Volvo Cars records full‐year sales growth (+5,6%) up to 698,693 cars, as sales of electrified cars grew more than 60%, demonstrating resilience in the face of persistent supply constraints. Sales of Recharge models grew by 63.9% making up 27 per cent of the company’s total sales in 2021. The number of Volvo cars sold online increased by 316%, a growth driven by increasing customer demand in combination with a broadened offer in more markets. Almost 40 per cent of all new Volvo cars sold in December were Recharge models, whereof fully electric cars made up 7.4%. In Europe, the share of Recharge cars was almost 60%, while in the US it was close to 30% of overall sales volumes. Sales in China amounted to 171,676 cars (+3%). In Europe, sales increased by 1.8% to 293,471 cars, supported by as strong demand for the company’s Recharge cars. Globally, the XC60 continues to be the bestselling model (215,635 cars sold), the XC40 is second (201,037 cars sold), while the XC90 is the thirdbest selling model (108,231 cars).
YouTube video playback will come to all Volvo cars with Google built-in, reflecting a continuation of the partnership between Volvo Cars and Google. YouTube will be the first video platform to be featured and available for download in Volvo cars on Google Play. This is the beginning of enabling video streaming in cars. Crucially, Volvo Cars does not compromise on safety and will only allow for videos to be played when the car’s is fully stationary. With YouTube and other major streaming services coming soon, customers can enjoy their breaks, making electric car ownership that bit easier. The partnership between Volvo Car Group and Google started when Volvo Car Group announced it would be first to integrate an infotainment system powered by Android with Google apps and services built in. The introduction of video playback coincides with the announcement that Volvo cars aims to seamlessly integrate with Google Assistant enabled devices, which basically turns its cars into smart devices and extensions of drivers’ living environment. Combined with an audio system that can rival many home setups and the inherent restful nature of Volvo interiors, the car will serve as an extra personal space.