I honestly don’t have a clue whether what your dealer said is true or not.
However …
Regularly reading up on the “Bristol Port” thread on the UK Volvo XC40 forum I can totally believe it. There are people on there that ordered cars back in August/September 2023 that still have not received any proper (true!) updates on their orders. They have researched and found more accurate updates than Volvo UK or their dealer network have been able to provide.
I placed my order about a month before you did and I’ve had zero communication from my dealer so far, I doubt they have any information to be honest. Since Volvo UK changed over to an agency model a while back this seems to be the case. USELESS!!
Many on the XC40 forum have cancelled their order and have gone elsewhere. I test drove an Alfa Romeo Tonale today with a view of doing the same, sadly the seats were far too firm for myself. I could have taken delivery within 8 weeks otherwise.
Phoned my dealer this afternoon, no reply as yet. Fed up!!