From Awards to Assembly Lines: Volvo’s EX30 Electric SUV Set for Belgian Production
October 31 2023,
Within months of its grand debut, Volvo's fully electric EX30 SUV has made waves in the automotive industry. This electrifying newcomer scooped up notable awards such as The Sun Car of the Year and the Small SUV/Crossover of the Year by the Sunday Times. Now, Volvo is setting the stage for its next act: expanding production to meet escalating demand. The Swedish automaker has unveiled plans to initiate manufacturing of the EX30 at its Ghent facility in Belgium, starting in 2025.
This strategic move is an augmentation to the brand's existing production activities in Zhangjiakou, China, where the EX30 has been in production since earlier this fall. Customers are eagerly anticipating the first wave of EX30 vehicles, set to roll out from the Zhangjiakou plant by the close of this year.
Volvo's Manufacturing Ethos: Local Roots, Global Reach
"Bringing production to Ghent aligns with our commitment to making the EX30 an attainable electric driving option globally," stated Jim Rowan, CEO of Volvo Cars. The decision to manufacture in Belgium allows Volvo to tap into the European market more effectively, while also facilitating worldwide exports.
This localized production strategy is not new for Volvo; it echoes their approach with other top sellers like the XC60 and XC40, produced in multiple global locations. By diversifying its manufacturing bases, Volvo aims for the flexibility to adapt to fluctuating market demands, particularly for models projected to be best-sellers—like the EX30.
Beyond Cars: The Electrification Journey
Volvo Cars’ electrification vision is both ambitious and strategic. With a roadmap that targets a fully electric lineup by 2030, the automaker anticipates electric vehicles will make up half of its sales by the mid-2020s. The EX30 is not just another electric vehicle in Volvo's portfolio; it's a lynchpin in their broader electrification ambitions.
The Ghent plant is already a nexus for Volvo’s European electric vehicle assembly, producing electric models like the XC40 and C40. With the EX30 joining the line-up, Ghent’s role becomes increasingly vital in the company's transformative shift toward a sustainable automotive landscape.
