Some automakers are struggling more than others due to the ongoing semiconductor chip crisis. In general, sales remain pretty solid across the board as new vehicle supplies decrease and demand increases. As for Volvo, 2021 has been very good for the Swedish brand so far. The company has just reported its best first half-year sales numbers ever thanks to demand from the US, Europe, and China.

In the first six months of this year, Volvo sold a total of 380,757 cars globally, a very impressive 41 percent increase from the same time last year. In June alone, 68,224 vehicles departed from Volvo lots, an 11 percent boost compared to June 2020.

One key reason for Volvo's success comes from online sales. The first half of the year experienced a fivefold increase of new vehicles sold online compared to the first six months of 2020. The fact that customers in all three key regions have access to an online sales website clearly makes a huge difference.

Also important to point out is that Volvo buyers want electrified vehicles, whether they're all-electric, hybrid, or plug-in hybrid. This segment accounted for nearly a quarter of all global Volvo passenger vehicle sales so far this year - a nearly 150 percent increase over last year at this time.

Here in the US, the Volvo XC60, XC90, and XC40 continued to be the most popular vehicles, contributing heavily to the 63,754 total vehicles sold in the first half of the year. June alone was a solid month with 12,258 cars sold. Overseas, Europe continues to be Volvo's strongest market as it sold 166,822 new vehicles. In China, 95,252 cars found homes.

Volvo is one of the more aggressive automakers seeking an all-electric vehicle lineup. It previously announced its goal of becoming a battery-electric-only automaker by 2030. Aside from the already on sale XC40 Recharge, the C40 Recharge, an SUV coupe, will go on sale shortly.