Volvo has announced production of the next-generation XC90 will begin from 2021, where it will be built at the carmaker’s manufacturing plant in Charleston, South Carolina. The SUV will join the all-new S60, also set to be produced at the facility from 2018.
The Charleston facility is currently being upgraded as part of efforts to expand manufacturing operations in the United States, which will bring total investments to over US$1.1 billion. Volvo says this will help create up to 4,000 new jobs, of which 1,900 personnel will be recruited for a planned new office campus.
“The continued expansion of our plant in South Carolina is another significant commitment to the US market. The plant in Charleston will serve both the US and international markets and forms a strong foundation for our future growth in the U.S. and globally,” said Håkan Samuelsson, president and chief executive of Volvo Cars.
According to the Swedish carmaker, the US is the largest single market for the XC90, hence the business logic behind the move. The decision to choose South Carolina as its first ever manufacturing plant in the US was its easy access to international ports and infrastructure, a well-trained labour force, an attractive investment environment and experience in the manufacturing sector.
The expanded Charleston plant will target a production capacity of 150,000 vehicles annually, with a considerable amount of XC90 volume being exported from the Port of Charleston. “We’re excited to add a second car to our first American factory and we continue to be impressed by the entrepreneurial spirit in South Carolina,” said Lex Kerssemakers, president and CEO of Volvo Car USA.
The announcement on further expansion in South Carolina is part of the company’s ‘build where you sell’ global manufacturing strategy. It currently operates two manufacturing plants in Europe, as well as two factories in China. A third Chinese plant is currently under construction.
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Respectable Geely, Volvo Cars Msia & US.
Volvo Lotus > All
Good idea for Volvo to close down the Malaysian plant and move operations to Thailand cause Thailand is now the Detroit of Asia.
Don’t waste time in Malaysia. Thai workers are hardworking and don’t simply tuang kerja
Meanwhile our Menteri and their ignorant statement.
Volvo is the first local assembler here since the 60s, and still standing strong today in Shah Alam.
We need to bring mainland people as our Cabinet members
With 566 units sold YTD, move to other place better.
33yers on & still losing money. better P1 sell gas tanks.
At least Volvo is more than the lame Audi!
Even X5 booking alone is 6 times more than overall Volvo sales. Volvo must really improve in many areas.
U do realise u talkin about ur own work being lousy and ur employer better dun waste time with u, and other bashers r more hardworking with more reasonable facts, right?
Dude, you mean Volvo > All on low RV?
China oso making amerika gr8 again!
Dude, I just bought the XC90 not too long ago and you guys are talking about next gen already :l
To always stay current, wiser to buy a Proton.
U still driving the latest gen even after 15 year.
Other carmakers max 6 year cycle only.
Pity u bro…the rv just dropped to grd zero …do consider a used camry to compensate on yr losses..vrry reliable ride buddy..
When RV is at ground zero , crappy Camry RV is already six feet down .
Better not waste time with passenger car , the current world trend is on SUV and SUV is a major force to be reckoned with in the foreseeable future from most buyers !!
2021, that’s 4 years away, and at least you have the XC90 with you now. Announcement of the current XC90 was made in 2012, with orders taken in 2014 and officially going on sale 2015.
Sheep BMW X5 buyers on the other hand are still waiting to receive their X5 PHEV while a new model is out next year. LOL. Most won’t even receive it yet when the next gen X5 is announced and revealed!