Latest news with #VolvoEX30CrossCountry
IOL News
2 days ago
- Automotive
- IOL News
Volvo's EX30 Cross Country: Swedish steel takes on South African dust in an off-road adventure
The Volvo EX30 Cross Country is the first of Volvo's electric range to wear the Cross Country moniker. Image: Supplied New Volvo South Africa MD Grant Locke, recently returned from 18 months in Sweden, has been brought into the position to steady the ship and ensure that the brand continues to have a strong local presence. Only a day after his arrival, he launched the new Volvo EX30 Cross Country with at least two more scheduled in the next year or so, including the ES90 electric sedan as well as the electric EX60 SUV. Volvo is continuing to focus on New Energy Vehicles and insists that fully electric vehicles will very much continue to be the backbone of their offerings, while plug-in hybrids and mild hybrids will continue to be in the mix. Cross Country moniker That's very clear with the reveal of the fully electric EX30 Cross Country, the first of their electric range to wear the Cross Country moniker. It's essentially an adventure pack added to the standard EX30 that allows it to do offroading, although not anything too serious or too deep into the bush (it's electric, remember), but it does add a bit of swagger to the car. Exterior Key to that is its raised ride height thanks to a combination of suspension tweaks and 19-inch five-spoke alloy wheels finished in Matte Graphite with Matte Black aero inserts, making it 13mm higher(190mm) than its road-biased sibling. Visual upgrades are a darker-toned front shield and boot lid, while the front fascia features artwork inspired by Sweden's Kebnekaise mountain range. Pronounced skid plates and wider wheel arch extensions provide it with a more rugged-looking appearance. There are five colours: Sand Dune, Cloud Blue, Crystal White, Onyx Black, and Vapour Grey. There's an optional Cross Country Experience package that includes mudflaps, roof racks and all-terrain tyres at R20,000 - R30,000 depending on which options you tick. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading The Volvo EX30 Cross Country is powered by front and back electric one-speed motors delivering 315kW and 543Nm while the 69kWh battery delivers a claimed range of 427 kilometers. Image: Supplied Interior As with the EX30, the interior is minimalistic to the extreme with virtually all adjustments, settings and information accessed via a plethora of menus on the 12.3-inch touchscreen. It's well equipped with a heated steering wheel and front seats, a fixed panoramic sunroof, two-zone climate control, power-adjustable front seats and a nine-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system. There are two interior options: Pine and Indigo, and like the rest of the interior, they have been put together using recycled and renewable materials. Power Power is provided by front and back electric one-speed motors delivering 315kW and 543Nm while the 69kWh battery delivers a claimed range of 427 kilometres and can be charged from 10% to 80% in 26 minutes using a fast charger, provided you can find one in the bundu. The interior is minimalistic to the extreme. Image: Supplied Driving Thanks to the immediate torque on offer, the EX30 Cross Country provides a brisk take-off with a quick and steady increase in speed when you push the accelerator to the floor. It will get to 100km/h in 3.7 seconds from a standing start with a top speed of 180km/h as mandated throughout the Volvo range. On gravel roads, it showcases the off-road tweaks well. The suspension is soft and compliant, making easy work of wash-aways and ruts, while the All Wheel Drive system provides plenty of confidence on sandy corners and stretches where we went above the speed that the average owner would regularly do when venturing off the tar. Our launch car was fitted with a roof rack, and we found the whistling of the air passing through it rather intrusive, especially because it's so quiet inside. It's likely, though, that once it's loaded that this will disappear. Fully electric vehicles in South Africa are still regarded with scepticism, accounting for only 0.24% of new car sales last year. The EX30 was our best performer with 406 units sold, so it will be interesting to see whether the Volvo EX30 Cross Country can make inroads into the leisure market. Keeping in mind it's strictly a 'softroader', and while our charging infrastructure is steadily improving, taking it to its intended habitat remains a gamble, so it will take some innovative arguments to convince lifestyle buyers. It comes with a three-year/60,000km maintenance plan, a five-year/100,000km warranty, an eight-year battery warranty and five years of unlimited roadside assistance. Additionally, owners receive two years of free public charging, a GridCars wallbox with installation, and 10GB of Vodacom data per month for three years. Pricing Volvo EX30 Cross Country: R1,165,000.
IOL News
3 days ago
- Automotive
- IOL News
WATCH: Volvo SA's MD on steering through challenges to rebuild trust and drive change
Volvo's new South African managing director, Grant Locke, spoke to us at the launch of the EX 30 Cross Country. Image: Supplied Volvo's new South African managing director, Grant Locke, has just returned from Sweden after eighteen months with a clear mission: to restore customer confidence, strengthen dealer networks, and guide the brand through our country's cautious transition to electric mobility. Speaking on the sidelines at the launch of the new Volvo EX 30 Cross Country, he said: 'As a South African, I understand the unique culture and mindset here. That gives me an advantage in helping ensure trust in the Volvo brand locally. Right now, my biggest challenge is rebuilding that trust.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Dealership restructure Earlier this year, Volvo embarked on a significant dealership restructure, aimed at improving profitability and aligning the network with market realities, but the move did create uncertainty among customers. 'When a dealership closes, people worry about servicing their cars. Marketing alone can't fix that. We need to ensure approved Volvo service coverage across the country, with trusted dealers who are close enough for convenient servicing, accessory purchases and product expertise.' First steps The first steps in this plan are already underway, with a new dealership announced for Gqeberha, and a further two as a work in progress for Nelspruit and Bloemfontein. 'It's about finding the right balance, enough volume through a dealer network to keep them profitable and sustainable, while still being accessible to customers,' he explained. Locke acknowledges a 'two-speed' challenge. Closing dealers impacts sales, reinstating them doesn't instantly boost numbers, and brand consideration must be rebuilt with the right mix of good products, solid marketing and patience. Grant Locke, Volvo SA's new Managing Director. Image: Supplied SA's electrification journey On the product side, he admits South Africa's journey toward electrification is progressing cautiously. 'Plug-in hybrids are a stepping stone into EVs, and Volvo must ensure there are options for customers in that space. Although the launch of the XC70 long-range PHEV is currently only for China, I wouldn't be surprised if Volvo considers similar long-range plug-in hybrids for other model ranges. "Other manufacturers, especially Chinese brands, are already going in that direction. Long-term, though, our strategy is still focused on BEVs,' Locke said. Resale One of the concerns about Volvo products is their resale value and the perception that it drops quickly once they leave the showroom. 'Residual values are a concern for every manufacturer. We currently offer a guaranteed future value (GFV) product to help address that, but from my perspective, I'd like to explore more solutions. 'Residual value is a key part of the total cost of ownership, and if you get it wrong, it can overshadow other factors like fuel economy. The GFV helps, but there may be more we can do, and there are global initiatives worth investigating,' Locke admitted. On a personal level, Locke says that he's here for the foreseeable future to ensure that he addresses the challenges that the brand faces. 'I'm here for the long haul. My wife is starting her PhD at Stellenbosch, so that's at least three years, and my kids are enrolling in school here,' he concluded.
Forbes
23-06-2025
- Automotive
- Forbes
Three Of The Best Features Of Los Angeles' Electrify Expo 2025
2025 Electrify Expo This past weekend marked the return of Electrify Expo to Southern California, this time occupying an outdoor venue in the Port of Los Angeles. Dubbed as a 'unique festival vibe for consumers to reshape what they think they know about EVs,' per the Expo itself, it's a chance for consumers to check out a wide variety of product activations, chat with companies in the EV automobile and greater mobility sphere, as well as the many vendors that cater to it. Not only that, but there are ample chances for folks to experience EVs firsthand, from Ford Performance ride alongs to a short test drive route behind the wheel of many new models. I was invited by the expo to come hang out and enjoy the day, and, after soaking it all up for a couple of hours, walked away impressed. Here are three features of the event that I really dug, and are also key indicators of where we're headed with electrification. Attendees had the ability to test-drive a wide variety of EVs at Electrify Expo. Test Drives Galore When I saw demo drives as a cornerstone of the event, I initially didn't think much of it. Like any car show, this is often done by a small handful of brands who mostly just put consumers in the passenger seat and chauffeur them around. However, at Electrify Expo, basically every attending automaker had what seemed like over a dozen demo vehicles, each, for consumers to get behind the wheel and truly feel out themselves. It's no secret that a good percentage of traditional dealerships aren't crazy about moving EVs. By skipping the customary dealership test drive—and any sales pressure that may come with it—this is a very good direct-to-the-consumer way of helping them decide what's best for their next new-car purchase. After all, EVs sales aren't great at the moment, so it certainly makes sense to get as many people in the seat as possible. There are five stops left on Electrify Expo's calendar this year, I highly recommend that any prospective EV buyer pay a visit if it's convenient. The Volvo EX30 Cross Country. The New Volvo EX30 Cross Country It's great to see the Cross Country badge on Volvo's latest diminutive model. Swap out some painted trim for cladding, increase the ride height, mount up some knobbier tires, and it's an instant nod of approval from any self-described enthusiast. Not only that, but calling this trim the Cross Country pays homage to a proud lineage of categorically cool Volvo wagons of yore. I pay especially close attention to anything geared towards the enthusiast market, and this is good news for anyone after a fun driving experience with something sporting an electric drivetrain. Another important thing to note: I reviewed the Rivian R1S and Mercedes G580 earlier this year, and was enamoured by how good off-roading in an EV is. While lacking these full-size truck's ground clearance, Volvo's EX30 Cross Country gives consumers something adventure-ready for, what I assume will be, far less money. The Lightship AE.1 EV-ready trailer. America's Other Favorite Pastime: RVing Present at Electrify Expo's Los Angeles installment was Lightship with its AE.1 Cosmo trailer, designed to be towed behind any of today's haul-ready EV trucks, such as those by Rivian, Ford, Tesla, and GM. One current downside of EV technology is towing; range drops quite significantly when it's factored in. But with a 77 kWh battery and electric motor attached to the AE.1's rearmost axle, the trailer contributes to the overall setup's propulsion, netting around 300 miles of overall range. Its design is quite aerodynamic, and even lowers down to reduce overall height and cut through the air as cleanly as possible. Then, with a large bank of solar panels atop its roof, it makes for easier off-grid living for powering common electronics and systems. It also has very spacious interior dimensions when fully deployed—it's (to earnestly use a common turn-of-phrase in automotive journalism) a very nice place to be. Lightship had a good number of personnel on-hand to chat, and I was truly impressed by the rig's overall specs and features. Electrify Expo Los Angeles 2025 Strong Momentum This year's Electrify Expo featured an expansive amount of enthusiasm for the future of America's vehicular electrification. There were scores of vendors in the ranks showing that they're ready to accommodate EV owners. Then, not only did automakers show up en masse, but the aftermarket did, too; there was a good number of impressive aftermarket builds focused on customization and high-performance. Such as an electrified Ferrari Dino by SoCal shop Current LA, which was quite easy on the eyes. It was a good microcosm of the EV industry's pulse in this country, as well as an exciting look at what's to come. While EV ownership has slowed in its expansion, it hasn't stopped—the momentum is still there. And, after witnessing the high attendance at EE on Saturday morning alone, it shows that people are genuinely interested and paying close attention.
Yahoo
16-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Electrify Expo's Return to Southern California Marks Milestone Growth for the Nation's Largest EV Festival
Electrify Expo Los Angeles Electrify Expo brings in its largest exhibitor participation ever to a new venue at the Port of LA Kia, Volvo and Lexus will debut their most anticipated new vehicles alongside current models Tesla will offer the exclusive opportunity for self driving demos at the LA festival Notable new exhibitors include Karma Automotive, Drako Motors, Verge Motorcycles, ChargePoint and more The first eVOTL personal aircraft, Pivotal Helix, will join the lineup in LA Two ticket options available, with general admission starting at $20 Festival runs June 21-22 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; tickets available online and in person LOS ANGELES, June 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Electrify Expo, North America's largest electric vehicle (EV) and technology festival, is returning to Southern California with its largest lineup of exhibitors ever. The festival will take over the Port of LA for the first time, bringing over 1 million square feet of electric demos, experiences, entertainment zones and never-before-seen electric vehicles. Electrify Expo welcomes new exhibitors to join the EV festival including ChargePoint, Verge Motorcycles, Karma Automotive, Drako Motors and many others. California continues to lead the nation in EV adoption, standing out as a hub for innovation and consumer demand. As more drivers explore what going electric means, they're looking for flexible options that fit their lifestyle, whether that's fully electric vehicles, hybrids or e-bikes. According to the California New Car Dealers Association's auto outlook released in April 2025, hybrids now hold 17.9% of the automotive market share in the state. At Electrify Expo attendees will experience the full spectrum of electric offerings, making it the ideal place for first-time shoppers, long-time enthusiasts and even skeptics. 'California has long led the way in EV adoption, but we're now seeing a fresh wave of interest from consumers who have been watching from the sidelines—many of whom are now waking up to the practicality of EVs,' said BJ Birtwell, CEO and Founder of Electrify Expo. 'Today's EVs are more affordable, go farther than ever and charge faster than people think. They are the clear practical choice in California where EV infrastructure is abundant and gas prices are surging. We're ready to bring the festival back to LA with more brands, more options and more excitement than ever.' New Attractions for Los Angeles: For the first time ever, Electrify Expo will have the Pivotal Helix, an eVTOL personal aircraft, on display for attendees to experience the future of transportation with SoFly. The all-new, fully electric Volvo EX30 Cross Country is making its North American debut in Los Angeles, showcasing how big experiences can come in a small SUV. Joining it is the refreshed Volvo XC60 Plug-In Hybrid, on public display for one of the first times, highlighting one of the Swedish automaker's best-selling SUVs designed to suit every kind of driver. Be among the first to experience the all-new 2026 Lexus ES 500e, making its public debut at Electrify Expo LA. Joining the spotlight is the enhanced 2026 Lexus RZ 350e—part of a new, extended lineup engineered for more power, greater efficiency, and an even more dynamic drive. As seen at auto shows, Kia is bringing its all-new EV9 ADVNTR CONCEPT, an all-electric SUV built for extreme yet sustainable off-road adventure based on the successful 3-row EV9. Join Ford for hot laps in the Mustang Mach-E GT with professional drivers at the Ford Thrill Zone and take the wheel yourself with test drives of the Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning, as well as have the chance to see a one-of-a-kind adventure-focused Mustang Mach-E Rally built by off-road racer Jim Beaver. General Motors brands including Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC will be bringing every electric offering, marking their first Electrify Expo California stop. Verge Motorcycles joins the Electrify Expo roster and will have its California Edition, homage to the Californian way of life, available for demos and on display. Former professional NBA basketball player turned Los Angeles Clippers TV analyst, Corey Maggette will have a meet and greet on Saturday, June 21 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the Kia booth. The Electric Freestyle Motocross Stunt Zone will feature X Games Gold Medalist Destin Cantrell and his freestyle MX team, who will jump and soar with electric dirt bikes in thrilling live performances at select times over the weekend. Electrify Race League will host its championship event with the top athletes in e-mobility from across the nation for a thrilling series of competitions. Attendees will take the driver's seat in the newest electric vehicles from top automakers, including: Ford Lexus Lucid Tesla Toyota Volvo Cadillac Chevrolet GMC Kia Rivian Drako Motors Karma Automotive Top micromobility brands invite attendees to cruise around with the hottest e-bikes, e-scooters, e-motorcycles and other electric rideables on the market, including: Verge Motorcycles P-51 Bikes ONYX Motors Can-Am GoTrax SUPER73 Jack Rabbit Monday Motorbikes E-Z-GO … and many more! Electrify Expo's gates will open at 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 21 and Sunday, June 22, with the full day of festivities concluding at 5 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase in person and online. For the 2025 LA festival, Electrify Expo will offer two ticket options to suit every attendee's needs: General Admission Pass ($20): All day access to the festival and demo experiences. Power Pack ($55): The best of both worlds, early entry plus priority access for the ultimate experience. Media interested in attending may request credentials by emailing ee@ Companies interested in exhibiting at the 2025 Electrify Expo locations can visit About Electrify ExpoElectrify Expo is North America's largest electric vehicle (EV) and technology festival, where consumers come to shop and experience all things electric. The festival showcases the industry's leading brands and exciting startups through hands-on activations, demos and experiences spanning EVs, micromobility, solar energy, charging solutions, powersports, automotive aftermarket, and connected home technology, providing attendees with immersive learning opportunities and memorable interactions. From high-powered demo courses to engaging education zones, Electrify Expo offers a unique festival vibe for consumers to reshape what they think they know about EVs. In 2025, Electrify Expo's nationwide tour will visit Orlando, Phoenix, Dallas, Los Angeles, Seattle, San Francisco, Chicago and New York. To stay up to date on the latest news and announcements from Electrify Expo, visit and follow on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Media ContactSkyya PRee@ A photo accompanying this announcement is available at in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
The Irish Sun
29-04-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
‘Most reliable' car brand on road dubbed an ‘indestructible tank' with 97% safety score is revealed by expert mechanic
A CAR mechanic has named one brand as the 'strongest' and 'most reliable' carmaker. The mechanic said their cars are "built like Advertisement 3 Good safety ratings are a staple of Volvo cars 3 In 2018, the widely-sold Volvo XC40 boasted a five-star safety rating, and a remarkable adult occupancy safety score of 97% Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk A top He explained that their cars are "the safest to sit in." The The Advertisement Read more Motors Speaking on the MotorBodies "We had a BMW that collided with a Volvo, and even though the BMW was in absolute pieces the Volvo stayed strong. "It's one of the reasons that the 'They are cars that can sustain large impacts but still stay strong. Advertisement Most read in Motors "So remember, if you want a reliable car built like a tank, buy a Volvo.' A signature feature of any Volvo is a high test score in I drove the new Volvo EX30 Cross Country – it's a tough, high-riding EV that can conquer ice lakes and look cool at home In 2018, the widely-sold Volvo XC40 boasted a five-star safety rating, and a remarkable adult occupancy safety score of 97%. Euro NCAP explained: 'The passenger compartment of the Advertisement ' 'Volvo showed that good protection would be provided to the The XC40 was no exception to Volvo's strict safety rules, as the 2017 XC60 not only matched its five-star safety rating, but even surpassed its adult occupancy assessment, scoring an incredible 98%. More recently, the brand's Advertisement These are the latest additions to Volvo's long legacy of excellent passenger protection, widely recognised by experts such as American mechanic Scotty Kilner. He said: 'You've got front and rear disc 'They also sold enough of them that parts aren't a big deal these days. I can get parts from these things all over the place." It's no surprise therefore that Volvo has been rated one of the best brands to buy used cars from. Advertisement Earlier this year, the used car background check provider Volvo ranked joint-second with Toyota, with both scoring an impressive 70% - beaten only by Honda with 72%. Meanwhile However, at the bottom were a string of German brands - Audi (52%), Mercedes-Benz (59%), BMW (61%) and Volkswagen (62%). Advertisement Kia rounded out the bottom five (58%). 3 Volvo ranked joint second as CarVertical's best brand to buy a used car from Credit: Not known, clear with picture desk
