Volvo has been named Manufacturer of the Year in the 2021 AM Awards from Automotive Management, reaffirming the strength of the company’s vision and success during the past 12 months. Presented by AM, a leading source of news and insight for industry executives, the honours hold particular influence and prestige. For Volvo, it is a repeat of the success it achieved in the awards in 2018. Announcing the award at a presentation ceremony in Birmingham this week, the judges said of Volvo: “Its products are in demand, its brand has clear values, and it is publicly ahead of the game in EV and digital transition, so we felt such factors deserve the recognition granted by this award.” Volvo continues to accelerate its electrification programme, now offering Recharge plug-in hybrid petrol-electric versions of every model in its range. It is also rolling out new battery electric cars, with two already on sale and more to follow as it prepares for 50% of its sales to be EVs by 2025 and becoming a fully electric car company by 2030. This product innovation goes hand-in-hand with Volvo fully embracing the potential of digitalisation to transform its customer services. There has been a positive early response to the new Care by Volvo car subscription service and to online car sales tools. Volvo expects the majority of its UK retail sales to be conducted online by 2025, while globally the company is targeting 100% of its sales to be online by 2030. As well as delivering new online services, Volvo is focused on creating an excellent showroom environment, continuing the roll-out of its Scandinavian-inspired Volvo Retail Experience. The new concept will be featured in around 75% of its UK retailers by the end of the year. During this period of business and product transition, Volvo remains true to its core brand values, putting safety and sustainability at the heart of everything it does. Its ambition is to become a climate-neutral company by 2040. The early success of its strategy is witnessed in its growing market share in the UK and a record global sales volume for the first six months of the year. Matt Galvin, Volvo Car UK Commercial Operations Director, said: “The AM award is great recognition for the hard work and investment made by Volvo and our retail network partners to support our products with the best customer service. Volvo also continues to live and breathe its sustainability and electrification credentials, which are really resonating with consumers and retailers alike – something we are immensely proud of. The commitment and support of everyone across the business continues to ensure we can deliver results and achieve our ambitions for our business and for our customers.” |