Volvo Car Group is now starting production of the first engine variants in the new, high-efficiency four-cylinder engine family. The development and production take place in-house at Volvo Car Group and form a vital part of the company’s strategy for independence.
The strategy of four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines and driveline electrification is the path that Volvo Cars has chosen for the future. With total control over the development and production of engines and drivelines, and by reducing the number of engine variants, the result is increased flexibility and greater ability to influence quality.
“This marks a milestone in Volvo Cars’ history,” says Derek Crabb, Vice President Powertrain Engineering. “With our new engine family we are focusing on two additional vital properties – driving pleasure and fuel efficiency.”
Modern production plant with efficient assembly
In Volvo Car Group’s engine plant in Skövde, Sweden, preparations for the production start of the new Volvo Engine Architecture (VEA) engines have been under way for about two years.
One of the highlights is a brand-new, state-of-the-art addition to the plant for assembly of the new engines. All the engine versions are built on the same line, which runs through the new part of the plant and makes for very efficient production.
“One of the biggest challenges was the remodelling of the line for cylinder block processing,” says Oskar Falk, Vice President Global Engine Production. “Thirty machining cells were replaced or converted at a cost of about half a billion kronor.”
Alan Zurvas is the founder and editor of Gay Car Boys, Australia's leading LGBTQI+ automotive publication. Before launching GCB in 2008, Alan's automotive writing was published in SameSame.com.au and the Star Observer. With over 16 years of hands-on car reviewing experience, Alan brings an honest, irreverent voice to every review — championing value and innovation over brand loyalty.
Leave a Reply