Despite numerous manufacturers pivoting their electric vehicle (EV) plans due to wavering demand in key markets, Volvo’s local boss is confident the brand can stand by its strategic shift to an EV-only range from 2026. Speaking with CarExpert at the Australian media launch of the new EX30 electric crossover, managing director for Volvo Car Australia, Stephen Connor, said he believes the premium electric segment in Australia is still growing, with the Chinese-owned Swedish brand well placed to go all-electric in 18 months time. “Globally, everybody is pulling down the BEV (battery-electric vehicle) market, ‘oh it’s dropped, it’s dropped’.
There are two camps in the BEV market – you’ve got the volume camp, and you’ve got the premium camp,” Mr Connor said. “If you dissect the two, the volume camp is the one that’s dropping. In the premium segment, if you look at Australia alone, it’s still doing okay.
.. it’s starting to settle down a bit, but it’s still growing, it’s absolutely still growing – so there’s no need to panic, necessarily.
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion. “The market is what it is. The premium segment is still growing, around the world it’s still going.
But when you add it to the volume [segments], everybody is going ‘woe is me, the BEV market is dropping’ – no it’s not, really. “Secondly, if things change [for us] change by 2026 it will be product driven..
. and I�.
