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Volvo Cars is intensifying its commitment to its Ridgeville, South Carolina plant, with plans to maximize the facility’s production capacity in the coming years. The company, which has already invested $1.3 billion over the past decade, aims to drive both volume and financial growth while enhancing its regional product offerings for the U.S. market. The Ridgeville plant, a cornerstone of Volvo’s global manufacturing strategy, currently produces the fully electric Volvo EX90 SUV and Polestar 3, with an annual capacity of 150,000 vehicles.
Key Highlights
- $1.3 billion invested in Ridgeville plant over the last decade.
- Current production includes Volvo EX90 SUV and Polestar 3.
- XC60 SUV production to begin in late 2026, with 27,000 units sold in the U.S. in 2025 (up 20% from 2024).
- Plans to introduce a next-generation hybrid model before 2030.
- Ridgeville plant supports Volvo’s regional product tailoring strategy.
The Ridgeville facility, operational since 2015, plays a pivotal role in Volvo’s growth strategy, particularly in the U.S., where the company has sold over 5 million cars in its 70-year history. By late 2026, the plant will begin producing the XC60 mid-size SUV, Volvo’s best-selling model, which saw a 20% sales increase in the U.S. in the first eight months of 2025. Additionally, a new hybrid model tailored for the U.S. market is slated for production before 2030, aligning with Volvo’s focus on regional customization.
Håkan Samuelsson, Volvo Cars’ chief executive, emphasized the company’s long-term commitment: “Our investment plans reinforce our dedication to the U.S. market and our South Carolina operations.” South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster praised the investment, stating, “Volvo’s decision underscores South Carolina’s leadership in automotive manufacturing and the strength of our workforce.”
In 2024, Volvo Car Group achieved a record-breaking core operating profit of SEK 27 billion and global sales of 763,389 cars, with revenues reaching SEK 400.2 billion. The Ridgeville plant’s advanced capabilities, supporting multiple platforms and technologies, position it as a critical asset in Volvo’s ambition to become a fully electric car maker by 2040 while achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.
Luis Rezende, president of Volvo Cars Americas, highlighted the plant’s strategic importance: “The Charleston plant is foundational to our U.S. growth plan. Adding another model will maximize our local manufacturing potential and accelerate our commercial targets.”
Volvo’s regionalization strategy ensures that its production and product offerings align with customer demands in key markets like the U.S., Europe, and China. With a global workforce of 42,600 employees and production facilities across three continents, Volvo continues to solidify its reputation as a leader in sustainable and innovative automotive manufacturing.
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