Volvo starts production of its new four-cylinder engine family
Volvo has commenced production of its all-new four-cylinder engines. Volvo says that they have developed the new VEA line of engines in-house and these powertrains will go a long way in taking the company from its dependence on Ford for technology. Volvo's Skovde plant had begun preparations for manufacturing these engines from the last two years. The Skovde plant has got reinforcements for the new engines so that the manufacturing process is a very efficient affair.
The small engines will offer more performance than current 6-cylinders and at the same time deliver more fuel economy than a regular 4-cylinder engine. Volvo also says that the four-and six-cylinder engines will be available in both petrol and diesel configuration and will debut in cars between the period 2013-2015. Almost 20,000 engines are expected to be produced in 2013 and by December this year, the Skovde plant will put out 2000 units a week. The first engine variant is expected to be fitted to the S60, XC60, V60 and S80 amongst others.
"This marks a milestone in Volvo Cars' history. With our new engine family we are focusing on two additional vital properties - driving pleasure and fuel efficiency," says Derek Crabb, vice president powertrain engineering.