Biden's 100% Tariff and the EX30

[insightman]

Supposedly, before Joe Biden announced his 100% tariff on cars imported from China, Volvo (Geely) could get around the previous tariffs because they also manufacture cars in the US. I can't find information about whether the 100% tariff will apply to Volvo's Chinese-built EX30.

I have a friend in NJ with solar panels covering his roof. He's been driving Audi TTs for decades, but they're not making new ones. His family has owned many Volvos, but no EVs. My friend took my pre-100% tariff advice and placed one of the first deposits on an EX30 at his long-time Volvo dealer. The AWD EX30's 3.4-second 0-60 time did the trick.

After months with no word from his Volvo dealer, my friend is ready to bail on the EX30, even though I keep reminding him "3.4 seconds, 3.4 seconds, 3.4 seconds!"

I don't know what EV he might buy instead that's priced like the AWD EX30 (Tesla's not an option for him).

My friend's son has a beautiful black Porsche Cayman, so I suggested my friend get on the list for one of the first Porsche 918 EVs, but he says they'll be too expensive. I know he could afford one but he just doesn't want to pay more than $100K for a car--a car he wouldn't feel comfortable driving and parking in NYC. The inauspicious EX30 would be perfect for that destination.

His dealer (too lazy to look up his long-standing deposit) emailed this keep-holding-your-breath form-letter when he requested a price and delivery update:

Alana
06/12/2024 06:11 PM
Good afternoon Mr. C,

Thank you for contacting us! Unfortunately, we do not have an exact date as to when the vehicles will arrive. We will have more information available in the coming weeks. If you have already placed a deposit, you will receive an e-mail once the configurations have been completed. We do not know about the tariffs as of yet and we apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.

Med vänliga hälsningar!

Yours Sincerely,

Alana
Volvo Specialist | Volvo Subscription

 

[insightman]

Here's the latest bad news from Volvo about the global automotive landscape. The EX30 won't be coming to the US until Volvo can build the Chinese EV in Ghent, Belgium sometime (likely late) in 2025.

This is what Volvo just sent to reservation holders:

Dear [name deleted from this post],

It was our hope to invite you to configure your new Volvo EX30 at this time. However, due to changes in the global automotive landscape, the introduction of the EX30 in the US will be delayed while we ramp up EX30 production at our plant in Ghent, Belgium. We will let you know the exact timing at a later date, but it will most likely be between early and late 2025.

We know this is not the news you were hoping to receive, and we understand your disappointment. We’re still committed to bringing EX30 to the US, it’s just taking longer than we expected to get it here.

If you need a car until we can get you behind the wheel of your EX30, we’d be happy to help you into another Volvo. Bring this exclusive personal identification number (PIN) [PIN deleted from this post] to your retailer for a $2,500 loyalty bonus that can be used to lease or purchase a new electric Volvo car. If you are interested in one of our plug-in hybrid or mild hybrid models, you can use this PIN for a $1,500 loyalty bonus. You can also use this PIN on a special short-term lease until your EX30 arrives.

We’ll be sure to keep you updated regarding the timeline for EX30 in the US. If you prefer to cancel your refundable pre-order deposit, your retailer will be able to assist you.

We appreciate your continued interest in EX30, and we are confident the wait will be worth it. Thank you for your patience and please reach out to your local retailer with any additional questions.