VOLVO Car Australia will sell its electric cars solely online with a rollout as early as this year, but has denied it will adopt an agency model and said it will retain its dealer network.

It said its global push to only selling electric vehicles from 2030 has started – by the end of this month, VCA will have no diesel vehicles available for sale in Australia, except for about 60 late-arrival vehicles caught up in pandemic production and shipping delays.

Australian buyers will then be treated to the roll-out of petrol cars and the incoming mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and pure electric (EV) range of vehicles.

VCA director of PR and corporate Greg Bosnich told GoAutoNews Premium that Australia will follow the same path as Volvo Car’s global EV plans.

“Our pure-electric vehicles will be available online and the Volvo dealer network continues to be an integral part,” he said.

“There is an online relationship with the customer however our dealer network will expedite the order and delivery.”

But Mr Bosnich said VCA is “not heading down the agency model route.”

“Our dealer network remains intact,” he said.

“In fact we have three dealers opening very soon.”

Polestar, the EV sub-brand of Volvo Car owner Geely and one that is also made in Sweden, will also launch in Australia.

But despite the indisputable link between Volvo and Polestar, the administration and sales will be separate and VCA won’t comment on Polestar’s debut. It is known that Polestar will be available online only.

Volvo Car made a global statement earlier this month that confirmed its plans to “become a fully electric car company by 2030.”

“By then, the company intends to only sell fully electric cars and phase out any car in its global portfolio with an internal combustion engine, including hybrids,” it said.

“The company’s transition towards becoming a fully electric car-maker is part of its ambitious climate plan, which seeks to consistently reduce the lifecycle carbon footprint per car through concrete action.

“Its decision also builds on the expectation that legislation as well as a rapid expansion of accessible high-quality charging infrastructure will accelerate consumer acceptance of fully electric cars.”

Volvo Cars said its move towards full electrification melds with an increased focus on online sales “and a more complete, attractive and transparent consumer offer under the name Care by Volvo. All fully electric models will be available online only.”

“The 2030 ambition represents an acceleration of Volvo Cars’ electrification strategy, driven by strong demand for its electrified cars in recent years and a firm conviction that the market for combustion engine cars is a shrinking one,” it said.

Volvo Car chief executive Hakan Samuelsson said: “To remain successful, we need profitable growth.”

“So instead of investing in a shrinking business, we choose to invest in the future – electric and online.

“We are fully focused on becoming a leader in the fast-growing premium electric segment.”

Volvo Cars launched its first fully electric car, the XC40 Recharge, in its global markets last year, including Australia.

Earlier this month it revealed its second fully electric car, a new model in the 40 Series.

“There is no long-term future for cars with an internal combustion engine,” said Volvo Car’s chief technology officer Henrik Green.

“We are firmly committed to becoming an electric-only car-maker and the transition should happen by 2030.

“It will allow us to meet the expectations of our customers and be a part of the solution when it comes to fighting climate change.”

By Neil Dowling