Ford-owned Swedish automaker Volvo might be on the market awaiting a new owner, but that’s not stopping the company from announcing its intention to produce a plug-in hybrid powered by both an electric motor and a diesel engine set to be on the market in Europe during the 2012 calendar year.
Though few specifications have been announced, Volvo confirmed that it expects the vehicle’s total range to be about 1,200 kilometers, or about 745 miles. CO2 emissions would be around just 49 g/km, about half of what is considered to be low today, and Volvo says that fuel economy would average out to around 125 mpg.
Volvo did not say how long the vehicle would take to charge, but the automaker did say that the plug-in hybrid will be capable of about 31 miles on purely electric motivation.
“We are focusing strongly on plug-in hybrids in order to meet the demands for low CO2 emissions and to provide sustainable road transportation. We naturally expect that the relevant authorities will offer subsidies to boost developments, speeding up the creation of a market for this type of car,” said the automaker’s CEO, Stephen Odell, in a prepared statement released to the media.
09/25, 9:09 AM
posted by:
vvmasterdrfan
This is great, but will they come to america?
09/25, 9:10 AM
posted by:
beatusmongous
Good for Volvo. 2012 is going to be one hell of a year for cars.
09/25, 10:15 AM
posted by:
Bosley
A diesel hybrid, hmmm, I’m impressed that they feel like a diesel will sell in the US market (other than in a truck). Not like every other manufacturers in the world.
09/25, 10:16 AM
posted by:
Bosley
Well, i missed the fine print saying that it won’t be offered in the States. I take back my praise, another dumb decision…… I wonder if the price of gas i 2012 will make them regret this decision…..
09/25, 10:27 AM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
Big whoop. First off, who isn’t saying they’re going to have some sort of a plug-in hybrid by 2012. Second, this is probably more about making the right noises to help lure potential suitors as much as anything else.
09/25, 10:29 AM
posted by:
spg900
WOW Bosley- I’ve never seen someone contradict themselves so quickly on this site! Have another cup of cofee on me.
09/25, 10:31 AM
posted by:
Bosley
SPG, I’d love to, but I’m shaking too much to bring the mug to my mouth…… It’s a wonder that I’m able to type at all………
09/25, 10:45 AM
posted by:
A4
I’m getting real tired of all these articles saying that the vehicle in question will not be brought to North America.
09/25, 11:26 AM
posted by:
JPizzzle
Finally, a diesel hybrid…I have wondered why nothing has been in the works for these things. Diesel has great gas mileage, hybrid makes it more efficient! Is it just the emmissions that are out of control or what? Sucks that it won’t be brought to the US…
09/25, 11:53 AM
posted by:
ricky_b
Hmmm. Interesting. Parent company Ford was said to have been working on a hybrid-diesel for the Escape. I heard this about five years ago. Guess some one at Volvo figured out how to make it happen.
I’ll agree with the sentiment, if they don’t bring to US then shame on them. Maybe Ford will keep them afterall and work this powerplant into a Ford.
09/25, 2:54 PM
posted by:
nickkop
yeah.. this should be on the fast track to completion of development, and introduction into market
ill believe it when i see a pre-production prototype
09/25, 2:55 PM
posted by:
nickkop
ricky_b: yeah this should be offered in fords…. lets see how soon it will be close to reality
09/25, 3:38 PM
posted by:
Borat
Johnny got it right. Everyone will have great year in 2012, if they will be in biz. Will Volvo be with us? What their Chinese masters will say? Do they really need diesel hybrids in China? The electricity comes from filthy coal plants, is this really better?