Volvo Vehicles says its first full-electric minivan can be like a Scandinavian lounge on wheels.

The EM90, which Volvo is asking an MPV, brief for multipurpose automobile, is a brand new twist for the Swedish model that’s higher recognized for SUVs and wagons. Volvo has by no means supplied an MPV or minivan throughout its 96-year historical past.

One other new twist is that it may very well be Volvo’s first China-only mannequin. The EM90 won’t be bought within the U.S., and when requested whether or not Europe will get the minivan a spokesperson would solely say that different markets are into consideration.

Minivans haven’t been been strong-sellers within the U.S. and Europe for years. In Europe, nonetheless, premium manufacturers are regaining curiosity within the phase.

Lexus stated in April that it will add the LM minivan to its lineup for the primary time. The LM will tackle the Mercedes-Benz V-Class within the luxurious van area of interest.

In China, the place the EM90 will debut on Nov. 12, MPVs are an vital a part of the market. First-half MPV sale had been up a market-leading 26 % to 484,000, in response to information from the China Affiliation of Vehicle Manufactures.

Volvo, which is owned by China’s Geely Holding, wants a lift on this planet’s largest automobile market.

China gross sales slipped 8 % to 14,182 in July, in contrast with will increase of 57 % within the U.S. and 28 % in Europe throughout the identical interval. Volvo’s China gross sales had been up 8 % by seven months, in contrast with beneficial properties of 23 % in each the Europe and the U.S. throughout that interval.

Media stories say the EM90 will share Geely’s Sustainable Expertise Structure (SEA) with fashions such because the Zeekr 009, a three-row minivan that debuted in China in January. Zeekr stated it bought 20,000 items of the 009 in its first 5 months available on the market.

Zeekr, nonetheless, has stated it doesn’t plan to supply the 009 in Europe.

With the quantity 90 in its title, Volvo is signaling that the automobile can be a big premium mannequin, becoming a member of the EX90 flagship electrical SUV in its rising battery-powered lineup. A teaser picture of the EM90 depicts a boxy-looking design, which was widespread for the model till it adopted curvier exteriors within the early 2000s. 

Volvo needs full-electric fashions to account for half of its deliberate 1.2 million gross sales by 2025. By 2030, Volvo goal to be an electric-only model.

Earlier this yr Volvo debuted the EX30 small electrical SUV, which can attain clients in early 2024, becoming a member of the C40 electrical compact crossover and the battery-powered spinoff of its sibling, the XC40. With the EM90, Volvo’s EV lineup will rise to 5 fashions, up from zero in 2019.

Volvo stated Thursday that the EM90 is designed in order that clients can “profit from the time spent within the automotive.” Including that the minivan “creates room to your life.”