Inbizzy, Charleston, South Carolina – Volvo Cars has officially announced that its globally best-selling model, the Volvo XC60, will be added to the production line of its manufacturing plant in Ridgeville, South Carolina. Production is expected to begin in late 2026, reinforcing the company’s commitment to its build where we sell strategy and the long-term importance of the U.S. automotive market.
America’s Favorite Volvo, Now Locally Built
The XC60 has consistently topped Volvo’s sales charts around the world – and especially in the United States. In the first half of 2025 alone, sales in the U.S. grew by nearly 23%, underscoring its popularity. With over 2.7 million units sold globally, the XC60 has officially become Volvo’s all-time best-selling vehicle, surpassing the iconic 240 wagon.
“Bringing XC60 production to Charleston strengthens our position in the competitive U.S. market while creating and supporting American manufacturing jobs,” said Håkan Samuelsson, CEO of Volvo Cars.
Why the XC60 Is Perfect for the U.S. Market
American drivers appreciate the XC60 for its unique blend of safety, Scandinavian design, and comfort. In fact, over 33% of Volvo’s sales in the U.S. in 2025 come from the XC60, and 25% of those are plug-in hybrids.
“The XC60 is beloved in the U.S., and we’re proud that American families will soon be able to drive a locally assembled version,” said Luis Rezende, President of Volvo Cars Americas. “It’s the right car for this market – premium, versatile, and electrified.”
Electrification at the Core: Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid Options
Building Bridges to an All-Electric Future
The Charleston plant will produce both mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions of the XC60, making it one of the most flexible and future-ready Volvo models on the market.
The XC60 isn’t just popular – it’s strategic. As the fourth best-selling luxury PHEV in the U.S., it serves as a crucial bridge for customers transitioning from traditional combustion engines to full electric vehicles. Volvo’s data shows that plug-in hybrid buyers are more likely to choose fully electric models in the future, making the XC60 a key part of Volvo’s electrification roadmap.
Charleston Plant: Volvo’s Hub for Innovation and Electrification
Volvo’s plant in Ridgeville, South Carolina, opened in 2015, has already become a cornerstone of its North American operations. The facility currently assembles the EX90, a fully electric 7-seater SUV, and the Polestar 3.
Over the past decade, Volvo has invested $1.3 billion into expanding and modernizing the facility, including upgrading the paint shop, body shop, and adding a state-of-the-art battery pack assembly line. The inclusion of the XC60 line will further secure the plant’s role in Volvo’s global manufacturing strategy.
A Strategic Step Toward Localized Production and a Greener Future
The decision to assemble the XC60 in the U.S. reflects more than logistics – it signals Volvo’s evolving identity as a truly global and sustainable brand. By producing its best-selling SUV locally and offering electrified variants, Volvo aligns its U.S. operations with a global push toward cleaner, smarter, and customer-centric mobility.
