Ghent to Become Second Home for Volvo's Award-Winning EX30 Electric SUV
October 31 2023,
It seems the EX30, Volvo’s ground-breaking fully electric SUV, just can't stop making news. After a stellar introduction earlier this year, accompanied by high-profile awards like The Sun Car of the Year and the Small SUV/Crossover of the Year from the Sunday Times, the EX30 is ready for its next big leap. Volvo Cars has announced that beginning in 2025, its Ghent plant in Belgium will join the existing production facility in Zhangjiakou, China, to manufacture this highly sought-after electric model.
The first batch of EX30s, produced in Zhangjiakou, is already on track to reach customers by the end of the current year. But this is just the beginning.
Local Production for Global Ambitions
Jim Rowan, CEO of Volvo Cars, elaborated on the move, stating, "Our ambition is to broaden the reach of electric Volvos. The Ghent facility is a strategic step in capturing global demand for the EX30, while also benefiting the company's bottom line.” The Ghent facility aims to supplement production, particularly focusing on meeting the needs of the European market, in addition to supporting global export efforts.
This isn’t a first for Volvo Cars. The automaker has a history of localizing production to better meet regional demand, as seen with the XC60 and XC40 models, both of which are manufactured in Europe and China.
A Lighthouse for Electrification
The decision to initiate production of the EX30 in Belgium ties back to Volvo Cars’ electrification roadmap, one of the most ambitious in the automotive sector. With a goal to transition to a fully electric lineup by 2030, and a projection that half of its sales will be electric by mid-decade, Volvo Cars is making pivotal moves. The EX30 is not just another electric vehicle; it’s part of Volvo's commitment to sustainable mobility and is expected to play a significant role in achieving the company's growth and profitability goals.
Adding to this, Ghent’s strategic importance within Volvo Cars’ electrification plans is further solidified. Already a manufacturing hub for Volvo’s electric models like the XC40 and C40, the addition of the EX30 makes Ghent a central player in the company’s broader electrification strategy.
