PHOENIX — Just three years ago Volvo announced a goal to build and sell only 100% fully electric vehicles by 2030 while phasing out all of its internal combustion engine models including hybrids. Since that time and just last month — September 2024 — Volvo had a change in plans and announced it was walking back its 100% EV agenda and now pledges a 90 to 100% goal that includes EVs and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs). By 2025, Volvo expects 50 to 60% of sales to be electrified.

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Polestar is a new stand-alone car brand from the Chinese automaker Geely, that has owned Volvo since 2015.  The name comes from a Swedish team that races Volvo’s. Polestar is the all-electric vehicle brand for Volvo that sells its cars through its own dealer network and online. You can’t buy a Polestar at a Volvo dealership but it’s where Polestar vehicles will get serviced by specific Volvo dealers if you own one.

INDIANAOPLIS — Volvo has a well-earned reputation for building autos that protect their passengers, but the automaker is expanding its compassion for humans to include the environment.  It has launched its Polestar electric vehicle division and offers an all-electric XC40 compact crossover, but plug-in versions of its traditional models will add juice to the plans.  The 2021 XC60 Recharge Inscription is a great example.

PHOENIX — For years, I’ve made long weekend pilgrimages to visit family, explore National Parks, and go on golf junkets, mostly because I love to drive and partly because it’s cheap. Recently, it seemed a certain virus might annul my trip to southern Utah, but restrictions eased just in time for our Bryce Canyon-Zion hiking excursion. We were in luck.

INDIANAPOLIS — One of my good friends, who owns a Mercedes C-Class wagon with nearly 200,000 miles, recently asked what vehicle she should buy next.  She really wants a new C-Class wagon, but alas, they are no longer imported to the U.S.  She’s not a fan of crossovers, though she could use their soft-road capabilities while keeping track of her family farm.  Then, it came to me.  She’d like the car already in my driveway, the 2020 Volvo V60 Cross Country.