After the initial batch of 1,000 for model year 2013, production will increase to 4,000-6,000 units for model year 2014.

Volvo is increasing production of its V60 diesel plug-in hybrid. After the initial batch of 1,000 for model year 2013, production will increase to 4,000-6,000 units for model year 2014. The company has integrated assembly of the PHEV into the same production line as its other models, at the Torslanda plant in Gothenburg, Sweden.

"We are first in the industry to integrate a plug-in hybrid in an established production flow together with other car models," says Senior VP Peter Mertens. "The integration in the standard production flow gives the plug-in hybrid buyer the possibility to choose in principle all options available for the standard V60."

Volvo had to make some major modifications to the assembly line, as the PHEV includes over 300 more parts compared to a plain old V60. The battery pack must be lifted in through the car's tailgate, and carefully spun into position with only millimeters to spare.

"The 11.2 kWh lithium-type battery is the single most complex system in the car. The precision maneuver to get it in place is an excellent example of the state-of-the-art assembly process," says Mertens.

"The V60 Plug-in Hybrid is a unique car, a historic step, not only for Volvo but for the entire car industry. The first year's 1,000-car batch was sold out even before the car reached the showrooms and the order books for next year's cars are already filling up," concludes Mertens.

Source: Volvo