Volvo has taken the wraps off two new concept cars to mark the official launch of its new global small car strategy.
The eventual production versions (which are due in 2017) of the two 40 series concepts will be the first Volvos built on the company’s new Compact Modular Architecture (CMA) platform.
“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,” said Thomas Ingenlath, Senior Vice President, Design, at Volvo Car Group.
“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.”
The Swedish brand says its new small car range will include a pure battery electric vehicle as well as Twin Engine plug-in hybrid variants, in line with the company’s commitment to the electrification of its entire portfolio. Volvo plans to have sold a total of one million electrified cars by 2025 globally.
“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,” said Dr Peter Mertens, Senior Vice President, Research & Development.
“Our new battery electric variant opens yet another exciting chapter in the unfolding Volvo story.”
Volvo says the new cars will also offer a range of connectivity services, plus what it describes as “the world’s most advanced standard package of safety features”.
“The new 40 series cars have the potential to improve our market penetration in an important growing segment,” said Håkan Samuelsson, president and chief executive.
