CarBuyersNoteBook

Swedish automaker Volvo has announced that it will be releasing a new plug-in hybrid vehicle by 2012 as the latest step under its ‘DRIVe Towards Zero ’ eco-campaign. This announcement also signals the organization of a joint-venture with Swedish energy supplier Vattenfall to help assist with the development of the carmaker’s first production plug-in hybrid and future all-electric models.

Volvo also stated that it will have three new V70 plug-in hybrids testing on public roads in Europe by the middle of the year. It is worth noting that Volvo’s design will not be using the familiar petrol-electricity combination, but instead will utilize diesel fuel to give its cars even better efficiency over future rivals like the upcoming Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid and Chevrolet Volt. No other details about Volvo’s design, including its expected fuel-economy, have been disclosed yet.

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