Volvo Vying To Be Malaysia’s Number 1 eLuxury Marque By 2025

At the new C40 Recharge Pure Electric model launch event yesterday, Volvo Car Malaysia (VCM) had pledged itself towards becoming Malaysia’s leading ‘eLuxury’ auto brand by 2025.

Said effort will see VCM striving to have 75% of its total sales stem solely from its ‘Recharge’ EV models by 2025. This, according to VCM’s managing director Charles Frump, aligns with the Swedish marque’s global aim of becoming a fully electric brand by decade’s end (2030).

With this pledge, VCM is poised to ramp up its fully-electric ‘Recharge’ model line up further. Presently, it consists of the just-launched C40 Recharge and the XC40 Recharge models only, but VCM has promised more are on the way.

Noteworthy here is the fact that both the XC40 and C40 Recharge duo are produced locally by VCM at its Shah Alam assembly plant. Through the XC40 Recharge’s localisation, VCM stood as the first brand to locally assemble (CKD) EVs in Malaysia, as well as exporting them throughout the ASEAN region. The new C40 Recharge is set to follow in the same footsteps as its XC40 Recharge twin on this front too.

VCM didn’t elaborate further as to what fully-electric models it will launch next, but the firm did tease the brand’s latest flagship SUV, the EX90, during the C40 Recharge’s launch. When asked by CariCarz.com about its local availability, VCM said that registration of interest will be opened “when the time is right”.

Our best guess is that order books for the EX90 will only open up for Malaysians starting next year. Speaking of orders, VCM also seized the opportunity to introduce its new online direct-sales portal during the C40 Recharge’s launch event too.

According to VCM, this enables customers to make purchases directly  with the company and make their payments online securely. Frump further explained that the decision to offer such a platform aligns with VCM’s intent at riding the rapid digitalisation wave and the growing online affinity amongst consumers.

“Our customers’ journey to owning a Volvo will be seamless from hereon, and one that is in line with our hassle-free price. Together with our authorised dealers, the online sales platform will enhance the buying experience of every customer,” added Frump, who also noted the platform’s transparency.