Volvo has revealed a special edition version of the V90 Cross Country to celebrate the start of the Ocean Race, with sales contributing to reducing plastic pollution in the world’s waters.
Roughly £88 from each purchase of the 3,000 listed models will go towards the brand’s environmental programme to help clean up the oceans.
Volvo-branded boats will also be fitted with sensors and data collectors as they travel around the world during the race to see where the most work needs to be done in cracking down on pollution. The sensors will also collect data so that more accurate weather and climate models can be used by scientists.
Stuart Templar, director of sustainability at Volvo Cars, said: “We’re proud to support the Volvo Ocean Race’s Science Programme, which will help improve our understanding of the health of the oceans – our greatest natural resource.
“As a company, we work to minimise our impact on the world around us, so this project’s innovative approach to tackling a major environmental problem was a great fit for us – not least as we head towards an electric future.”
The car itself uses floor mats that are made from Econyl, which is a fabric made of 100% recycled nylon used in abandoned fishing nets, and Volvo has also given this model a specific colour scheme. The model itself comes with a white exterior with matt grey and orange detailing and model-specific alloy wheels to fit in with the increased ride height and ruggedness of the base Cross Country model.
Dan Olsson, Volvo’s vice president for special vehicles and accessories, said: “The V90 Cross Country Volvo Ocean Race is a balanced and capable all-road car, at home on normal roads and off the beaten track.
“On top of that, it includes a range of specially developed standard features such as an integrated, detachable torchlight, additional power outlets and smart dirt- and water-resistant materials.”
Prices and availability will be announced at a later date.
