New Chapter for Volvo's EX30: Belgium Joins Production Fray
October 31 2023,
Volvo Cars is escalating its commitment to the fully electric EX30 SUV with a significant expansion plan. Already hailed as The Sun Car of the Year and the Sunday Times' Small SUV/Crossover of the Year, the EX30 is positioned to gain further traction. Come 2025, Volvo’s Ghent facility in Belgium will join the existing manufacturing hub in Zhangjiakou, China, to produce this celebrated vehicle.
The first EX30s are hot off the assembly lines in China and slated for delivery to customers before year-end. The addition of the Ghent facility is expected to cater not just to a burgeoning European market but also to scale global exports.
“Producing Close to Market”: A Volvo Mantra
"We strive to bring electric driving within reach for more consumers by positioning the EX30 as a competitively priced global offering," stated Jim Rowan, Volvo Cars' CEO. The Ghent production initiative mirrors Volvo's philosophy of creating its vehicles in proximity to their primary markets.
This geographical alignment is already a proven asset for Volvo, seen in the dual manufacturing sites for the XC60 and XC40 SUVs in both China and Europe. It provides Volvo with the agility to adapt its supply chain to meet demand, a factor expected to be pivotal for the EX30's market performance.
The Electrification Milestones: EX30 at the Center
Volvo Cars doesn't merely want to be a player in the electrification game; it aims to be a pacesetter. With the audacious goal of transforming its entire vehicle lineup to electric by 2030 and capturing half of its sales from EVs by mid-decade, the EX30 is key to fulfilling these lofty objectives.
Ghent’s role in this grand vision is also noteworthy. Currently producing electric models like the XC40 and C40, the Belgian plant is vital to Volvo's transformation into an electric-focused automaker. The EX30 is the latest pillar in reinforcing Ghent's importance in this journey.
