XC40 shines despite Volvo's global sales decline in February
Volvo Cars reported global sales of 39,742 cars in February, down 8 per cent compared with the same period last year, as volumes were impacted due to continued sales pressure in China as a result of the coronavirus.
Volvo Cars’ other regions maintained growth momentum for the month, with volume increases of 18.2 per cent in the United States and 1.9 per cent in Europe in February compared with the same period last year.
The company’s top three European markets of Sweden, Germany and the United Kingdom also posted a strong sales performance for the month.
In February, Volvo SUVs maintained a steady growth with total SUV volumes reaching 27,518 cars sold, accounting for 69.2 per cent of the company’s total sales. In February, the XC40 was the top-selling SUV, followed by the XC60 and the XC90.
| February | 2019 | 2020 | Change in % |
| Europe | 23,000 | 23,442 | 1.9% |
| China | 6,516 | 1,205 | -81.5% |
| United States | 6,635 | 7,841 | 18.2% |
| Other | 7,033 | 7,254 | 3.1% |
| Total | 43,184 | 39,742 | -8.0% |
Volvo Cars’ Recharge line-up of chargeable Volvo models also saw an 88.4 per cent jump in February sales compared with the same period last year. Recharge is the overarching brandname for all chargeable Volvo models with a fully electric or plug-in hybrid powertrain.
The US reported a solid sales performance in February with volumes up 18.2 per cent compared with the same period last year to 7,841 cars. Volvo’s XC90 SUV was the top-selling model in the region for the month, followed by the XC60.
Volvo Cars’ sales in Europe reached 23,442 cars, up 1.9 per cent compared with the same period last year. Sweden, the company’s largest market in the region reported a 5.3 per cent year-on-year growth in volumes, whiles sales in Germany and UK increased by 20.6 per cent and 10.8 per cent respectively. The XC40 was the highest selling car in Europe for the month, followed by the XC60.
Sales in China were impacted in February by the spread of the coronavirus, as many retail outlets were closed down for the month. Total volumes in February were down 81.5 per cent compared with last year to 1,205 cars.
In February, the XC40 was the top selling model with sales of 11,004 cars (2019: 8,176 units), followed by the XC60 at 10,847 cars (2019: 12,630 units) and the XC90 with sales of 5,667 cars (2019: 5,752 units).
