The Volvo Engine Architecture (VEA) engines deliver higher performance than today's six-cylinder units, while offering lower fuel consumption than the current generation of four-cylinder units.

The new engine family replaces eight engines – including six-cylinder units – used on three different platforms and will be introduced from autumn of this year on the S60, V60, XC60, V70, XC70 and S80. The full range of engines, which include hybrid units, will be rolled out by 2015.

‘This marks a milestone in Volvo Cars' history. With our new engine family we are focusing on two additional vital properties – driving pleasure and fuel efficiency,’ said Derek Crabb, vice president powertrain engineering.’

The development and production take place in-house at Volvo Car Group, with the company saying this forms a vital part of its strategy for independence.

The units are being built at the group’s Swedish engine plant in Skövde, which has been revamped following an investment of about SEK2bn (€234m). All versions are built on the same line, greatly increasing the efficiency of production.

Almost 20,000 engines will be produced in 2013, and by the end of the year the production pace will be 2,000 units a week.

‘During the development of VEA, the starting point was our customers and what we wanted to offer them in regard to good fuel economy, low environmental impact and immense driving pleasure at an attractive price. At the same time, however, it's also about the fact that Volvo Cars gets a sound basis for developing future-generation technologies featuring fuel economy of absolute world class,’ added Derek Crabb.