Volvo Cars has officially started production of its flagship electric SUV EX30 at its European plant in Ghent, a strategic decision that strengthens the brand’s position in the EV market and responds to the growing demand for sustainable mobility.
A few months after its debut in 2023, the Volvo EX30 has become one of the most popular electric cars in Europe. Previously produced exclusively in China, it has also been manufactured in the Belgian Volvo Cars factory in Ghent since the end of April 2024. This is an important moment for both the company and the European automotive market, which is increasingly focusing on local production of zero-emission cars.
– The EX30 is of great importance to Volvo Cars in terms of further strengthening its position in the European market for premium electric cars – emphasises Francesca Gamboni, Director of Production and Supply Chain at Volvo Cars. – The investment in European production of the EX30 in Ghent fits perfectly into our long-term strategy to build cars where they sell best. Our flexible, global production network increases the company's resilience to changing market conditions and allows us to quickly adapt our plans to them.
200 million euros of investment and new jobs
Preparing the Ghent plant for the production of the EX30 required a modernization worth €200 million. This included the creation of a new production platform, the installation of almost 600 modernized robots, the expansion of the battery hall and the launch of new assembly lines, giving the plant greater flexibility and efficiency.
The start of EX30 production in Europe is also associated with the creation of 350 new jobs, increasing employment at the plant to almost 6,600 people. “We managed to shorten the model's implementation time by half,” says Stefan Fesser, plant manager in Ghent. “We are proud to welcome the EX30 to our production line, showing that modern technologies and innovations allow us to respond flexibly to market needs.”
Strengthening the European EV industry
Volvo Cars' decision is part of the EU's strategy for sustainable development and increasing the competitiveness of European industry. Currently, ten electric and hybrid models of the brand are produced at plants in Ghent and Torsland (Sweden), and another factory is being built in Slovakia.
The EX30 is not only a compact SUV, but also the cheapest electric Volvo, making it a key model in the brand's offer. In the second half of 2024, the EX30 Cross Country version will also join the production, expanding the range with a more off-road variant.
The Ghent plant, in operation since 1965, is today the only fully-fledged car production plant in Belgium. In addition to the EX30, the EX40, EC40, XC40 and V60 models are also produced there. In 2024, more than 186,000 cars rolled off the line.
TGS
