Volvo XC90 and XC60 lead South Africa’s pre-owned PHEV market

Strong sales, stable demand, and growing consumer confidence highlight Volvo’s leadership in the country’s pre-owned electrified vehicle segment.

• Between 1 January and 31 October 2025, the Volvo XC90 sold 67 units and the XC60 63 units in South Africa’s pre-owned PHEV market, with the XC90 averaging just 69 days to sell.
• Stable demand and strong value retention highlight growing consumer confidence in Volvo’s electrified technology.
• With new EV and refreshed PHEV models, Volvo is expanding its electrified footprint and supporting South Africa’s greener mobility future.

Volvo Car South Africa continues to strengthen its position as a leader in South Africa’s electrified vehicle landscape, with the brand’s plug-in hybrid models ranking first and second among the country’s best-selling used PHEVs. New market data from AutoTrader South Africa reveals a compelling trend: demand for Volvo’s electrified vehicles remains robust across the full ownership cycle, from new sales to the rapidly expanding pre-owned segment. 

Between 1 January and 31 October 2025, the Volvo XC90 sold 67 units and the XC60 sold 63 units, making them the first- and second-best-selling used PHEVs in South Africa. It’s worth noting that, according to AutoTrader’s Mid-Year Industry Report, the XC90 was also ranked as the ninth-best-selling used hybrid vehicle overall, and the best-selling used premium hybrid overall. 

Early leadership in PHEVs continues to pay off  

As one of the earliest adopters of plug-in hybrid technology in South Africa, Volvo has built a more mature and established electrified portfolio than many marques. This heritage is now visible in the used market, where a larger pool of Volvo PHEVs demonstrates stable demand and strong residual values over time. 

The model range gives South Africans two entry points into Volvo’s electrified ecosystem, each backed by years of proven performance and consumer trust. 

 High used PHEV demand strengthens brand confidence

Volvo’s leadership in the pre-owned PHEV space underscores three key consumer signals:

• Lasting appeal of Volvo’s electrified technology
• Strong value retention in the used market
• Confidence in long-term reliability and ownership experience

Combined, these factors reinforce the message that South Africans are seeking out Volvo’s electrified options, new or used, as the shift toward greener mobility accelerates. 

Supporting South Africa’s electrified future

VCSA continues to expand its electrified footprint in South Africa with a clear path toward a greener future. Just this year alone, the Swedish automaker has launched several new battery-electric vehicles, including the EX90 and EX30 Cross Country, as well as refreshed versions of the plug-in hybrid XC60 and XC90 T8 models. Next year, the automaker plans to launch the all-electric ES90 luxury sedan and the first-ever EX60 electric SUV.

The strong performance of its PHEVs in the used market is an important signal that consumer adoption is maturing and that confidence in electrified mobility is growing beyond first ownership. 

“The demand we’re seeing for Volvo’s pre-owned plug-in hybrids is a powerful affirmation of our long-standing commitment to electrification,” said Grant Locke, Managing Director of VCSA. “It shows that consumers value the quality, safety, and technology we build into these vehicles - not just at the point of sale, but throughout the entire ownership journey.