The Volvo Cars has officially started production of the fully electric EX30 in Europe. Production is realized at the facility in Ghent, Belgium. The production of this model, which was previously produced only in China, now points to an important expansion in the brand’s production strategy. In this way, both the production capacity is increased and the demands in the European market become faster.
The EX30 became one of the models that attracted attention throughout Europe after it was introduced at the end of 2023. Compact dimensions, electric motor options and ease of use in the city, it appeals to a wide audience. Volvo aims to produce this model in Europe and aim to provide logistics advantage and reduce costs. On the other hand, this move also coincides with the sustainability policies of the European Union.
The Ghent Factory, where the EX30 is produced, is one of Volvo’s two main production facilities in Europe. Founded in 1965, this facility is located in the third largest city of Belgium, near the port area. Volvo Cars has invested about 200 million euros in this facility in recent years. These investments include a new automobile platform, robotic systems, battery assembly lines and door production units.
Preparations for EX30 in Ghent Factory increase its production capacity
Volvo’s investments for EX30 production not only increase the production volume, but also create new job opportunities. In the Ghent factory, additional employment was provided for 350 people and the total number of employees reached 6,600. Thanks to the localization of production processes, it is planned to decrease the delivery time and to respond to the market faster. Volvo Cars Production and Supply Chain Director Francesca Gamboni says this strategy is compatible with the company’s vision of flexible production network.
The Turkish market is one of the regions that will be directly affected by these developments. Volvo Car Türkiye General Manager Alican Emiroğlu emphasized that European production offers an important opportunity for Türkiye. EX30, which has not been sold in Türkiye before due to regulations that limit imports from China, will now be on the roads of Türkiye thanks to its European production. In addition, the model will be offered to Türkiye with a 150 kW engine option, the model will be included in this market with a different positioning.
Volvo Car Türkiye has devoted most of the first two months of its production capacity in Ghent to Türkiye. This is considered as an indication of the importance of the brand to the Turkish market. Orders for the EX30 will open at the end of April. The launch of Türkiye is planned to be realized in mid -June.
As of July, the EX30 is expected to be on the roads of Türkiye. The price of Türkiye has not yet been announced, but the European start price is 39,000 euros. The price information will be clarified during the launch in June.
The EX30 stands out as a model built on Volvo’s SEA platform. The vehicle, which is offered with two different battery options, varies between 344 km and 476 km in terms of range. Acceleration performance also varies according to the engine configuration. The most powerful version can reach 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds. The performance data of the version to be sold in Türkiye will also be announced during the launch.
In addition to the EX30, Volvo Cars continues to produce EX40, EC40, XC40 and V60 in the Ghent factory. In 2024, more than 186,000 vehicles have been produced in this facility. Thus, Ghent continues to be an important center among the brand’s European operations. On the other hand, Volvo’s third European factory in Slovakia is expected to be activated in the coming years.
The start of the EX30 in Europe is seen as a reflection of the importance given to European and Turkish markets during the transition to electric mobility, not only a production strategy decision, but also in the transition to electric mobility. Increased demand for electric vehicles directs manufacturers to local production solutions. Volvo’s step in this direction not only strengthens the supply chain, but also makes positive contributions in areas such as sustainability and employment.
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