Volvo Car Australia has cracked the 10,000 sales milestone for the first time in its history.
National sales data released today by VFACTs show Volvo sold 10,715 cars in 2022, notching up an impressive 18.7% year-on-year increase in sales. Volvo's award-winning XC40 notched up 5119 sales to clinch No.1 spot in the small luxury SUV segment.
The 10,000-plus milestone was driven by a record strong performance in December, with 959 sales. This was a record 77% increase in sales compared to December 2021.
Based on VFACTS sales data Volvo sold 7,700 cars in 2020, and 9,028 in 2021.
Volvo Car Australia Managing Director, Stephen Connor, said achieving 10,000 sales was a solid end to a challenging year that was affected by ongoing supply chain issues and a slowing economy.
"In 2021 when I was appointed Managing Director, I stated 10,000 sales was very achievable for Volvo based on our consistent growth trajectory and the strength of our brand in the luxury SUV segment. Our performance over the past two years has reinforced my belief that Volvo can be a consistent top three player in our segment.
"Globally, Volvo is firmly committed to becoming an electric-only carmaker by 2030, but in Australia we've previously announced we will make the transition to full EV happen by 2026.
"I am very confident we can achieve this and accomplish our aspiration of selling 20,000 fully electric cars every year in Australia. By 2025 nearly 80 per cent of Volvo's Australian sales will comprise fully electric models.
"We know Australian consumers are early adopters of new technologies, and they are embracing fully electric cars in increasing numbers as part of a practical response to combatting climate change. We believe this momentum will increase in the years ahead.
"There is no long-term future for cars with an internal combustion engine. So, instead of investing in a shrinking business, we choose to invest in the future, which is fully electric."
"The earlier deadline will allow us to meet the expectations of our Australian customers and be a part of the solution when it comes to fighting climate change. Sustainability is now as important as safety to us, with climate action having the highest priority," Mr Connor said.
Last November Volvo launched the C40 Recharge, the first dedicated electric vehicle model for the Australian market. The C40 Recharge is available in a single electric motor and front-wheel drive option, while the second variant comes with dual electric motors and all-wheel drive. It is also the first Volvo to be completely leather-free.
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Volvo Cars in 2021
Volvo Car Group recorded an operating profit of 20.3 BSEK. Revenue in 2021 amounted to 282.0 BSEK, while global sales reached 698,700 cars.
About Volvo Car Group
Volvo Cars was founded in 1927. Today, it is one of the most well-known and respected car brands in the world with sales to customers in more than 100 countries. Volvo Cars is listed on the Nasdaq Stockholm exchange, where it is traded under the ticker "VOLCAR B".
Volvo Cars aims to provide customers with the Freedom to Move in a personal, sustainable and safe way. This is reflected in its ambition to become a fully electric car maker by 2030 and in its commitment to an ongoing reduction of its carbon footprint, with the ambition to be a climate-neutral company by 2040.
As of December 2021, Volvo Cars employed approximately 41,000 full-time employees. Volvo Cars' head office, product development, marketing and administration functions are mainly located in Gothenburg, Sweden. Volvo Cars' production plants are located in Gothenburg, Ghent (Belgium), South Carolina (US), Chengdu, Daqing and Taizhou (China). The company also has R&D and design centres in Gothenburg, Camarillo (US) and Shanghai (China).