Volvo Cars says its first full-electric minivan will be like a Scandinavian living room on wheels.
The EM90, which Volvo is calling an MPV, short for multipurpose vehicle, is a new twist for the Swedish brand that is better known for SUVs and wagons. Volvo has never offered an MPV or minivan during its 96-year history.
Volvo has no current plans to sell the China-focused EM90 in Europe and the U.S.
Locations outside China are under consideration, a company spokesperson said.
Minivans have not been been strong-sellers in the U.S. and Europe for years.
In Europe, however, premium brands are regaining interest in the segment.
Lexus said in April that it would add the LM minivan to its lineup for the first time. The LM will take on the Mercedes-Benz V-Class in the luxury van niche.
In China, where the EM90 will debut on Nov. 12, MPVs are an important part of the market. First-half MPV sale were up a market-leading 26 percent to 484,000, according to data from the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers.
Volvo, which is owned by China's Geely Holding, needs a boost in the world's largest vehicle market.
China sales slipped 8 percent to 14,182 in July, compared with increases of 57 percent in the U.S. and 28 percent in Europe during the same period. Volvo's China sales were up 8 percent through seven months, compared with gains of 23 percent in both Europe and the U.S. during that period.