Volvo S90: Exports from China to Europe begin, Australian sales ‘inevitable’

The first made-in-China Volvo S90 sedans have arrived in Europe via a new rail link joining China to Europe.

By transporting these cars overland, the company claims it will cut customer wait times and reduce transport-related CO2 emissions by a third.

Last year, Volvo began consolidating production of the S90 sedan at its Chinese factory in Daqing, with all S90 production to be sourced from China “soon”.

This move will reportedly free up space at the company’s plant in Torslanda, Sweden, allowing it to produce more XC90 and V90 wagons, as well as the second-generation XC60.

This isn’t the first time Volvo has exported cars from China since its purchase by Geely in 2010. In 2015, the company began retailing made-in-China long-wheelbase S60 Inscription models in the States.

Although native Chinese brands have struggled when exporting their cars to developed nations, western brands are beginning to use Chinese facilities to supply western markets. For example, the Cadillac CT6 Plug-in Hybrid and Buick Envision crossover are shipped from China to the US.

Australia

Greg Bosnich, head of communications for Volvo Cars Australia, noted it was “inevitable” S90 models sold in Australia would eventually be sourced from China, although timing has yet to be finalised.

He stressed that all Volvo production facilities, regardless of location, use to the company’s global manufacturing system, and meet Volvo’s internal quality standards.

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