Volvo continues strategic investments in the context of the transition of its range towards electrification. In this regard, the Scandinavian carmaker has announced the allocation of 10 billion Swedish crowns to adjust the production of the plant in. Torslanda and prepare it for welcome next generation electric car lines. With this investment, Volvo will introduce a number of specific technologies and implement new sustainable processes in the production chain, including mega-casting technology for aluminum body parts, a new battery assembly center and departments of completely renewed painting and final assembly.
The investments follow the recent announcement of Volvo Cars and Northvolt, Leading manufacturer of battery cells, related to an investment of SEK 30 billion in the development and production of high-quality tailor-made batteries for the next generation of electric-only Volvo models. Both investment plans help fulfill Volvo Cars’ ambitious goal of becoming an automotive company with an all-electric range by 2030 and reflect the company’s willingness to make a long-term commitment to its hometown of Gothenburg. “These investments represent an important step towards a fully electric future and towards producing better and even more advanced electric Volvos. “, said CEO Håkan Samuelsson. “Torslanda is our largest plant and will play an essential role in our ongoing transformation and in achieving our milestone of becoming an electric-only car manufacturer by 2030.”
The introduction of mega-casting technology for the aluminum body components of Volvo’s next generation of electric models is the most significant and exciting change in the investment package. The mega-casting creates a number of benefits in terms of sustainability, cost and performance of the car over its life cycle and Volvo Cars will be one of the first carmakers to invest in this process. The fusion of the main parts of the car floor structure in a single aluminum element reduces the weight of the vehicle, which in turn improves its energy efficiency and therefore its electric range. This also allows Volvo’s designers to make optimum use of the space available in the passenger compartment and load compartment, increasing the overall versatility of the car. The changes to the painting systems include the installation of new machinery and the implementation of new processes, which will favor the constant reduction of energy consumption and emissions of this department. A new battery assembly center will integrate battery cells and modules into the car’s floor structure, while the assembly department will be refurbished to accommodate the processing steps expected for next-generation 100% electric models; for example, a new “assemblage point” will be created, where the upper part of the body and the floor of the car come into contact for the first time. The logistics areas will also be renovated, improving the flow of materials and optimizing the transport of goods and components within the plant. The car manufacturer it will also invest in the facilities surrounding the plant, such as refreshment areas, changing rooms and offices, to further improve the working environment of all employees. The Torslanda site has an annual production capacity of 300,000 cars and is one of Volvo Cars’ longest-running manufacturing facilities. It was inaugurated in April 1964 by the Swedish ruler Gustavo VI Adolfo and was for a long time the largest single plant in the country. It currently operates on three shifts and employs around 6,500 people.
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