Volvo is proving just how desirable and popular its XC40 model is globally
Seven years ago, the team at Volvo’s Ghent manufacturing plant in Belgium celebrated a significant achievement, the assembly of the first XC40. Today, the brand proudly announces that the one-millionth XC40/EX40 model has rolled off the production line, marking a major milestone for the brand’s versatile premium SUV and its strategic initiatives.
Stefan Fesser, Plant Manager in Ghent, expressed his pride in reaching this milestone, stating, “We have produced our one-millionth XC40/EX40, showcasing a pivotal moment in the history of Volvo Car Gent. Our dedicated and skilled team is committed to our electrification strategy, evidenced by the production of over 175,000 fully electric versions of this model.”
Moreover, launched in September 2017 at a special event in Milan, the Volvo XC40 marked the brand’s entry into the small premium SUV segment. It quickly became a best-seller and received the esteemed European Car of the Year award in 2018, making it the first Volvo model ever to win this honour.
In 2020, Volvo expanded the XC40 lineup to include a fully electric version, which played a crucial role in establishing Volvo Cars as a leader in the premium electric vehicle market. The XC40 is designed for continuous improvement through over-the-air updates and features in-house-developed electric motors.
On top of that, earlier this year, Volvo rebranded the pure electric XC40 as the EX40 to streamline its naming conventions for electric vehicles (EVs). While the last plug-in hybrid XC40 was produced last year, the XC40 name will continue for the mild-hybrid version, which remains in production.
Since its launch, the XC40 has consistently ranked among our three best-selling models. In 2023, it was our second-best-selling car, surpassed only by the XC60 mid-size SUV, and it has maintained this position through the first nine months of 2024. Today, the EX40 is one of five fully electric models in our lineup, with plans for five additional electric vehicles currently in development.
By 2030, Volvo aims for 90 to 100 percent of all its cars sold worldwide to be electric, with a limited number of mild hybrids making up the remaining 10 percent if necessary. The introduction of the XC40 marked the beginning of a new era for the Ghent plant, prompting substantial investments to transform it into a global export hub.
