Volvo desperately wants to launch the S60/V60 PHEV hybrid in China to cash in on the emerging lust for high tech premium hybrids. However, Volvo’s PHEV is powered by a 215hp 2.4 liter turbo diesel mated to a 50hp electric motor. Diesel engines are forbidden in most Chinese cities, hybrid or not.

Volvo will therefore develop a new PHEV variant based around a four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine.  The new PHEV is expected to arrive on Chinese shores in late 2014, priced around 300.000 yuan. The PHEV will be imported in to China, unlike the new petrol powered Volvo S60L sedan that will be made locally in a brand new factory. Local production of Volvo hybrids will commence further in the future.

Recommended for you

5.2-meter long Geely Galaxy M9 PHEV with max 1,505 km range launched starting at 25,800 USD

Zeekr 9X plug-in hybrid luxury SUV piles up at the factory ahead of launch on Sep 29

Geely’s Lynk & Co opens pre-sales for refreshed 07 EM-P and 08 EM-P PHEV models with LiDAR