New Volvo Car Australia Managing Director, Stephen Connor, is bullish about the year ahead after ending 2020 on a high note.
National sales data released by VFACTs show Volvo sold 870 cars in December, an increase of 34% compared to December 2019. It was a solid end to a challenging year during which Covid19 impacted sales across the entire Australian car industry.
Volvo sold a total of 7700 cars in 2020 which was only 79 fewer cars than were sold in 2019.
"First and foremost, I want to thank our Volvo Car Australia staff, our entire Volvo Cars national dealer network and our customers for their contribution and custom during what has been uncharted waters for us all. It is through our collective tenacity that our brand continues to thrive".
"In 2020 nearly 917,000 vehicles were sold in the Australian new car market. The market was down 13.7 per cent which was the lowest sales volume since 2003," said Connor.
"Given the state of the wider economy and the economic impact of the pandemic, Volvo's sales held up and our market share grew during 2020".
Volvo XC40 ended the year in a top 2 position and 17.4% market share in the small luxury SUV category. Volvo XC60 had a top 5 position and 10.6% share of the medium SUV segment. Volvo XC90 also performed well in the large SUV segment.
"As the economy recovers from the pandemic and consumer confidence returns, I believe Volvo can build on this momentum and increase our growth trajectory towards 10,000 vehicles sales in 2021".
"Our consistent sales results demonstrate that Volvo is a well-regarded brand by consumers in the luxury SUV market in Australia, so 10,000 sales targets is very achievable for us in 2021."
Greg Bosnich, Volvo Car Australia director of public relations sees the change in management as a natural transition. "Stephen has been an integral part of our planning and development journey. Our Volvo Car Australia team and the national Volvo Dealer Network already understand the strategy, direction and clearly defined objectives. To that end we see it as business as usual".
Volvo's 2021 entire model range will feature some form of electrification, including mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrid or all-electric replacing existing pure petrol and diesel models.
In June Volvo will launch its first all-electric car, the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric, which will be the first of five all-electric models to be launched over the next five years. In 2021 diesel models are also being phased out as part of Volvo's electrification strategy.
"Diesel models are declining all around the world, and we anticipate that diesel demand will decline quickly as hybrid and all electric cars increase in popularity", Connor emphasised.
During 2021 Connor revealed Volvo will expand its retail footprint with the addition of three new Volvo Retail Experience dealerships in Queensland and Victoria, as well as a new training centre in Sydney.
"The investments Volvo is making in electrification, safety, design and technology, and in our brand, are paying off, and we are seeing this being reflected in consistent sales growth".
"Volvo is one of the fastest growing luxury car brands in Australia, and we are poised to have a very strong 2021 as the economy recovers", Connor concluded.
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