Volvo sets Australian sales record but 10,000 target in doubt

Volvo has achieved record annual sales in Australia with two months of 2021 still to run.

The Swedish brand surpassed its previous best result of 7779 units, in 2019, after registering 593 new vehicles in October to move to 7932 sales year-to-date.

Volvo Car Australia’s year-to-date growth is 32 per cent, though the company looks set to fall short of its stated target of 10,000 sales for 2021.

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September and October both struggled compared with previous months as the pandemic-driven supply crisis continues to hit the car industry. October was 16 per cent down on the same month last year.

Volvo’s SUVs account for all but 206 of the 7932 vehicles sold so far this year. The rest of the showroom features the S60 sedan and V60 Cross Country (the regular V60 was recently replaced by the Cross Country).

The XC40 compact SUV is on track to be the most popular Volvo in Australia for the second consecutive year. It has 3406 sales year-to-date, leading the XC60 mid-sized SUV with 3065 sales.

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A fully-electric XC40 has just joined the range and is already delivering promising results, according to Volvo Australia.

"Our entire 2021 allocation of XC40 Recharge Pure Electric sold out on pre-order, and the orders are fast approaching that of our internal combustion engine cars," said Volvo Car Australia boss Stephen Connor.

"There is no doubt Australians are embracing electric cars in increasing numbers. In September our XC40 Recharge Pure Electric made up 21 per cent of our overall sales. Our forward order book for Recharge heading into next year is very strong.”

Volvo’s all-electric offerings will double in 2022 with the C40 Recharge that’s closely related to the XC40 also on its way here.

Volvo continues to be one of the fastest-growing luxury car brands in Australia.

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Volvo sales in Australia: Past 10 Years

• 2021* 7932*
• 2020 7700
• 2019 7779
• 2018 6693
• 2017 4681
• 2016 5878
• 2015 4943
• 2014 4693
• 2013 5174
• 2012 5375

*Up to end of October 2021.