The Future of Electric: Volvo launches first plug-in hybrids in PH

Volvo Philippines officially launched the country’s first plug-in hybrids. Through a triumvirate of fast and fierce premium vehicles – the Volvo XC60 SUV, the Volvo S90 estate, and the mid-size premium SUV Volvo XC90 – the Swedish carmaker aims to turn the tide for safer and cleaner mobility.

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True to its distinctive character, Volvo Ph formally introduced its set of powerful yet eco-conscious T8 Twin Engine vehicles through an environmental forum. With distinguished guests from both the public and private sectors, crucial points in the pursuit of electric mobility and environmental change were discussed.

The Future of Electric Mobility

“We dare to make a change for the better, starting with how we create our cars”, declared Atty. Alberto B. Arcilla, Chief Executive Officer and President of Volvo Philippines. In a bold statement reminiscent of Volvo Global’s declaration of redefining personal mobility and rethinking traditional car ownership, the visionary leader of Volvo Ph opened the forum with hard facts about the environmental challenges everyone is facing, and how Volvo is leading the charge in transforming the automotive landscape.

“Volvo has always been cognizant of our part in environmental issues. That is the reason why we have incorporated care for the environment as one of our core values. As early as the 1970s, Volvo had already made concrete steps in finding solutions to environmental challenges. Since then, Volvo has pushed the boundaries in addressing the environmental impact that our cars make.”

Aside from being a founding member of the UN Global Compact, Volvo is also the first premium car manufacturer to declare an industry-leading commitment to electrify its Volvo model range, with fully electric cars making up half of global sales by 2025.

Other guests also gave insightful talks including His Excellency, Mr. Harald Fries of the Embassy of Sweden to Manila. Also present to deliver and share significant information are Mr. Rene Pineda, Jr. President of the Partnership for Clean Air, Ms. Kathleen Dematera, Transport Program Coordinator of Clean Air Asia, and Atty. Mike Toledo, Managing Director of the MVP Group of Companies as one of the panelists.

Volvo Asia Pacific’s Head of Propulsion Energy Systems and Controls & Calibration, Mr. Niclas Bratt also shared Volvo’s plans and ambitions. He elucidated why this is the time to go electric with the availability of high level technology and vehicles that are easy and convenient to drive, environmentally-friendly, and that offer excellent performance coupled with low running cost.

Volvo’s Market Area Director for Asia Pacific, Mr. Jakob Olsson further trained the spotlight on Volvo’s plans for pursuing a more electric future, starting the first fully electric car in 2019 and moving towards achieving 1 million electrified vehicles on the road by the year 2025.

Mr. Paolo Abrera, lifestyle columnist, triathlete, and environmentalist and Miss Janelle Lazo Tee, Miss Philippines Earth 2019 and active eco-tourism advocate were the hosts of the event.

Plug-in to the Future: Volvo T8 Plug-in Hybrids

Volvo’s T8 Twin Engine delivers all the benefits of a high performance, low emission petrol engine with an electric motor that delivers power on demand with ultra low CO2 emissions and more than 40 km of pure electric range. Each Volvo plug-in hybrid that is available in the country all have over 400 hp that can deliver an exhilarating drive. The new electrified powertrain also offers drivers up to 15 percent fuel savings and emission reductions in real world driving.

The S90,XC60, and XC90 T8 Plug-in Hybrid Twin Engine models offer a range of drive modes to suit every occasion – from full Power mode, Pure electric mode and the balanced Hybrid mode. This allows for a no-compromise combination of pure battery electric power and an efficient petrol engine that give new meaning to the word flexibility, and an unforgettable driving experience.

There has never been a better time to switch to electric mobility. Volvo cars are designed with people and the environment in mind for an easier, earth-friendly experience.