Volvo has been reinventing and reviving its image as a premium automaker for the past few years, reasserting itself as a very competitive force in this crowded market. Another way Volvo is intending to grab part of the global market is with its small car strategy, which is focused on “a range of vehicles that combine bold exterior and interior design with industry-leading connectivity, [drivetrain] electrification and autonomous drive technologies.” Part of that strategy was unveiled on May 18th in the form of two new concept vehicles, the Volvo Concept 40 series, which is built atop Volvo’s innovative Compact Modular Architecture (CMA). Take a look at the video below to hear from Thomas Ingenlath, Senior Vice President of Design at Volvo Car Group as he speaks about what these concepts mean for Volvo.
Volvo’s new range of small cars will include a pure-battery electric vehicle in addition to Twin Engine plug-in hybrid powertrain variants, a nod to the company’s commitment to electrifying the entire Volvo lineup eventually, with plans to have sold up to 1 million electrified cars by 2025.
“By taking a modular approach to both vehicle architecture and powertrain development we have succeeded in leap-frogging many of the players in the premium segment. Our new battery electric powertrain variant opens yet another exciting chapter in the unfolding Volvo story.” –Dr. Peter Mertens, Senior Vice President Research & Development
”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,” said Thomas Ingenlath, Senior Vice President, Design, at Volvo Car Group
While there is no word on when either of the Concept 40 models will become production-ready, here at Volvo of Burlingame, we’re definitely excited to see Volvo taking steps to position itself among the leading premium small car makers, as it has done with other segments. If you’d like to experience the difference a new Volvo can make in your drive and your life, we welcome you to come into our showroom, located on 900 Peninsula Avenue, Burlingame, to go for a test drive in the model that calls your name loudest.