Volvo Cars reported global sales of 178,980 cars for the three-month period between March and May 2026, down by 5.5 per cent compared to the same period between March and May 2025. At the same time, sales improved compared to the earlier three-month period covering February to April 2026.
The company's sales of electrified models, fully electric and plug-in hybrid models, accounted for 48 per cent of all cars sold during the three-month period. Fully electric cars comprised 23 per cent of all cars sold for the period, and plug-in hybrid models accounted for 25 per cent.
The automotive industry, including the premium segment, continues to face intensifying headwinds across regions, which is reflected in the sales performance for the three-month period ending May 2026.
Sales in China remain under pressure, as overall industry volumes continue to decline in double digits for consecutive months. This is due to the highly competitive industry landscape and challenging macro environment.
In the US, there are early signs of a recovery for both the industry and Volvo Cars, which is reflected in the gradual improvement in deliveries. However, the overall market still remains impacted by low customer sentiment and subdued demand for fully electric and plug-in hybrid cars following subsidy removal.
Commenting on the results, Grant Locke, Managing Director of Volvo Car South Africa, says:
“Despite the external challenges across global markets, we are seeing a steady and clear shift toward electrification. While this transition is at a more gradual pace in markets like South Africa and across Africa, customer interest in electrified vehicles continues to grow as awareness and infrastructure develop.”
“Globally, the strong performance of our fully electric models highlights the direction the industry is moving in. Locally, our focus remains on introducing the right products at the right time, while supporting customers through this transition and building long-term confidence in electric mobility.”
Additionally, Volvo Cars is seeing continued demand for its fully electric range, with models such as the EX30 and EX40 contributing to sustained momentum in key markets.
The company has also received positive early feedback on the new EX60 fully electric SUV, with initial customer orders exceeding internal expectations. Production of the model is expected to ramp up gradually in the second half of the year.
