Volvo finalizes deal to build South Carolina factory

After shipping the first batch of vehicles from a China factory to the US market, Volvo has announced that it has formally signed an agreement to build its first American plant in South Carolina.
The Swedish brand will now move forward toward ground breaking by fall, with production slated for late 2018. The plant will eventually be capable of producing up to 100,000 vehicles annually, requiring 2,000 workers over the next decade and as many as 4,000 employees further down the road.

The company has committed to preserving 1,500 acres of wetlands, helping form a “green belt” around the greater Charleston region. The factory will also be powered by renewable energy, while storm water will be rerouted to form ponds that simulate wildlife habitats.

“Today we formalize an important milestone in Volvo Cars’ global transformation in the United States,” says Volvo Cars North America chief Lex Kerssemakers. “Our planned American factory demonstrates our commitment to the United States and our desire to be a truly global automaker.”

The company is attempting to boost sales to 800,000 units by the end of the decade, nearly doubling the current numbers. The company will revamp its entire lineup in the next few years as it works toward the lofty goal.