Volvo is looking to diversify its India range with the introduction of hybrid models across all its model lines by 2021. This comes on the back of the encouraging response to the XC90 T8 – Volvo’s first hybrid in India. In fact, we learnt that the SUV has received 50 orders since its launch and deliveries are set to commence from January. The carmaker is confident its hybrid tech is a key differentiator among luxury car rivals.
Volvo has moved to two scalable platforms – the SPA for the 90 series and upcoming 60 series, and the CMA for the smaller next-gen 40 series. This has allowed it to outpace rivals such as Mercedes and BMW, as both platforms have been developed to feature hybrid powertrains from the start.
“We don’t want the XC90 T8 to be the only hybrid car in our portfolio. Our strategy is we want to bring in hybrids on all the cars. All our vehicles based on the SPA and the CMA platforms have possibility of hybrid tech. We are closely monitoring the demand for hybrids and how the sales take off,” Tom Von Bonsdorff, managing director of Volvo Auto India said told Autocar India. The XC90 T8 has performed well, garnering 50 orders since its launch, Bonsdorff said, adding that deliveries are set to commence from January.
The SPA platform features Volvo’s T8 Twin Engine hybrid system with a four-cylinder petrol motor powering the front axle, and electric motors driving the rear wheels. The platform is already in production with the hybrid powertrain, and the next hybrid headed to our shores is likely to be from the 90 series. Volvo could even spring a surprise and bring the V90 estate to India in hybrid form.
Further down the road, when products off the smaller CMA platform make production, three-cylinder petrol-electric hybrids, badged the T5, are also a possibility. Interestingly, the CMA platform supports full electrification too and Volvo is working on an electric car with a range of 350km that could go into production before 2021. The carmaker is also said to be considering the EV for an eventual India launch as well.
Volvo is set to launch the updated V40 siblings along with the sporty-looking XC90 R-Design by the end of 2016.