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160Volvo Cars and its Ghent manufacturing plant reached a crucial milestone today as the company%u2019s factory in Belgium started production of the fully electric EX30 small SUV.One of Europe%u2019s best-selling electric cars in 2024, the EX30 has been a popular choice among customers from the moment it was introduced in late 2023. Today%u2019s milestone follows a previously announced intent to produce the EX30 in the Ghent plant, which will also start production of the EX30 Cross Country later in the year. Volvo Cars continues to further diversify its global manufacturing footprint for one of its most popular models and expands production capacity to better meet local demand. The addition of the EX30 to the Ghent production line will result in around 350 new jobs at the plant, bringing total employment to almost 6,600 people. %u201cThe EX30 is crucial for us as we continue to strengthen our position in the premium EV market in Europe,%u201d said Francesca Gamboni, chief manufacturing and supply chain officer for Volvo Cars. %u201cInvesting in the European production of the EX30 in Ghent perfectly aligns with our long-held strategy to build our cars where they sell best. Our flexible global footprint contributes to our resilience, allowing us to adjust our manufacturing plans with agility.%u201dTo make EX30 production possible in Ghent, the company made investments worth around EUR 200 million in its Belgian facility in recent years. Wide-ranging changes to the plant include the addition of a completely new car platform, the installation of almost 600 new or refurbished robots, an extension VOLVO CARS STARTS PRODUCTION OF BEST-SELLING EX30 ELECTRIC SUV IN EUROPEAUTO SUB INDUSTRYNEWS