Volvo has announced that it will produce its last diesel car in 2024; the plan forms part of the brand’s commitment to sell fully electric cars by 2030 and become a “climate neutral” company by 2040.
The announcement, which was made at Climate Week NYC, will see the car manufacturer become the first legacy car maker to take this step. It follows the brand’s decision to exit the development of new combustion engines.
While diesel engines emit less C02 than petrol engines, they emit more gases including N02 that have an adverse effect on air quality especially in built up areas.
“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,” said Volvo Cars chief executive Jim Rowan.
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“We’re fully focused on creating a broad portfolio of premium, fully electric cars that deliver on everything our customers expect from a Volvo – and are a key part of our response to climate change”.
He added: “What the world needs now, at this critical time for our planet and humanity, is leadership”.
“It is high time for industry and political leaders to be strong and decisive and deliver meaningful policies and actions to fight climate change.”
“We’re committed to doing our part and encourage our peers as well as political leaders around the world to do theirs.”
UK carmakers will be mandated to sell electric vehicles from January 1 or face fines, despite Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s net zero U-turn, which saw him push back the ban on petrol and diesel cars by five years from 2030 to 2035.
