The Tesla Model 3 is having a major impact on the automotive market. Some established automakers are taking it very seriously and getting their hands on the vehicle for benchmarking and reverse-engineering.
Volvo is apparently adding itself to the list as it was spotted with a Model 3 in Sweden.
It’s somewhat common in the industry to purchase vehicles from competitor to see what they are up to, but it also becomes a necessity for vehicles that are seen as important disrupters.
The Model 3 appears to fit the description as it apparently outsold all other premium sedans combined in the US last month.
During the early production ramp up, it was difficult to get your hands on a Model 3, but some automakers paid a pretty penny to be amongst the first to be able to check out the new electric car.
In January, two Model 3 vehicles were spotted on their way to Germany – presumably to be reverse-engineered.
Later, a report came out about a German automaker being impressed by Model 3 after reverse-engineering it.
Ford also took a look at the car. A Model 3 was spotted being tested on Ford’s campus earlier this year.
It’s now Volvo’s turn to peek at what Tesla did with the Model 3.
A Model 3 was spotted in Gothenburg, Sweden and it was equipped with a plate registered by Volvo (picture from Model SVE):
They presumably acquired the vehicle to benchmark it and possibly reverse-engineer it to learn its secrets.
Volvo probably wants to learn more about electric vehicles as it is about to launch its own first all-electric vehicle and wider electrification plans.
The Swedish automaker is investing heavily in electric vehicles both through its own brand and as part of the bigger family of brands owned by its parent company, China’s Geely.
Earlier this year, Volvo said that an all-electric version of its XC40 compact SUV is coming and it aims for 50% of sales to be ‘fully electric’ by 2025.
They also plan to manufacture electric vehicles in China and export to other markets around the world.
Maybe they could even use some of Tesla’s technology to do it since they are clearly investigating it now and Tesla has open-sourced its patents.
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