2005 Volvo Xc90 T6 on 2040-cars

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Defying Trump, major automakers finalize California emissions deal

WASHINGTON — The California Air Resources Board (CARB) and major automakers on Monday confirmed they had finalized binding agreements to cut vehicle emissions in the state, defying the Trump administration's push for weaker curbs on tailpipe pollution. The agreements with carmakers Ford Motor Co, Volkswagen AG, Honda Motor Co and BMW AG were first announced in July 2019 as voluntary measures prompting anger from U.S. President Donald Trump. A month later, the Justice Department opened an antitrust probe into the agreements. The government ended the investigation without action. The Trump administration in March finalized a rollback of U.S. vehicle emissions standards to require 1.5% annual increases in efficiency through 2026. That is far weaker than the 5% annual increases in the discarded rules adopted under President Barack Obama. The 50-page California agreements, which extend through 2026, are less onerous than the standards finalized by the Obama administration but tougher than the Trump administration standards. The automakers have also agreed to electric vehicle commitments. Volvo Cars, owned by China's Geely Holdings, said in March it planned to join the automakers agreeing to the California requirements. It has also finalized its agreement. The settlement agreements say California and automakers agreed to resolve "potential legal disputes concerning the authority of CARB" and other states that have adopted California's standards. In May, a group of 23 U.S. states led by California and some major cities, challenged the Trump vehicle emissions rule. Other major automakers like General Motors Co, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV and Toyota Motor Corp did not join the California agreement. Those companies also sided with the Trump administration in a separate lawsuit over whether the federal government can strip California of the right to set zero emission vehicle requirements. Ford said the "final agreement will reduce emissions in our vehicles at a more stringent rate, support and incentivize the production of electrified products, and create regulatory certainty." BMW said "by setting these long-term, predictable, and achievable standards, we have the regulatory certainty that is necessary for long-term planning that will not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but ultimately benefit consumers as well." 

Volvo reveals 400-hp twin-charged PHEV power for new XC90 [UPDATE]

UPDATE: An earlier version of this post indicated that the larger of the conventional diesel engines was a five-cylinder. However all three powertrains announced for the upcoming new XC90 are actually four-cylinder engines. The text has been updated accordingly.
Volvo rolled in to new territory when it introduced the original XC90 back in 2002, creating its first SUV and one of its top-selling models. But that was 12 years ago. In the meantime it's followed up with the smaller XC60, but what the brand faithful and the industry at large have been looking forward to most is the arrival of the new XC90.
Previewed by the Concept XC Coupe at the Detroit Auto Show, the new XC90 is set to arrive later this year, but to keep us on our toes, the Swedish automaker has been steadily trickling out a stream of information and photos. Two months ago it gave us a glimpse inside the cabin, and last month it revealed its new infotainment system, but now Volvo has released details on the upcoming new XC90's powertrain.

2023 Volvos get mild-hybrid engines, XC40 and S60 see styling tweaks

For 2023, Volvo's entire lineup will now feature both mild-hybrid assist engines and Google Android-based infotainment. Additionally, a couple of models are getting some styling updates. As for powertrains, the XC90, XC40 and V60 Cross Country are finally getting base engines with Volvo's 48-volt hybrid assist. This means that every Volvo on sale will have some level of electrification as standard, and of course plug-in hybrid and full-electric versions of some of its models continue to be offered. The Google Android-based infotainment system's availability is also expanding to the gas-powered XC40 models as well as the S60 and V60 models. As with electrification, this update means every Volvo has the same kind of infotainment. The perks of the new infotainment system include the ability to run apps and features such as Google Maps and Voice Assistant natively in the infotainment system, instead of needing to use a phone. It also enables over-the-air updates so that older models can still have the latest functions. Rounding out the updates are some styling changes for certain models. The S60 and V60 models get new grilles and rear bumper inserts. The XC40 features new headlights, front bumpers and grilles. New colors and wheels are on offer for all models, and Volvo has dropped trim level designations for all cars. The updated Volvo models are going into production with availability this summer. Pricing has not been announced yet. Related Video: This content is hosted by a third party. To view it, please update your privacy preferences. Manage Settings.