Volvo Cars has reached a significant milestone at its Ghent manufacturing plant in Belgium, where production of the fully electric EX30 small SUV has officially begun.
The EX30, which became one of Europe’s top-selling electric vehicles in 2024, has quickly gained popularity since its launch in late 2023. This achievement follows the company’s prior announcement of plans to produce the EX30 at the Ghent plant, which will also begin producing the EX30 Cross Country later this year. By expanding production capacity, Volvo aims to better meet local demand and broaden its global manufacturing base for one of its most successful models.
The addition of EX30 production at the Ghent facility will create around 350 new jobs, bringing the total number of employees at the plant to nearly 6,600.
“The 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 at Volvo Cars. “Building the EX30 in Ghent aligns with our strategy to produce cars where they are most in demand. Our flexible global production network allows us to quickly adapt our plans.”
To enable production of the EX30, Volvo has invested approximately EUR 200 million in the Ghent plant in recent years. Upgrades include a new car platform, nearly 600 new or refurbished robots, an expanded battery hall, and new production lines for doors and battery packs.
The production of the EX30 in Europe supports the EU’s sustainability and competitiveness goals, creating jobs and advancing innovation in the electric vehicle industry. Volvo now manufactures 10 electric and hybrid models across its European plants in Ghent, Belgium, and Torslanda, Sweden.
Stefan Fesser, manager of the Ghent plant, commented on the rapid industrialization of the EX30: “We cut the industrialization time in half, thanks to the dedication and teamwork of the Ghent team. Today, we are proud to introduce the EX30 and show how new technology and innovation allow us to quickly adapt to market needs.”
Volvo’s Ghent factory, which opened in 1965, is located near Belgium’s third-largest city and the North Sea port area. It is the only fully developed car manufacturing facility remaining in Belgium. Along with the Torslanda plant, Ghent is one of two European production sites operated by Volvo, with a third plant currently under construction in Slovakia.
In addition to the EX30, the Ghent plant manufactures other electrified models, including the fully electric EX40 and EC40, as well as hybrid versions of the XC40 and V60. In 2024, the plant produced over 186,000 vehicles.
