Volvo Car UK Partners With British Gas, As Uk Deliveries Of The First V60 Plug-In Diesel Hybrids Commence

LONDON – Aug 16, 2013: As deliveries of the world's first plug-in diesel hybrid, the Volvo V60 D6 AWD, start in the UK, Volvo is pleased to announce a new partnership with British Gas to help ensure customers' properties are ready to charge their new vehicle.

Until March 2015, customers who buy the new model will be eligible for a free* car charging package from British Gas, which includes a charge point and free* access to the Polar Charging network across the UK.

Recent updates to the Volvo V60 for Model Year 2014 have included a completely redesigned front with a new bumper incorporating new day-running lights and grille, plus a re-profiled bonnet with hidden washer jets, front wings and headlights. From Model Year 2014, customers are able to specify the already well equipped SE Lux specification with additional options and also choose from a wide range of colours to help create their ideal car.

The V60 D6 AWD allows the driver to choose the driving mode via three buttons in the dashboard that gives the car three entirely different temperaments: Pure, Hybrid or Power. In the default hybrid mode, the carbon dioxide emissions are just 48g/km. At the touch of a button, the driver can also choose to cover up to 31 miles on pure electric power − or use the combined capacity of the diesel engine and electric motor to create a veritable driving machine with 215+70 horsepower and 440+200 Nm of torque.

Such is the demand, production has already been doubled next year from the initial plan of 150, to 300 units for the UK. Global production is expected to reach 10,000 units in 2014.

As part of the partnership with British Gas, UK customers will benefit from a free* home charging package which includes:

Installation of a home charge point − a 16 Amp data enabled Wall Box with 4.5m cable to help keep track of energy use

Access to the POLAR network until the end of March 2014. Giving access to more than 1,800 public charging points across the country

A home-suitability survey by a fully-trained British Gas electrician, survey and installation on the same day

Access to Chargevision online account management and smart phone app to help keep track energy use

Three-year charge point warranty and three-year parts and labour warranty

Iain Howat, head of product and pricing at Volvo Car UK, said: "The V60 Plug-in Diesel Hybrid has been a worldwide success and within the UK we have seen great interest from customers, both in the retail and corporate sectors. With the car offering low CO2 emissions coupled with a high power output, the new exterior design and Volvo's usual safety standards, plus this new fantastic offer from British Gas, we have great confidence in this vehicle as a complete package."

Andreas Atkins, head of electric vehicle services at British Gas, said: "We're very pleased to be supporting Volvo and its new V60 Plug-in Diesel Hybrid. The V60 represents another step towards electric vehicles becoming mainstream in the UK, and this partnership maintains British Gas' position at the heart of the UK's charging infrastructure."

Other benefits from British Gas for electric vehicle users include:

The British Gas Off-Peak Saver Tariff** − designed specifically with electric vehicle and hybrid owners in mind, the tariff provides 20 hours of lower rate electricity every day compared to other standard tariffs.

The installation of a smart meter, which shows in pounds and pence how much energy is costing.