Despite the import problems, Volvo is betting on doubling sales in Argentina this year

In 2021 Volvo only sold 170 luxury cars in Argentina and this year they are betting to exceed 300. In a market with severe import restrictions, the Swedish brand seeks to position itself as a benchmark in hybrid and electric cars for the high-purchasing power segment.

To reaffirm its commitment in Argentina, the company chose Villa La Angostura to present its new hybrid models for the entire region on a test drive in the snow. And he announced a plan for install 50 electric chargers across the country by the end of the year.

One of the obstacles Volvo faces to grow in the country are government-imposed import restrictions. Even so, they hope to be able to sell 300 luxury cars this year, with prices that they do not go below US $ 80,000 and can go as high as US $ 150,000 depending on the model, indicate the market sources.

The plan is reach 2026 with an annual turnover of 1000 unitsa level similar to what they already sell today in Chile and Colombia.

In the country, the Swedes have Eximar as a business partner, the importer that also manages Jaguar, Land Rover and Geely.

Despite the economic crisis, in Argentina there is still a sector with a very high purchasing power that requires luxury cars. “The potential for our brand exists,” said Tarcísio Triviño, Volvo’s managing director for importers in Latin America, from La Angostura. But the obstacles play against the company. “If we didn’t have this barrier, we could sell 1,000 cars a year. However, by increasing the share, we hope to reach this number in the next 3 to 4 years, “said Triviño.

Volvo tries to position itself as a safe and sustainable brand. Globally, 50% of its portfolio will be hybrid by 2025 and the company’s plan is to only produce electric cars in 2030 and be a carbon neutral company by 2040.

15% of the cars they intend to sell in Argentina will be hybrid. And to promote the market they will install 50 electric chargers across the country.

“We will install 18 electric chargers on the Seven Lakes route and continue through Rosario, Mendoza, Tucumán and Buenos Aires. We seek to generate change by specifying the installation of 50 chargers between our network of dealers and strategic points for the rest of the year. We want to accompany Volvo in this paradigm shift, positioning ourselves as leader on the path of electrification in our country”, Explained Emiliano Tofolo, Eximar Marketing and Communication Manager.

To motivate the use and consumption of chargers, the first charging points will be free and will be available for vehicles from any company.

In Latin America, Volvo already has 1,000 chargers and they want to reach 1,700 by next December.

This year Volvo will launch two new plug-in hybrid SUVs and in 2023 it will be the turn of an electric one. “We estimate that by 2030 we will be selling 100% or at least 80% electric cars,” they said.

The next step is to offer plug-in hybrid versions across its entire product range and is even gearing up for the arrival of the C40, Volvo’s first 100% electric SUV coupe.

In fully electric mode, this model achieves a range of 80 kilometers. And with an industrial socket you can get a full charge in 4-5 hours.

AQ