Volvo’s Ghent Plant May Lose Production of Two Electric Models
Volvo Cars could shift production of two of its electric SUV models from its Ghent, Belgium, facility to a new plant in Kosice, Slovakia, according to reports from Belgian media outlets. The move, if confirmed, would impact the EX40 and EC40 models.
Union representatives at the Ghent plant first raised concerns about the potential shift, as reported on March 21, 2026, by L’Avenir and Lecho. The company is preparing to launch a new generation of its 40 series, and the updated electric versions will reportedly be manufactured in Slovakia.
Volvo’s new Kosice plant is slated for completion later this year. The decision to move production aligns with the company’s broader strategy to consolidate electric vehicle manufacturing. This shift in production could impact the European automotive manufacturing landscape as automakers adjust to the growing demand for EVs.
Volvo has not officially confirmed the changes. Company management has declined to comment on the reports regarding the EX40 and EC40, but has indicated that production of the XC40 will continue at the Ghent facility. More than 100,000 XC40 vehicles were produced at the plant last year.
The move comes as Volvo adjusts its production timeline for the Kosice plant. Large-scale production at the Slovakian facility has been pushed back to early 2027 from the originally planned 2026, as Reuters reported in July 2025, to optimize the launch of new products.
