Volvo’s Global Plug-In Hybrid Sales Cross One Million
Volvo just passed a major milestone that speaks volumes about where the brand and the wider industry are heading. In September, the Swedish automaker delivered its one millionth plug-in hybrid, highlighting how Volvo is using hybrids as a transitional step while it continues to push toward becoming a fully electric brand.
Back in 2019, the brand sold just under 46,000 PHEVs, which steadily grew to more than 177,000 by 2024, largely driven by demand for two models: the PHEV variants of XC60 and XC90, in markets like the U.S., Sweden, and China.
Coming out of the pandemic, as the sales of EVs slowed, demand for hybrids grew. The XC60 was not only Europe’s top-selling plug-in hybrid last year, it also led the premium PHEV segment worldwide for three years straight, and that streak continues into 2025, accounting for 23 percent of Volvo’s global sales in the first half of the year.
Today, Volvo claims that it has the highest plug-in hybrid share of total sales among legacy luxury automakers. That’s partly because Volvo went all-in early. It’s first PHEV hit the market back in 2012, which was the diesel-powered V60 estate. For years, it was the only brand to offer a plug-in option across every model line.
Today, Volvo still sells PHEV versions of five different models alongside six fully electric vehicles. This mixed approach is what has given them leverage over the competition, especially in markets where charging infrastructure is still inconsistent.
Volvo’s newest entry is the XC70 plug-in, the automaker’s first long-range hybrid SUV. Under China’s CLTC cycle, it’s rated for more than 124 miles of pure electric range. Expect that figure to be likely lower under EPA standards, but it still represents a meaningful leap from earlier plug-in hybrids, which often offered ranges closer to anywhere between 25 to 40 miles.
If you live in the suburbs, that kind of range is significant and could mean doing most daily errands without tapping into burning gas. Volvo’s own data backs that up, claiming its PHEV owners already drive roughly half their time on electric power alone, especially in urban areas, suggesting that the hybrids are being used as intended: i.e,. Short, local trips on electric power, and longer stints with the safety net of a gas engine.
“Volvo Cars is committed to a fully electric future, and we will get there at a pace that suits our customers. Our plug-in hybrid cars are a crucial bridge towards that future for those customers who are not yet ready to go fully electric.” – Erik Severinson, Volvo’s chief commercial officer.
The bridge metaphor might feel like a talking point here, but it makes practical sense. Charging networks in the U.S. are expanding with the NACS standard, as well as Tesla opening up its Supercharger network to more automakers, which is helping, but access and reliability can be spotty, especially in rural areas.
Also, speaking of the United States, Volvo is doubling down on its South Carolina plant, where it will also soon begin manufacturing the XC60, the brand’s global best seller with more than 2.7 million units sold. That figure is staggering, considering it even outsold the brand’s iconic 240 wagon, a car that defined Volvo for decades. The Ridgeville site already manufactures the all-electric EX90 and the Polestar 3.
Local production will only help meet domestic demand quickly, but it will also position Volvo to qualify for incentives tied to domestic manufacturing and help Volvo stay competitive in the fiercely contested luxury crossover and SUV segments. This is in the recent light of looming uncertainty around U.S. tariffs. Looking ahead, Volvo is also planning a next-generation hybrid specifically tailored for America.
The million-unit hybrid milestone highlights how Volvo played it safe by maintaining a diversified portfolio of powertrains on its path to electrification, as both infrastructure catches up and EV tech continues to evolve.
Rolls-Royce Phantom: Own The Quintessential Luxury Sedan
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The Rolls-Royce Phantom, a true epitome of luxury and craftsmanship, personifies opulence and prestige like none other in the world of automobiles. It is much more than a car – it’s a statement of grandeur, an embodiment of supreme elegance, a handcrafted marvel that takes bespoke automobile manufacturing to unparalleled heights. The Phantom’s exterior aesthetics blend classic design with futuristic elements. Features like the Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament, floating center caps in the wheels, coach-style doors, and classic Rolls-Royce grille make the Phantom an unmistakably elegant machine.
Inside the Phantom, the comfort is unrivaled. Sumptuous leather upholstery, hand-polished wood veneers, and lambswool floor mats create a cabin that is a cocoon of extravagance. The sheer quietness and the Magic Carpet Ride air suspension provide a driving experience akin to gliding on a cloud.
What truly sets the Phantom apart, though, is its customizability. Rolls-Royce’s Bespoke program lets owners tailor their Phantoms to mirror their persona. Whether it’s personalized treadplates, unique embroidery on the upholstery, or an exclusive paint job, the limits lie within your imagination. The ‘Gallery’, a space behind the glass on the dashboard, is another canvas for owners to express their tastes via commissioned artwork.
Because of all of these features and more, it’s no secret that the Rolls-Royce Phantom can be quite the expensive car, and even at the high level it’s at, there are quite a few variances in how much one can cost. Keep reading and you’ll see 10 of the most expensive Rolls-Royce Phantoms for sale on duPont REGISTRY.com.
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2025 Rolls-Royce Phantom
2025 Rolls-Royce Phantom
Mezger’s Masterpiece: Everything You Need To Know About The 997 Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0
As GT3 RS 4.0 examples continue to soar in value and sell at the seven-figure mark, we’re taking a deep dive into one of Porsche’s most collectible cars.
The Porsche 997 GT3 RS was already a track-focused icon before Porsche Motorsport decided to up the ante with the limited-production RS 4.0. While the 997.1 GT3 RS came with a 3.6L engine and the 997.2 GT3 RS bumped displacement to 3.8L, it was the 4.0L variant that truly cemented its place in Porsche history. Launched in 2011, the GT3 RS 4.0 was a swan song for the 997 generation and a final farewell to the legendary Mezger engine in its most extreme naturally aspirated form. Just 600 examples were assembled and rolled off the production line in Stuttgart, making it rarer than most collectors and enthusiasts might assume. Compared to the 3.8, the 4.0 was more powerful, more responsive, and even more track-ready, thanks to a long list of motorsport-derived parts and lightweight tricks.
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Mezger’s Influence
At the heart of Porsche’s legendary GT car is the 4.0-liter flat-six engine, the largest displacement Mezger engine Porsche ever put into a street car. German Engineer Hans Mezger’s influence traces back to Porsche’s motorsport programs, including Le Mans and F1, earning a renowned reputation for bulletproof reliability and high-revving performance. Hans himself is a mythical figure in Porsche engineering, having developed everything from the 917’s flat-12 to the turbocharged F1 engines of the 1980s. The 997 GT3 RS 4.0 is arguably his ultimate street-legal expression, a high-revving naturally aspirated masterpiece that showcases how race engineering can translate into everyday usability. Unlike modern turbocharged 911s, this one truly relies on the driver, with every gear change and throttle blip connecting you directly to the engine’s mechanical soul.
Porsche Motorsport Styling
Aesthetically, the 997 GT3 RS 4.0 features subtle but meaningful improvements over the standard 3.8 version. Either red or black graphics complemented the white-only launch color, and the front dive planes were added to increase downforce at higher speeds on the straights. Lightweight carbon fiber parts, including the front fenders, hood, and bucket seats, helped shave precious pounds off to achieve its 2,998-pound curb weight. The tall rear wing, center-lock wheels, and cup car-inspired widebody delivered both serious track presence and functional aero. Even down to the small RS 4.0 badges on the rear and on the door decals, everything about this car screamed lightweight precision.
Track-Ready Interior
Inside, the 997 GT3 RS 4.0 carried over the no-nonsense cabin from the 3.8 but turned up the motorsport cues a notch. The factory roll cage, bucket seats with racing harness upgrades, and Alcantara everywhere created a race-ready feel while keeping just enough creature comforts to make it streetable for those Friday commutes to the office. Owners who opted for the Clubsport Package got a fire extinguisher and battery kill switch, while the lightweight door pulls reminded drivers that weight savings mattered more than convenience. Despite its raw personality, the layout is quintessential Porsche: logical, clean, and focused entirely on the driving experience.
Naturally Aspirated Power & Precision
Under the rear decklid sits the naturally aspirated 4.0-liter flat-six, making 500 horsepower and 339 lb-ft of torque. It revs to a screaming 8,500 rpm, and all that power is sent directly to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox. There’s no PDK, no turbo lag, just pure, linear power and a perfectly balanced chassis. Porsche reworked the suspension and used components from the GT2 RS to improve performance. With a Nürburgring lap time of just over 7:27, it was one of the fastest production cars of its time and remains a benchmark for what a pure driver’s 911 can be. Even today, the sound and feel of that Mezger engine remain unmatched.
Limited Production & Soaring Value
With only 600 examples produced worldwide, the 997 GT3 RS 4.0 has become one of the most collectible modern Porsches on the market today. It marked the end of the Mezger era and the last manual-only GT3 RS, two key factors that have helped drive values steadily upward. In July 2025, an 842-mile example sold for a record-breaking $1.26 million at auction, confirming that this car is the holy grail for both air-cooled purists and water-cooled warriors. As more collectors recognize the 997 generation’s mixture of analog feel and modern performance, the RS 4.0’s place in Porsche’s archives only becomes more secure. Whether you see it as a museum piece or the ultimate weekend track weapon, there’s no denying this Mezger masterpiece has earned its legendary status.
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Sources: Porsche/Shmee150 YouTube
