To meet the high demand for their vehicles, Volvo Cars has announced plans to produce the new fully electric Volvo EX30 at their Ghent plant in Belgium starting in 2025. This expansion in production capacity aims to meet the growing need for their popular small SUV.
The EX30 has garnered widespread acclaim since its introduction earlier this year, earning prestigious awards such as Car of the Year from The Sun and the Small SUV/Crossover of the Year from the Sunday Times.
Initial production of the EX30 began in early autumn in Zhangjiakou, China, with the first cars set to be delivered to customers later this year. The decision to also manufacture the EX30 in Ghent will increase production capacity to meet the expected demand in Europe and for global exports. This move aligns with Volvo Cars’ strategy of building cars in the regions where they are sold.
Moreover, producing the EX30 in Ghent provides flexibility in meeting the anticipated demand for one of Volvo Cars’ best-selling models in the coming years. This approach has proven successful for the company, as seen with the production of their popular XC60 and XC40 SUVs in both Europe and China.
“Our goal is to make the EX30 available at an attractive price point worldwide, making the transition to driving an electric Volvo car easier for more people while contributing to our company’s profitability,” stated Jim Rowan, CEO of Volvo Cars. “Expanding production in Ghent is a logical step as we aim to meet the strong demand for our exciting small electric SUV across the globe.”
Volvo Cars has set ambitious plans for electrification, aiming to sell only fully electric vehicles by 2030. By the mid-2020s, they strive for 50% of their global sales volume to consist of fully electric cars.
The EX30 is a critical component of Volvo Cars’ electrification plans as it is expected to play a significant role in their growth and profitability objectives, solidifying its position as a cornerstone of the company’s strategic transformation.
Joining the XC40 and C40 models on the Ghent production line, the EX30 will be the third fully electric Volvo model to be manufactured in Europe. This further strengthens Volvo Cars’ electric car production capabilities in the region and underscores the importance of the Ghent plant in their electrification strategy.