Car News – Volvo to bring diesels, plug-in hybrids to North America

Volvo announced plans to bring a line-up of diesel and plug-in hybrids to North America.

Volvo announced today that they have plans to release fuel-efficient diesels and plug-in hybrids into the North American market.  This was confirmed by CEO Doug Speck.

Although there are plans to release a plug-in hybrid for Europe in 2012, Speck did not say when the hybrid or the diesel vehicles would be available in North American showrooms, or even which models will carry this technology in them.  Regardless, the automaker is looking to push it sales more while still complying with the 35.5 mpg corporate average required by 2016.

Ford has been recently trying to sell the Volvo brand, but that’s doesn’t seem to be stopping their increased move into the North America market.  Over the past year, they have seen a increase in sales, despite lacking a replacement for the S60 sedan.  The Swedish automaker will be the fourth largest European luxury brand to offer a diesel in North America, which includes Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi.