This week, Volvo Cars unveiled to daring new concepts that will move the Swedish brand in a very bold, new direction, using this to mark the launch of its new global small car strategy.
The introduction of the 40 series concepts herald in a new direction for Volvo with vehicles that combine bold exterior and interior design with industry-leading connectivity, electrification and autonomous driving technologies.
Volvo’s new Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform will enable designers and engineers to explore new directions for their smaller cars.
“Each member of our product family has its own distinct character, just like the members of a real family. CMA has helped us to capture something special, something youthful in our new concept cars. They have an energy, a disruptive and engaging urban character that makes them stand out amongst the crowd. This is the flavour of small Volvos to come,” says Thomas Ingenlath, Senior Vice President, Design, at Volvo Car Group.
Volvo is currently implementing an ambitious revitalisation plan that will reposition the brand to compete with its global premium competitors within the next four years.
Included in Volvo’s new global small car range is a pure battery electric vehicle as well as Twin Engine plug-in hybrid variants which will assist Volvo in their commitment to electrifying it’s entire portfolio.
“By taking a modular approach to both vehicle architecture and powertrain development we have succeeded in leap-frogging many other players in the premium segment,” says Dr Peter Mertens, Senior Vice President, Research & Development. “Our new battery electric variant opens yet another exciting chapter in the unfolding Volvo story.”
The new cars will also offer a full range of innovative connectivity services, plus the world’s most advanced standard package of safety features and ground-breaking Scandinavian interior design.
“The new 40-series cars have the potential to improve our market penetration in an important growing segment,” says Håkan Samuelsson, president and chief executive. “An electric powertrain programme including both a new compact Twin Engine plug-in hybrid as well as a pure electric car are central to the CMA architecture.” He adds that the first new 40-series car is expected to go into production in 2017.