Volvo loyalists retire Amazon 122S for all-electric EC40 after 45 years of service

Long-term Volvo owners, Bohdan and Marian Antoniw, have retired their classic Amazon 122S in favour of an EC40 after almost five decades of happy motoring.

Purchased in December 1980, the car played an integral part in the couple’s life – doing everything from bringing their two children home from hospital after they were born, to towing their micro-caravan on family holidays.

However, the couple decided to sell the Amazon 122S to Volvo UK’s heritage fleet. Their decision was largely dictated by a recent trip to New York to visit their son, Thomas, who owns a more contemporary Volvo.

Moreover, the Antoniws are planning a road-trip to Berlin, and prioritise the 345-mile range that the EC40 can manage, as well the quietness and ease-of-use that an electric powertrain brings.

Ahead of taking delivery of the EC40 and sending the Amazon 122S to its new home at Volvo UK, Bohdan Antoniw said: “We will miss the Amazon because it has been part of our family for so long and is fun to drive.

But it feels like the right time for a change and to embrace electric. If cars have a spirit, we like to think it would be happy knowing a new generation has taken its place.”

Volvo UK managing director, Nicole Melillo Shaw, added: “Affection for Volvo is deep-rooted for families up and down the UK, so we have been delighted to hear the wonderful stories from the Antoniw family about their beloved car.

“I am so proud to hear that the qualities they love about Volvo remain the same, and that moving to the EC40 feels like a natural next step for them.”

The Antoniw’s move from Volvo Amazon to EC40 underlines the UK’s transition to electric vehicles, irrespective of demographic. Recently, sales of EVs have risen quicker than in China, and EVs now account for almost one in four new car sales in the UK.

The EC40 is one of six all-electric Volvos on sale. Other models include the ES60, EX40, EX30, and EX90 SUVs, plus the ES90 saloon.