Official: New Volvo V60 Plug-In Diesel Hybrid to go on Sale in 2012

Volvo announced today that the plug-in hybrid version of its V60 estate, which was developed in cooperation with Swedish energy supplier Vattenfall and revealed at the Geneva Motor Show this past March, will go on sale in select markets in 2012.

The new V60 plug-in hybrid combines a 215HP 2.4-liter five-cylinder turbodiesel with a 70HP electric motor that draws energy from a 12kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The internal combustion engine motivates the front wheels while the electric motor transfers power to the rear wheels.
The driver can choose between three driving modes: Pure, Hybrid and Power. The first mode offers electric-only propulsion for up to 50 km (31 miles), while the other two combine both motors, with "Hybrid" giving a priority to low consumption and "Power" to maximum performance.
The batteries can be fully charged in about five hours from a regular household outlet.
The V60 Plug-in hybrid has a maximum driving range of 1,200 km (746 miles) and according to Volvo, returns a combined fuel consumption of 1.9 lt/100 km (123.8mpg), though this figure includes the use of the electric motor.
The automaker said that the cost of running on electricity in Sweden has been calculated at about 25 kronor (EUR 3.0 or US$3.7) per 100 km (62 miles).
"One important aspect of the project was to retain the Volvo V60's excellent driving pleasure, high safety standard and luxurious comfort," said Stefan Jacoby, President and CEO of Volvo Cars. "At the same time, average CO2 emissions and fuel consumption will be halved compared with what is available on the market today," he added.
Volvo has yet to announce pricing and more specific details on availability, but said that due to the cost of the battery pack, the V60 plug-in hybrid will be more expensive than regular versions.

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China's Geely, Owner of Volvo, Denies Interest in Buying Saab

Saab is in a crisis indeed. One day it is rescued, and the next it is on the brink of destruction. And this has been happening over and over again, like an automotive version of The Groundhog Day.

Yesterday we reported that Saab has not yet received the funds promised by Pang Da and Youngman as a bridge loan to keep the Swedish carmaker in business until the deal is approved by Chinese authorities.
Today, Swedish newspaper Dagens Nyheterpublished an article claiming that another Chinese automaker, Geely Automobile, which bought Volvo from Ford in 2010, is interested in acquiring Saab as well.
The newspaper based its claims on an unnamed source allegedly familiar with the issue who claims that Geely is talking to the administrator appointed by the Swedish court. The source added that “Geely is interested in the whole thing in terms of production and development”.
However, Geely executive director Lawrence Ang denied that his company has any interest: “According to my understanding, we have no such plan”, he said, adding that Geely is alreadybusy with Volvo.





Analysts like IHS Automotive’s Ian Fletcher said that such a movement would not make sense since Geely doesn't need extra capacity and the two Swedish companies are effectively competitors: “Volvo would welcome Saab’s exit. They have been fighting for the same space for years”.
Saab spokesman Eric Geers didn’t make us any wiser: “Several companies are showing interest in Saab right now”, he said, neither confirming nor denying the newspaper report. He added though that his company “has of course a binding agreement with Pang Da and Youngman”.
Story References: Autonews

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IAA 2011: Concept You Previews Volvo’s Next Large Sedan

True to its word, Volvo hosted the world premiere of its new concept model at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The oddly named Concept You was created not only to give us a glimpse of the Swedish firm's evolving design DNA and showcase its new platform architecture, but it also hints at Volvo's next generation large sedan.

“Concept You gives you a good indication of what you can expect from our next large sedan," said Volvo CEO, Stephen Jacoby,. "The blend of contemporary Scandinavian design, exquisite craftsmanship and intuitive technology will appeal to luxury car buyers all over the world," he added.



Volvo’s head of design Peter Horbury says that the study adopted a more coupe-like profile and a fastback rear end after gathering feedback from the Concept Universe, which was displayed in Geneva this past March.
“The most valuable input has been used in the development of Concept You," says Horbury. "This car features a more daring profile, while the front moves towards a more classic Volvo look.”
The cabin features a clean and minimal design with the control center comprising of four main areas: a digital Driver Information Monitor, a HUD (head-up display) on the windscreen, a touch-screen in the upper part of the center console and another one between the two rear seats.
"We used a number of touch screens to replace buttons and controls," says Horbuury. "Smart phones and pads have brought mobile infotainment into the new era. The technology helps us to create a refreshingly uncluttered interior.”





Another innovation is the Alpine sound system which features the “FreshAir” subwoofer, a technology not yet in production that uses air outside the car to optimize the car's occupants' listening experience.



The Concept You also demonstrates the carmaker’s new Scalable Platform Architecture (SPA) that will be used on a variety of vehicles together with a new range of downsized engines.

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