Volvo has said it wants to introduce plug-in hybrid cars from 2012.
Standard hybrid cars have both an electric motor and an internal combustion engine. Energy that would normally be lost under braking is directed towards recharging batteries which are then used to power the electric motor, which kicks in to support the combustion engine under acceleration. Some hybrids are able to run for very short distances at low speeds on battery power alone.
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A person briefed on the matter says a Chinese automaker is considering buying Ford Motor Co.’s Volvo unit.
The person says Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Co. is taking a look at Volvo, and is expected to meet with executives at Volvo’s Gothenburg, Sweden, headquarters. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the discussions are private.
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The Volvo S40 1.6D DRIVe featuring the new Start/Stop technology has scooped the top honour and been named Green Car of the Year at the prestigious 2009 What Car? Green Car Awards.
The Volvo S40 DRIVe beat the BMW 118d and the Renault Megane to the top spot in the Small Family category and then stormed ahead to achieve victory over all the other category winners, including the Audi A8 and MINI Cooper S, to be awarded the prestigious overall What Car? Green Car of the Year title.
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A Volvo that can be fuelled with electricity from a standard wall socket will be a reality in 2012. Swedish energy company Vattenfall and the Volvo Car Corporation are launching an industrial joint venture partnership to introduce plug-in hybrids on the market. The ground-breaking technology will considerably lower the environmental impact from traffic. In addition, owning a plug-in hybrid vehicle will be convenient since you can fuel up at home and fuel costs are significantly lower.
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Europe has voted: about 200,000 Auto Bild readers from 27 countries have selected the most beautiful vehicles for 2009 in five categories. The Volvo S60 Concept won over 28 renowned competitors in the category of Concept Cars. The voting for the Auto Bild Design Award was expanded for the first time to Europe-wide scope this year. Votes were submitted by fax, telephone and Internet.
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