Volvo Bolsters EX30 Electric SUV Production with Addition of Belgian Facility

Volvo's fully electric EX30 SUV has been nothing short of a sensation since it was revealed earlier this year. From prestigious accolades like The Sun Car of the Year to the Small SUV/Crossover of the Year award from the Sunday Times, the vehicle has already made a significant impression in the automotive world. But the story doesn't end there. Volvo has recognized the pressing need to ramp up production of the EX30 to meet burgeoning demand, announcing a new manufacturing facility in Ghent, Belgium, that will start its operations by 2025.

This new addition comes in addition to the existing manufacturing setup in Zhangjiakou, China. Launched this fall, the Chinese plant has already begun fulfilling orders with the first batch of EX30s expected to reach global customers before year-end.

Building Close to Home: The Strategy Behind the Belgian Plant

“We are committed to making electric driving accessible to a broader audience, and Ghent will be instrumental in achieving this goal,” remarked Jim Rowan, Volvo Cars’ CEO. The move signifies a strategic decision to escalate the brand's global production capabilities. The Ghent facility is not just a European hub; it's a part of a broader international plan, allowing Volvo to facilitate its ambition of localizing manufacturing closer to its consumer base.

This initiative is in line with the company's proven success with other top-selling SUV models like the XC60 and XC40, which are also built in both Europe and China. Volvo's aim to diversify production locales for its anticipated best-selling models introduces flexibility and agility into its supply chain operations.

Ghent's Role in Volvo’s Electrification Masterplan

Volvo is not just making cars; it's making a statement about the future of the automotive industry. With an ambitious plan to sell only fully electric cars by 2030, the company expects 50% of its global sales to be electric by mid-decade. Herein lies the role of the EX30—it is not merely a vehicle but a strategic asset in Volvo's push toward electrification.

The Ghent facility is a significant addition in this regard, becoming the third European plant to churn out fully electric Volvo models, following in the footsteps of the XC40 and C40. This amplifies Ghent’s importance in the broader electrification narrative, contributing substantively to Volvo's electric vehicle production in Europe.