Volvo, the renowned automaker, is set to make a significant move in 2025 by manufacturing their best-selling EX30 model at their Ghent facility. This exciting development was officially
confirmed by Volvo's Swedish headquarters in an announcement made to the Belga news agency. The decision by this global automotive giant comes as a source of hope for over 7,000 employees in Belgium, solidifying Volvo's status as one of the major industrial employers in the Flanders region.
The news arrives in the wake of a recent setback in the automotive industry, as Audi disclosed its decision to cease production of the upcoming electric Q4 model at its Forest factory in Brussels earlier this month. This unfortunate decision resulted in unrest, including strikes, impacting both the 3,000 permanent and 500 temporary workers associated with the Audi plant.
In 2022, the Ghent manufacturing facility churned out an impressive 192,991 vehicles, with a remarkable one-third of them being fully electric. The shift in customer preferences towards modern and sustainable vehicles is evident, aligning with Volvo's long-standing ambition, declared several years ago, to transition to the exclusive production of electric cars by 2030.
The EX30, an all-electric SUV that recently rolled off the production line in China's Zhangjiakou, is in high demand. To meet this surging demand, Volvo has chosen Ghent as the site to expand their production capabilities. Stefan Fesser, the plant manager at Ghent, expressed his optimism about the move, saying, "This additional model further strengthens our position within Volvo Cars and ensures that our plant will remain an indispensable part of Volvo's global production network for years to come."
Electric vehicles, like the EX30, are known for their impressive range, with this model boasting a minimum of 340 kilometers. While the initial investment in the built-in battery can be steep, the long-term maintenance cost and cost per kilometer driven, particularly for individuals who can charge their cars using solar panels, are significantly lower compared to fossil fuel engines. The EX30, with a purchase price of 39,000 euros, aligns well with this transition to more sustainable and cost-effective driving.
According to Jim Rowan, the CEO of Volvo Cars, the trend toward electric vehicles is undeniable. He emphasized, "Our goal is to sell the EX30 worldwide at an attractive price, which will make the transition to electric driving possible for more people and at the same time have a positive impact on our margin."
The EX30 now joins the ranks of the XC40 and C40 as the third all-electric Volvo to be produced in Europe, fortifying Volvo Cars' production capacity for electric vehicles in the region. The international headquarters of Volvo Cars underlined the vital role that the Ghent plant plays in the company's broader electrification strategy.
With this strategic move to bolster electric vehicle production in Ghent, Volvo is not only driving the transition to sustainable and eco-friendly transportation but also ensuring job security and growth for the workforce in Flanders. Photo by Mangan02, Wikimedia commons.