Volvo to Construct New Hybrid SUV in South Carolina as A part of Huge U.S. Growth : Automotive Addicts
Automotive
Volvo is doubling down on its American ambitions. The Swedish automaker introduced plans to construct a brand-new hybrid mannequin at its Ridgeville, South Carolina plant earlier than the top of the last decade. This transfer alerts Volvo’s evolving technique to mix electrification with real-world practicality, particularly for U.S. patrons who nonetheless aren’t totally offered on going all-electric.
Whereas Volvo hasn’t launched specifics in regards to the automobile, it’s being described as a “next-generation hybrid mannequin” designed particularly for the U.S. market. Contemplating the model’s latest lineup adjustments, and the truth that sedans and wagons have largely been dropped from its American choices, it’s extremely seemingly this new mannequin will probably be an SUV.
This received’t be the primary electrified automobile to roll off the road in Ridgeville. The plant at the moment builds the all-electric EX90 and the Polestar 3. Volvo has additionally confirmed that the XC60 will start manufacturing there in late 2026. That’s important because the XC60 is without doubt one of the model’s prime sellers. For 2026, it obtained a light-weight refresh, which incorporates up to date styling, new wheels, and a extra fashionable 11.2-inch touchscreen interface.
Volvo’s resolution to construct one other hybrid in South Carolina displays a bigger plan to completely make the most of the Ridgeville facility, which has the capability to supply as much as 150,000 automobiles per yr. Since opening the plant in 2015, Volvo has invested round $1.3 billion into the location to strengthen its manufacturing presence within the U.S. and cut back its dependence on imports.
Though Volvo has launched a number of EVs just like the EX30 and EX90, the introduction of this new hybrid confirms that the corporate is just not abandoning hybrids anytime quickly. As a substitute, it’s taking a extra measured method to electrification by giving prospects the advantages of battery-assisted energy with out the complete dedication of going electrical. For a lot of American drivers who could not but have entry to dependable charging infrastructure, that center floor remains to be very interesting.
There’s additionally a strategic angle to constructing extra automobiles domestically. Producing automobiles within the U.S. may help Volvo keep away from future tariffs and import-related prices whereas giving American patrons the added confidence of buying a automobile made nearer to house. A hybrid SUV tailor-made for this market might give Volvo an edge within the extremely aggressive compact and midsize crossover segments.
For now, Volvo is conserving the specifics below wraps, so we don’t but know whether or not the hybrid will probably be plug-in, delicate, or one thing solely new. What is evident, although, is that Volvo is treating the U.S. as a key market in its international technique. With Ridgeville set to supply extra fashions and play a bigger position, this manufacturing facility is changing into a serious hub for the model’s subsequent part of progress in North America.
We’ll be watching intently as Volvo unveils extra details about the upcoming hybrid and the way it plans to maintain momentum in an evolving market that calls for each innovation and suppleness.
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Mike Floyd is a finance government by commerce and a automotive fanatic at coronary heart. As a CFO with a eager eye for element and technique, Mike brings his analytical mindset to the automotive world, uncovering recent insights and distinctive views that transcend the floor. His ardour for automobiles—particularly his favourite, the Porsche 911, fuels his contributions to Automotive Addicts, the place he blends a love for efficiency and design together with his skilled precision. Whether or not he’s breaking down trade tendencies or spotlighting rising improvements, Mike helps maintain the location each sharp and forward-thinking.
