Volvo and SAIC Partner to Target Chinese Market with New XC70 Range-Extender
Volvo has announced a new partnership with MG owner SAIC to engineer a new range-extender vehicle similar in size to the XC70. The aim is to target the growing market for RExs in China, where companies like Li Auto, Leapmotor, and Avatr are leading players.
While the initial focus is on China, Volkswagen’s sales and marketing boss has not ruled out a global launch for the new vehicle. He believes that range-extenders are becoming increasingly relevant in North America and Europe, following their success in China.
Volvo CEO HÃ¥kan Samuelsson sees long-range hybrid technology as a crucial stepping stone towards full electrification. He views it as a way to maintain a balanced product portfolio and offer an attractive option for customers who are not yet ready for fully electric cars.
Despite Volvo’s commitment to becoming a fully electric car company, only a fifth of its sales in the first quarter of 2025 were electric. The company acknowledges that premium plug-in hybrids serve as a practical transition for customers hesitant to make the switch.
The revival of the XC70 name holds significance for Volvo as it undergoes a global cost-cutting initiative in response to industry challenges. The XC70, previously known as the V70 XC, was last seen in 2016 as an off-road version of the third-generation V70 estate.
As Volvo continues to adapt to market demands and push towards electrification, the new XC70 range-extender represents a key step in the company’s evolution.
