Earlier this week, the Volvo Group announced its ambition to be a net-zero emissions company by 2050 at the very latest. As a result of this accelerated transformation journey, the company will put its outboard development on hold. Volvo Penta will stop the sales and marketing of Seven Marine engines (from January 1, 2021), and will phase out production once customer demand is met. The company will, however, continue supporting the current outboard customer base by taking full warranty and parts responsibility for products in the field.
“We want to send a clear message,” says President of Volvo Penta, Heléne Mellquist. “Volvo Penta does foresee that the outboard segment will continue to be relevant for the Marine Leisure market, but we believe that the indisputable need to drive advancements in sustainable technology must be our main focus. This is why, for the time being, the exploration of new technology together with the development of our core business, such as Volvo Penta IPS and sterndrives, will be the center of our efforts.”
The company has committed to the Science Based Targets initiative in order to be transparent on progress. They will establish targets and roadmaps during 2021. To support the Volvo Group’s sustainability goals, Volvo Penta has announced that it will redirect further resources into accelerating its sustainability development – which is about reaching zero emissions through fossil-free renewable fuels and both electric and hybrid technology – while continuing to provide innovative solutions to the marine industry.
“Volvo Penta welcomes this increased focus across the Volvo Group. We will support these objectives by intensifying our ongoing efforts and resources towards continued development of sustainable solutions,” says Mellquist. “This focus includes advancements of innovative solutions such as
our unique Volvo Penta IPS and sterndrive ranges.”
