AI services. Tmall Genie is an AI-powered smart assistant developed by the Labs. Through the upgraded solution, Volvo Cars drivers with a Tmall Genie-compatible device will be able to monitor and control their smart-home devices from their cars, starting next year. Some of the newly added services include:

    · Running a status check on humidity, temperature, light and air conditioning at home, as well as the on and off status of smart home appliances;

    · Controlling appliance functions, including turning on the heater, air conditioning, door lock and air purifier;

    · Turning on the “home model” when drivers are 10 minutes away from home, which readies smart appliances for your arrival while you’re still in the car.

    Over 90 appliance brands are already in the Tmall Genie ecosystem, enabling over 600 smart home appliances to be easily connected for car-to-home AI services.

    Last June, Alibaba A.I. Labs partnered with Daimler, Audi and Volvo Cars to offer home-tocar AI services through Tmall Genie Auto. The Labs also rolled out in-car AI services by integrating the speech-interaction and Natural Language Processing features of AliGenie, the AI platform behind Tmall Genie. This technology supports voice commands for different tasks, such as identifying nearby attractions and restaurants, booking hotels and movie tickets and ordering to-go boxes by activating the cars’ navigation and infotainment systems.

    Partnering with Ford for New Internet Car

    As part of the strategic cooperation inked last December between Alibaba Group and Ford, the auto brand today confirmed that Ford Kuga SUV customers will be able to order the car which has a 10.4-inch center screen and software powered by AliOS later this year. The debut of this technology in the Kuga marks another milestone in strengthening ties between the two leaders in their respective fields, and highlights the rapid growth of internetconnected cars in China. As of today, there are over 500,000 AliOS – equipped Internet vehicles on the road in China.

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  • Volvo cars plans showroom in Yangon

    Volvo cars plans showroom in Yangon

    Volvo Car Group has appointed RedPlus Auto Co ltd as importer and distributor of Volvo’s cars in Myanmar. RedPlus Auto is a joint venture between UMG Co Ltd – a local company involved in sectors of real estate property, IT and entertainment – and Wai Family Gems Co Ltd.

    RedPlus will be responsible for importing, distribution, sales, marketing, PR and after sales services for Volvo cars in the country.

    “Our new products, the XC90 and S90, which have just been launched, add a distinct modern luxury experience to our brand offer that will be very well appreciated in Myanmar,” said Jari Kohonen, vice president of Volvo Cars, Asia Pacific.

    The development of Volvo Center, a new one-stop facility is planned to complete by September 2016 covering about 22,000 square feet in Yangon with an investment of $1.8 million.

    “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to represent the Volvo brand in Myanmar and are certain that our depth of experience combined with the passion for this brand will stand us in good stead in this partnership,” said Daw Mar Lar Win, managing director of RedPlus Auto Co Ltd.

    The Volvo Centre will be equipped with a five car showroom, a fitting lounge, customer longue and be built to the Volvo Car group’s new retail guidelines.

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