Volvo to end diesel car production

Volvo Cars has announced it will stop producing diesel-powered models by early 2024 as the Swedish marque prepares to only sell fully electric vehicles by the end of the decade.

The carmaker says: “In a few months from now, the last diesel-powered Volvo car will have been built, making Volvo Cars one of the first legacy car makers to take this step.

“This milestone follows our decision last year to exit the development of new combustion engines.”

The announcement on September 19 was made as part of Climate Week NYC, with Volvo Cars also aiming to be a climate-neutral company by 2040. 

Jim Rowan, chief executive, adds: “Electric powertrains are our future, and superior to combustion engines – they generate less noise, less vibration, less servicing costs for our customers and zero tailpipe emissions.

“We’re fully focused on creating a broad portfolio of premium, fully electric cars that deliver on everything our customers expect from a Volvo.”

The marque says it hopes its announcement on diesel cars will inspire other companies to take bold action against climate change.

Volvo Cars notes most of the units it sold in Europe in 2019 were powered by a diesel engine, while electrified models were only just beginning to make their mark.

“That trend has largely inverted itself since then, driven by changing market demand, tighter emission regulations as well as our focus on electrification,” the company adds. 

“The majority of our sales in Europe now consists of electrified cars, with either a fully electric or plug-in hybrid powertrain.”