Volvo Cars and its Ghent manufacturing plant in Belgium have started production on the fully electric EX30 small SUV. Volvo introduced the EX30 in late 2023, and it became one of Europe’s best-selling electric cars in 2024. The Ghent plant will also begin producing the EX30 Cross Country later this year.

By adding the EX30 to its production line, Volvo said it will create around 350 new jobs, bringing total employment at the plant to nearly 6,600 people.

“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 for Volvo Cars. “Our flexible global footprint contributes to our resilience. Allowing us to adjust our manufacturing plans with agility.”

Volvo EX30 Production: Ghent Facility Upgrades

To support EX30 production, Volvo said it invested around EUR 200 million (approx. $223 million) into the Ghent plant. The company installed a new car platform, added nearly 600 new or refurbished robots, extended the battery hall, and built new lines for door and battery pack assembly.

Volvo now produces 10 electric and hybrid models across its European facilities in Ghent, Belgium, and Torslanda, Sweden.

Flexible Production Model

Volvo’s Ghent factory, located near Belgium’s third-largest city and its North Sea port, opened in 1965. Alongside the Torslanda plant in Sweden, it is one of two Volvo manufacturing hubs in Europe. A third facility is under construction in Slovakia. Besides the EX30, the Ghent plant also builds the fully electric EX40 and EC40, as well as the XC40 and V60 hybrid models. In 2024, the plant produced over 186,000 vehicles.