As announced at Auto Shanghai 2017, the 17th International Automobile Industry Exhibition, Volvo - owned by the Chinese for several years now - will manufacture its first all-electric car in China. The car will be available for sale in 2019 and exported to global markets.
The decision about setting up the manufacturing process for the new car (based on Volvo's compact modular platform CMA for smaller cars) in China was supported by Volvo's explanation that the large Asian country is simply becoming more and more sophisticated as a manufacturing centre for the automotive industry. China also represents the world's largest market of electric vehicles, so its plans now include an ambitious expansion of electric and hybrid cars sales - mainly due to serious concerns about the congestion and increasing air pollution in larger cities.
Upping the sales of EVs is perfect for Volvo's sales program, which sees selling a total of 1m electrified cars, including fully electric cars and hybrids, by 2025.