The first manufacturer to use: the last diesel ever from Volvo rolls off the production line

Last September, Volvo announced its plans to completely stop making diesel cars at the beginning of 2024. “Electricity is our future and it is better than combustion engines. It is quiet, vibrates less, has lower service costs for our customers and does not smoke,” emphasized Volvo CEO Jim Rowan.

The market has cooled

In 2017, Volvo became the first major car manufacturer to announce that it would phase out production of combustion engines. Since then, the brand has introduced several hybrid and fully electric vehicles. Other automakers haven’t (yet) made any promises about when they’ll go all-electric.

According to Reuters the market for electric vehicles (EVs) has cooled. Investments in capacity and technology development are now outstripping demand for these vehicles, increasing pressure on companies to reduce costs.

‘The need is great at Volvo’

Mercedes-Benz Group AG, known for brands such as Mercedes and Smart, lowered its sales expectations for electric vehicles last month and Audi also cut EV production last year.

However, Volvo only wants to focus on the production of EVs from 2030. The manufacturer wants to be completely climate neutral from 2040. Volvo’s expectations are high, but so is the need, says Rowan. “What the world needs now, at this critical time for our planet and humanity, is the right time for industrial and political leaders to have the strength and determination to fight climate change.”

The last Volvo to the Museum

The ultimate diesel model, the XC90, is being replaced by its electric counterpart, the EX90. Volvo will continue to make petrol cars and provide support and parts for current diesel drivers in the meantime. And the very last diesel car to leave the production line will be on display at the Volvo museum in Gothenburg, which opens next month.