Volvo Cars has commenced production of its fully electric EX30 SUV at the Ghent manufacturing plant in Belgium. This strategic move aims to meet the growing demand for electric vehicles in Europe and aligns with Volvo’s commitment to localizing production.
The Ghent facility, operational since 1965, has undergone significant upgrades to accommodate EX30 production. An investment of approximately €200 million has been made, introducing a new car platform, 600 new or refurbished robots, and expanded battery assembly lines. These enhancements have resulted in the creation of around 350 new jobs, increasing the plant’s workforce to nearly 6,600 employees.
Francesca Gamboni, Volvo Cars’ Chief Manufacturing and Supply Chain Officer, emphasized the importance of producing vehicles close to their primary markets. “Investing in European production of the EX30 in Ghent aligns with our strategy to build cars where they sell best,” she stated.
The EX30, introduced in late 2023, quickly became one of Europe’s best-selling electric vehicles in 2024. By initiating production in Belgium, Volvo aims to better serve the European market and reduce reliance on imports from China, especially in light of potential EU tariffs on Chinese-made EVs.
Looking ahead, the Ghent plant is set to begin manufacturing the EX30 Cross Country variant later this year, further expanding Volvo’s electric vehicle lineup and reinforcing its position in the premium EV market.
