Ten years, $1.3 billion in Lowcountry investments — and Volvo is ready to rev things up. The Swedish brand has plans to continue growing its Charleston-area plant, which is located about 35 miles from downtown in Ridgeville.

Global, national, and local leaders from Volvo took time to answer any questions folks had about the plant, plans, and production. | Photo by CHStoday

Earlier this week, I heard directly from the Volvo team — including Håkan Samuelsson, the Global CEO and President of Volvo Cars, Luis Rezende, the President of Volvo Car Americas, and David Stenström, the Head of Manufacturing, Volvo Car USA and Canada, and Ridgeville Plant Manager — about their future plans. I toured the plant and even got hands-on. Shameless brag, I installed a third row seat.

David Stenström, plant manager, showed us around the facility and talked us through how things work. | Photo by CHStoday

Here’s how they plan to kick things into the next gear: Volvo plans to expand both volume and financial growth, while fully utilizing the plant. That includes producing the hybrid XC60, which is a mid-size SUV, late next year — plus several new models by 2030. “Our investment plans once again reinforce our long-term commitment to the US market and our manufacturing operations in South Carolina,” said Samuelsson.

Here's a look inside of Volvo's SUVs. | Photo by CHStoday

The Lowcountry plan is currently producing the fully electric Volvo EX90 SUV and the Polestar 3. Fun fact: Currently, the Ridgeville plant can make up to 150,000 cars per year.

But the impact doesn’t stop there. Volvo works with several schools local like Ashley Ridge High School, Cross High School, RB Stall High School, and Woodland High School, through its Accelerator Program. The company also partners with several universities from across the state and the state Technical College System via ReadySC.