Volvo Cars Ghent (Ghent)

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Volvo Cars started assembling cars in Ghent in 1965 to have better access to what was then called the “European Economic Community”. In 1972 a welding plant and paint shop were added to the assembly plant.

The first model produced was the Volvo Amazon. Due to Volvo's expansion in the sixties, with increasing sales in the US and in Europe, Volvo's Ghent plant grew steadily in the 70s, although volumes declined to critical levels below 30,000 units per annum due to the oil crises of the late 70s.

Volvo Trucks started assembling truck in Ghent in 1974.

In 1991 Volvo launched the Volvo 850 in its Ghent plant – the first time a new car model was put in production outside Sweden.

When Volvo withdrew from the NedCar joint venture (Volvo-Mitsubishi) the compact range was allotted to the Ghent plant. In 2004 a third (night) shift was added as Volvo launched the current P1 range (Volvo S40, V50 and C30). Capacity increased from 150,000 to 270,000 cars annually.

In 2008 the XC60 was introduced, followed by the S60 in 2010. Currently Volvo Cars Gent is launching the new compact cars, V40 and Y556. 2011 was a record year when 266,529 cars were assembled. At the end of 2012 Volvo Cars Gent passed the 5
million car mark.

Model 2011 produced
--------------------
Volvo C30 26,258
Volvo S40 17,354
Volvo V50 46,085
Volvo S60 76,118
Volvo XC60 100,705

TOTAL 266,529

source: www.volvocarsgent.be/