Volvo physical buttons and HuginCore technology strategy through 2030
Volvo plans more physical controls, 13 all-new cars by 2030 and separate technology stacks for Western markets and China.
Volvo is preparing a noticeable shift in cabin design: future models will get more physical buttons. Design chief Thomas Ingenlath says this does not mean a return to dashboards packed with dozens of keys. Instead, the company is looking for a better balance between touchscreens and tactile controls. Volvo will preview its updated design direction with a concept in spring 2027, when the brand celebrates its 100th anniversary. The plans were outlined at Strategy Update 2026.
The changes go far beyond the interior. Volvo is preparing 13 all-new cars by the end of 2030: seven for Western markets, including Europe and the United States, and six specifically for China. Western models will use HuginCore and the SPA2 and SPA3 architectures, while the Chinese range will get a separate technology stack with broader use of Geely technology.
The difference will run deeper than ordinary market-specific equipment. Volvo is effectively moving toward two technology paths: Western cars will use HuginCore, while Chinese models will rely on Geely electrical architecture. At the same time, Volvo says the brand, design, quality and safety principles should remain common to both branches.
The electric EX60 on the SPA3 platform with HuginCore already shows the technical basis of the Western strategy. At the same time, Volvo is continuing to develop hybrids: new plug-in hybrid versions of the XC60 and XC90 offer up to 200 and 160 km of electric range respectively.
That is why the return of physical buttons is only the most visible part of a much larger restructuring. By 2030, Volvo intends to keep common principles for brand, design, quality and safety while using different technology foundations for Western markets and China.