Published September 27, 2012
By Philippe Crowe
Volvo announced today in Paris that the first batch of the diesel-electric Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid has sold out before the car has even reached the showrooms.
Volvo also stated that the order books for next year's cars are already filling up. Volvo also announced that the rapid renewal of the model lineup is continuing next year.
“2013 will be one of the most intense years in the company's history. Including the all-new V40 versions in 2012, we are renewing more or less our whole model range in less than two years,” said Doug Speck, senior vice president, Marketing, Sales and Customer Service at Volvo Car Corporation.
The V60 Plug-in Hybrid, the world's first diesel plug-in hybrid, is another important part of Volvo Car Corporation's rapid transformation - and Doug Speck is not surprised by the keen customer interest in the ingenious model. “None of our competitors can offer customers an equally ingenious car. Its uncompromising attitude to green motoring elevates hybrid technology to an entirely new level,” he said.
The first 1,000 units of the Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid are only available in a “Pure Limited” edition with Electric Silver paint. The diesel-electric car is also distinguished by aero-designed 17-inch wheels, integrated exhaust tailpipes and a number of bodywork features highlighted in glossy black.
After this initial batch of 1,000 2013 cars, production of the V60 Plug-in Hybrid will increase to 5,000 cars for model year 2014.
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The Volvo V60 Plug-in Hybrid is the result of a close cooperation between Volvo Car Corporation and Swedish electricity supplier Vattenfall. The two companies have financed the development project jointly.
Volvo says the driver of the V60 Plug-in Hybrid is putting an end to compromise via three driving mode buttons on the dashboard: Pure, Hybrid and Power.
According to Volvo, fuel consumption is just 1.8 l/100 km (130 mpg) in Hybrid mode. In addition, the driver can choose to cover up to 50 kilometers (31 miles) on electric power with zero emissions - or release the combined capacity of the diesel engine and electric motor to create a driving machine with 285 total system horsepower and acceleration from 0-100 kph (62 mph) in 6.1 seconds.
