Volvo Cars posted the best half-year (H1) results in terms of sales and operating profit in its 94-year history despite a global shortage in semiconductors in a sign the Stockholm automaker is bouncing back from the Covid-19 pandemic.
The half-year financial report showed the company achieved a revenue of 141 billion SEK, up 26 per cent, driven by strong demand and positive mix effects. Operating income was 13 billion SEK in the first six months of 2021, representing an operating margin of 9.4 per cent.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Sales volumes rebounded 41 per cent compared to the pandemic-affected period in 2020, but the company also saw strong growth of 12 per cent compared to the first six months of 2019, a more relevant comparison without the pandemic disruption. The 12-month rolling sales volume is approximately 775,000 cars, just shy of the 800,000 target set 10 years ago.
“The company continued to grow strongly despite the industry-wide semiconductor shortage, but more importantly, we demonstrated that we are a leader of the ongoing transformation in the automotive industry,” said Håkan Samuelsson, chief executive of Volvo Cars.
The appeal of Volvo’s electric cars was demonstrated in the first half by the demand for its Recharge models. Sales of both its fully electric and plug-in hybrid cars grew significantly, now making up 25 per cent of the global volume. This is the highest electrification share as a proportion of total sales among traditional carmakers, Volvo Cars said in a release.
“As part of the move towards full electrification, we launched our second fully electric model, the Volvo C40 Recharge. At the same time, we firmed up our strategy of online sales to meet changing consumer behaviour.
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalData“From now on, all fully electric models will be available exclusively through volvocars.com, and customers can order at their place of preference; from their home, at a Volvo studio, or together with a retailer,” according to a press release.
Volkswagen Touareg takes top spot as UK’s fastest-selling used car
