Volvo says no to development of next generation diesel engines as increased costs in complying with stricter emission standards considered as a main reason
Volvo boss Hakan Samuelsson has said that the Swedish luxury manufacturer will be giving up on developing any new oil-burners. The decision to stop the new diesel engines which were supposed to be in the pipeline comes after Volvo detecting increase in costs to compensate for the compliance with stricter emission standards.
He strictly said Volvo will not be bringing out any new generation diesel motors and it’s the order of the day as new technologies are beginning to emerge at rapid pace with cost-cutting and fuel economy in mind while being emission friendly. Reported by Autonews, he was giving an interview to Germany’s Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung.
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However, he confirmed that the Geely-owned automaker will keep pushing to develop the existing generation diesel mills. They were introduced across the model range for the first time back in 2013 and will undergo modifications to meet future emission requirements in Europe and across the world. They will eventually be phased out by 2023 as Volvo eyes bigger picture with tiny turbocharged petrol engines and hybrid systems.
The Gothenburg-based brand will see investments in electric as well as hybrid powertrains as the full-electric models are scheduled to arrive before the end of this decade and emerging countries like India could receive the hybrid versions first like the XC90 T8 Plug-in Hybrid SUV.
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Samuelsson further added that the Tesla has showcased the potential in the electric avenue and there should be space for Volvo as well with captivating design and high quality products. He reckons that unrelenting emission standards will lead to diesel cars becoming costlier than plug-in hybrids and they are the perfect alternative.
Volvo is not quitting on the diesel cars just yet because of the well reputed sales among customers. Over 50 percent of new registrations in Europe and 90 percent of XC90s sold are powered by diesel engines currently. As the average required CO2 levels in Europe will go down from 130 g/km to 95 g/km in 2021, Volvo, as like other manufacturers, is investing on other possible options.
Source: AutoNews