Why Volvo? - Volvo Tram Car

The iconic Wildwood Sightseer Tram Cars have long been a symbol of summers on the Wildwoods Boardwalk, carrying generations of visitors past amusement piers, shops, arcades, and oceanfront attractions while the familiar phrase “Watch the tram car, please” echoes through the air. As the beloved tram cars continue to serve millions of riders each season, officials have faced a growing challenge of maintaining the aging propulsion systems that power the historic attraction.

Many of the tram car engines and battery systems currently in use date back decades, making repairs increasingly difficult and expensive. In an effort to preserve the classic tram car experience while modernizing the technology behind it, the Wildwoods Boardwalk Special Improvement District announced a new partnership with Volvo for the 2026 summer season. As part of the partnership, three electric Volvo EX40 SUVs will tow the iconic tram car trailers along the boardwalk.

For many visitors, the partnership with Volvo may seem unusual. While Volvo does not have historic ties to Wildwood or the Jersey Shore, reports indicate the collaboration came together through personal connections between Volvo leadership and the Wildwood community. Volvo’s United States headquarters is also based in New Jersey, making the partnership an opportunity to combine innovation, sustainability, and local connections with one of the Jersey Shore’s most recognizable attractions!