Volvo Car Türkiye Shifts Focus to Electric Models, Phases Out China-Made Sedans Amid New Tariffs

Volvo Car Türkiye is set to make a significant strategic shift in 2024 by halting the import and sale of its sedan models produced in China. This decision is in response to newly imposed customs tariffs that levy a 40% additional duty on all vehicles imported from China, regardless of fuel type. General Manager Alican Emiroglu, who recently took the helm after leading Volvo Car Czech Republic, emphasized that the company will not offer sedan models in Türkiye until electric variants are available.

In 2023, under Emiroglu’s leadership, Volvo Car Türkiye achieved record-breaking sales of 11,646 vehicles. Despite an anticipated market slowdown in 2024, with a year-end projection of 850,000 units, Volvo remains optimistic about increasing its market share, which has already risen to 1.42% in the first seven months of the year, up from 1.2% in 2023.

Volvo’s SUV lineup will see the XC40 model transition to an electric-only variant, rebranded as the EX40. The EX30, another electric model, is expected to launch in mid-2025, with production based in Belgium. Volvo also plans to close 2024 with 40% of its sales from plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles, aiming to exceed 60% by 2025. Additionally, the company is exploring new market segments, including the station wagon market with the introduction of the V60 model, while phasing out its Cross Country models and completing the sale of its diesel vehicles by the end of the year.

Source: Gramwzielone