All new Volvo models to be fully electric or hybrids from 2019

The Volvo Car Group today said that all new models launched from 2019 will be fully electric or hybrids, marking the end of nearly a century of Volvos powered solely by the internal combustion engine.

The Gothenburg-based company will continue production of pure combustion-engine Volvos from models launched before that date, but said it would introduce cars across its model line-up ranging from fully electric cars to plug-in hybrids.

The luxury car maker's plans make it the first major traditional automaker to set a date for the complete phase-out of combustion-engine-only models.

''This announcement marks the end of the solely combustion engine-powered car,'' Volvo Cars chief executive Hakan Samuelsson said in a statement.

Five new models will be launched in 2019 through 2021 with three Volvos and two Polestar-branded to be fully or partially electric.

''These five cars will be supplemented by a range of petrol and diesel plug in hybrid and mild hybrid 48-volt options on all models,'' Volvo said.

''This means that there will in future be no Volvo cars without an electric motor.''

Volvo had made heavy investments in new models and plants after its acquisition by Zhejiang Geely Holding Group from Ford Motor Co in 2010, establishing a niche in a premium auto market dominated by larger rivals such as Daimler's Mercedes-Benz and BMW.

Volvo's range of electrified cars will include all-electric, plug-in hybrid and mild hybrid models.

A range of petrol and diesel plug-in hybrid and mild hybrid will supplement the five cars set for 2019 launch.

''This is about the customer,'' said boss Håkan Samuelsson. ''People increasingly demand electrified cars and we want to respond to our customers' current and future needs. You can now pick and choose whichever electrified Volvo you wish.

''Volvo Cars has stated that it plans to have sold a total of one million electrified cars by 2025. When we said it, we meant it. This is how we are going to do it.''