On June 1, 2009 Volvo Cars announced that the company will launch a plug-in hybrid car in 2012 as part of a joint project with Swedish electricity supplier Vattenfall. Already, however, the plug-in hybrid Volvo has been beaten to the market by a smaller version bearing the Volvo badge.

The Volvo Golf Cart admittedly does not embrace the same high-tech solutions as the forthcoming plug-in hybrid - and it has a totally different application area. It can carry players from one hole to another on the golf course.

The golf cart was developed by Swedish company Pro Green Nordic. It is the brainchild of Ulf Renner who first contacted Volvo Cars back in 2006. Since then, the company has travelled a long way to meet the demands from the design and marketing departments at Volvo Cars.

"We're really pleased with the end result," says Lennart Ekdahl of the Volvo Cars design department.

Lower weight with one seat
Most golf carts are two-seaters. Not the Volvo Golf Cart, which has just one seat. It is thus much lighter than its competitors are.

It is an exact scaled-down version of the C70. The colour is Electric Silver. An accompanying tow-hook makes it possible to tow a small trailer.

In addition to golf courses, the cart can be used in recreation facilities and for light transport duties at shows and trade fairs, for instance.

The aim is to unveil the cart to the golfing public during the European leg of the Volvo World Match Play Championship which will be held at the Finca Cortesin course in Casares, Spain, on October 29 to November 1.

Facts about the Volvo Golf Cart
Weighs 220 kilo. The three twelve-volt batteries, which weight 75 kg, are charged overnight. The range is about 60 kilometres.

Can carry 125 kg. Max speed is 15 km/h.

Steel chassis, reversing alarm and brakes automatically when the driver releases the accelerator.

Estimated to cost between 55,000 and 60,000 kronor.

Marketed and sold by Pro Grandiose Car Corporation in Dubai. The company has a licence agreement with Volvo Cars, giving it the right to use the Volvo name and shape on the golf cart.