Volvo starts production of EX30 EV SUV in Ghent, Belgium
Volvo Cars has reached a major milestone as its Ghent manufacturing plant in Belgium officially begins production of the fully electric EX30 small SUV. Having quickly become one of Europe’s best-selling electric vehicles since its launch in late 2023, the EX30 is now being locally produced to better meet growing demand across the continent.
The Ghent plant’s new role marks a significant expansion of Volvo’s manufacturing footprint in Europe. Later this year, production of the EX30 Cross Country variant will also commence at the facility. As part of this expansion, around 350 new jobs have been created, raising the plant’s total workforce to nearly 6,600 people.
“The Volvo EX30 is crucial for us as we continue to strengthen our position in the premium EV market in Europe,” said Francesca Gamboni, Chief Manufacturing and Supply Chain Officer for Volvo Cars. “Investing in the European production of the EX30 in Ghent perfectly aligns with our long-held strategy to build our cars where they sell best.”
To enable EX30 production, Volvo Cars invested approximately EUR 200 million in modernizing the Ghent plant. Upgrades include a new vehicle platform, nearly 600 new or refurbished robots, an extended battery hall, a new door production line, and a new battery pack assembly line. These enhancements not only support production capacity but also reinforce the EU’s broader goals of sustainability, job creation, and innovation.
“Following a decision in autumn 2023 to bring production of the EX30 to Ghent, we were able to industrialise the new model in record time,” said Stefan Fesser, Manager of the Ghent plant. “Thanks to the engagement and collaboration of the entire Ghent team, we cut the industrialisation time in half.”
Located near Belgium’s North Sea port area, Volvo’s Ghent factory first opened in 1965 and remains the country’s only fully developed car manufacturing facility. It stands alongside Volvo’s Torslanda plant in Sweden as one of two active European production hubs, with a third facility currently under construction in Slovakia.
In addition to the EX30, Ghent also manufactures other electrified Volvo models, including the fully electric EX40 and EC40, as well as the XC40 and V60 hybrid variants. In 2024 alone, the plant produced over 186,000 vehicles, further underlining its importance within Volvo’s global production network.
The start of Volvo EX30 production in Ghent marks not just an expansion of Volvo’s manufacturing capabilities, but also a clear commitment to Europe’s electric future.
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