Volvo introducing PHEVs

Plug-in hybrid options are being introduced by Volvo as it steps up its diesel phase out.

The new S60 mid-size premium sports sedan, Volvo’s first without a diesel option but which includes PHEVs, has been revealed at the company’s first US manufacturing plant in Charleston, South Carolina.

It was combined with the official factory opening.

“The new S60 is one of the most exciting Volvo cars we’ve ever made,” Volvo Cars president and chief executive Hakan Samuelsson says.

“It is a true driver’s car that gives us a strong position in the US and China sedan markets, creating more growth opportunities for Volvo Cars.”

The car is bound for New Zealand in the second half of 2019.

“The striking new S60 will build on the recent successes of the Volvo SUV family, bringing the brand’s uniquely Scandinavian approach to design, intuitive technology, class-leading safety and advanced powertrains to the premium sedan category which will set it apart in one of the industry’s most challenging competitive segments,” Volvo New Zealand general manager Coby Duggan says.

Two turbo-charged and super-charged plug-in hybrid petrol engines will be available in the new S60: Volvo’s T6 Twin Engine AWD plug-in hybrid that generates a combined 340hp, and the T8 Twin Engine AWD plug-in hybrid that delivers 400hp.

Volvo’s proven T5 and T6 petrol engines will be available at launch.

The vehicle also features Volvo’s City Safety package, with autobrake technology which assists the driver in avoiding potential collisions.

Other safety features include run-off road mitigation, oncoming lane mitigation and other steering assistance systems.

Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 4G are also available.

Volvo Cars has committed to putting a million electrified cars on the road by 2025. It aims to have half its sales to be fully electric by then.

Every new Volvo car launched from 2019 will have an electric motor.