Volvo Cars is experiencing remarkable success in the South African electric vehicle (EV) market. In the first half of 2023, the Swedish luxury automaker led the sales charge in the local fully electric premium C-SUV segment, outselling all other brands in this space. According to industry representative body naamsa, EV sales in South Africa grew by 145% year-on-year to 502 units, matching the total sales of EVs for the entire year of 2022.
Volvo Cars South Africa attributed its success to the popularity of its XC40 Recharge and recently launched C40 Recharge models. These two vehicles, which are part of the premium C-SUV EV segment, accounted for a combined total of 99 registrations, with the XC40 Recharge alone contributing 89 sales. In comparison, the closest premium C-SUV EV competitor brand managed just 31 registrations across two nameplates during the same reporting period.
Greg Maruszewski, Managing Director at Volvo Car South Africa, expressed enthusiasm for the South African public’s positive response to Volvo’s fully electric models. He stated that Volvo sold the second-highest number of electric cars across the industry in the first half of the year, despite competitors offering as many as six fully electric nameplates.
Volvo’s commitment to the South African EV market is evident as the company plans to further expand its EV lineup. The pre-orders for Volvo’s fully electric EX30 SUV, set to be one of the most affordable full-size EVs in the market, opened in June 2023. The EX30 represents a crucial step towards Volvo’s goal of having half of its global sales volume consist of fully electric cars by 2025. By 2030, Volvo aims to sell only fully electric vehicles, aligning with its zero-emission future vision.
With the anticipation surrounding the arrival of the EX30 early next year, Volvo Cars hopes to drive the adoption of electric vehicles in South Africa and help transform the market in its segment.
Sources:
– Volvo Cars South Africa Sales Figures
– Volvo Car South Africa Press Release