Volvo to launch range of hybrids, electric cars in India

Swedish carmaker Volvo Car Corp said it will introduce plug-in hybrids across relevant products in its portfolio and an all-electric vehicle in India to address concerns related to rising air pollution in the country.

"Volvo has the capability of launching its entire range in plug-in hybrid version. India will look to launch all the plug-in hybrid variants of the car line portfolio relevant to the market here, which will be launched globally over the next 4-5 years," said Volvo Auto India managing director Tom Von Bonsdorff.

On Wednesday, the company launched XC90 T8 Excellence, the first plug-in hybrid sports utility vehicle (SUV) in India, priced at Rs1.25 crore (ex-showroom Delhi). The vehicle comes with radar-equipped safety features, which include collision warning with full auto braking, adaptive cruise control with stop-go function and pedestrian, cyclist and large animal detection.

On full charge, the SUV can cover a distance of up to 40 km. Bonsdorff said the company has already received orders for 50 units of the XC90 T8 Excellence.

Globally, Volvo has decided to have newer energy alternatives for all car lines developed on the new common module architecture (CMA) platform. The company is working at unveiling an all-electric car, with a range of 350 km, by 2019.

The all-electric vehicle too will find its way to Indian shores. "Globally, our ambition is to have one million electrified cars cumulative by 2025. If taxation is favourable for green cars, India will contribute to this ambition," said Bonsdorff.

Volvo Auto India is looking to grow sales by 25 per cent in 2016 to around 1800 units. The carmaker has posted this growth despite the slowdown in sales in the luxury car segment, because of the diesel ban.