Volvo doesn't believe that exhaust pipes belong on modern cars. At least not the visible ones. That's why they've been hidden away since 2021.
Volvo chose to remove visible exhaust pipes from all combustion engine models in 2021. The move marks a change in the automaker's approach to design and environmental focus.
While Volvo has moved away from the traditional exhaust pipe look, many other car brands continue to use visible or fake exhaust pipes.
Among the car brands that still use fake emissions are Audi, Volkswagen, Kia, Mercedes and Skoda.
These often use plastic details that resemble exhaust pipes, even on plug-in hybrids, which are often driven without emitting exhaust gases. Volvo has previously had chrome extensions on the exhaust pipes, but has not used pure imitations.
Robin Page, Volvo's former design chief, explained the decision to hide the exhaust pipes:
“Visible exhaust pipes have traditionally been associated with power and speed in cars with combustion engines. By removing them, we can simplify the design so that it more fully expresses Scandinavian aesthetics,” says Robin Page.
The design change is also part of Volvo's transition to electrification. Page highlights that the decision is inspired by customers' increased focus on cleaner cities and environmental improvements.
“We want to send a clear signal to our customers that we support a greener future. The clean design not only reflects our Scandinavian roots, but also shows our journey towards full electrification,” Robin Page tells Green Car Reports .
The decision to remove visible exhaust pipes could also have financial benefits for Volvo. According to industry estimates, the automaker could save around 320 kroner per car, which equates to over 230 million kroner annually, based on their total sales.
Volvo is undergoing a major transformation, with the goal of half of its global sales being electric cars by 2025. Or rather, it was – because earlier this year the brand had to admit that it can't be done.
Even though Volvo is moving in a new direction, many car brands still stick to the traditional exhaust pipe design. For some manufacturers, this approach is linked to the desire to signal performance and strength, even on cars with hybrid technology.
The future will show whether more car manufacturers will follow Volvo's example and change their design strategies in line with increasing electrification.
