Behind the Scenes: A Look at Volvo Manufacturing
Since 1927, Volvo has produced precision-built automobiles that have gained a reputation for quality, all thanks to a tradition of reliable Swedish engineering. However, many of those world-class automobiles have been built right here in the United States at the automaker’s plant in Charleston, South Carolina.
Volvo Cars’ new South Carolina plant is a reflection of our firm commitment to the US market. The United States is a cornerstone in Volvo Cars’ global expansion plan and together with a whole range of new cars in the coming years, this new plant will play a vital role in growing our presence in the United States.
- Lex Kerssemakers, Senior Vice President Americas at Volvo Cars
Volvo chose the Charleston location for its first US-based assembly plant because of its convenient proximity to a robust seaport and an international airport, as well as interstate highways and rail networks. The automaker has already invested a billion dollars in the new plant, which began producing the new Volvo S60 premium mid-size sports sedan last year. In the next couple of years, the plant will also begin producing the next generation of the brand’s full-size luxury SUV: the XC90. These models will be sold in the US market and exported internationally.
Eventually, the Charleston plant could employ as many as 4,000 highly-skilled Americans, resulting in a tremendous boon for the local economy when combined with the subsequent supplier contracts. The 2.3-million-square-foot facility sits on a sprawling 1,600-acre site just outside of Charleston proper. At peak capacity, the plant will be able to produce an astounding 150,000 vehicles per year.
Bringing all of this new business to the States is not easy to achieve, but it sure is easy to appreciate, especially when you consider the end result. Volvo makes some of the finest cars in the world, and it’s all thanks to the finest leadership and personnel in the industry. Volvo Cars Silver Spring would love to show you the end result in person. Check out our latest inventory online, and then contact our sales staff to schedule a test drive.
Image and Video Credit: Volvo