Last diesel car from the Volvo factory: ‘Diesel’s image is badly damaged’

The very last diesel car has rolled off the production line from the Swedish factory in Torslonda. The last diesel Volvo is the XC90 which will not be seen on the road. The replica will be housed in the Volvo museum in Gothenburg. Noud Broekhof, journalist for the National Motor Show, understands that Volvo is moving away from diesel engines. ‘Electricity is the future, but it will cost a lot of money.’

Of all the automakers that make gasoline cars, the Swedish manufacturer is one of the most ambitious. From 2030, Volvo only wants to offer electric cars. The manufacturer was able to take a small step last year, because 16 percent of the cars sold were electric. Diesel cars made up just 14 percent of sales in 2023.

However, according to the automotive journalist, many steps still need to be taken to achieve a fully electric fleet. “Those electric cars are expensive, the charging infrastructure is not enough and the congestion of the national grid is a big problem.” So Broekhof finds it special that diesel is now being banned. He says that diesel engines are now cleaner, as is the fuel itself. ‘A diesel engine burns less fuel per kilometer than a petrol engine, so it is more economical.’

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Dieselgate

The automobile industry mainly blames itself for the fact that diesel is being banned. Diesel in particular has a lot of weight in this regard. ‘Volkswagen and other brands have ruined diesel engines and software. It made it look cleaner than them. This has led to a significant decline in the image of diesel.’

Diesel cars have not been completely banned yet. Volvo will continue to produce diesel car parts.