The domestic arm of Volvo has confirmed to Dealerfloor that it will be restructuring its South African business as part of its goal to become the leader in the electric vehicle (EV) sector.
The company hasn’t disclosed the finer details of the reshuffling, but expectations are that it will include a a noticeable reduction in the number of dealers.
The strategic changeup, it said, will strengthen the Volvo brand in South Africa and change how vehicles are sold through the dealer network.
“While we have plans to resize our dealer network locally, Volvo remains fully committed to the South African market. This commitment is evident in the continued investment in electrified mobility and the introduction of new models,” the company said.
“We are committed to providing the highest level of care through our existing service network. Our official contact channels are prepared and available to handle any customer inquiries.”
The company reaffirmed that existing warranty and service contracts will remain unaffected by the dealer restructuring, and that all customers will continue to be serviced adequately.
What’s next
Volvo has two models on the way to South Africa amid its network shakeup.
The first of these will be the new EX90, slated to land within the first half of the year, which will assume the role of the flagship model in the Swedish manufacturer’s portfolio.
An all-electric seven-seater, the EX90 boasts a healthy 380kW and 910Nm output which is relayed to the tarmac through all four wheels, allowing it to eclipse 100km/h in a brisk 4.9 seconds.
Courtesy of a 111kWh battery back, it can go as far as 751km on a single charge in urban settings, or 604km if you throw a bit of highway driving into the mix.
A 250kW DC fast charger then sees a 10-80% charge achieved in just 30 minutes.
After the EX90, the next entry in the Volvo catalogue will be the EX30 Cross Country.
The rugged crossover, based on the standard EX30, sports off-road-focused styling underscored by a darkened front shield and boot lid, chunky front and rear skidplates, wheel-arch extensions, and bigger tyres.
The Cross Country also boasts higher ground clearance than its namesake to improve its bundu-bashing prowess, and it will offer all-wheel drive as well as a range of up to 427km.
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