In a move that’s about as surprising as finding meatballs in an IKEA, Volvo has announced it’s bringing production of its golden child, the XC60, to American soil. That’s right, the mid-size SUV that has captured the hearts (and wallets) of families from Stockholm to Sacramento will soon be rolling off the line at Volvo’s plant in Ridgeville, South Carolina, starting in late 2026.
For those who’ve been living under a rock (a very safe, Scandinavian-designed rock), the XC60 isn’t just another SUV. It’s Volvo’s global best-seller, the most popular Volvo in the US, and the car that recently stole the all-time sales crown from the legendary, brick-shaped 240 wagon. Toppling the 240 is no mean feat; that car is an icon, a veritable rolling fortress that defined the brand for decades. The XC60 achieving this milestone proves just how significant it is to Volvo’s modern identity.
This decision is a textbook example of Volvo’s “build where we sell” strategy, a savvy move to strengthen its grip on the competitive US market. And the timing couldn’t be better. The company is celebrating its 70th anniversary in the States, where it has sold over 5 million cars. With US sales of the XC60 jumping nearly 23% in the first half of 2025 alone, it’s clear Americans have a serious appetite for this blend of safety, luxury, and minimalist Scandinavian design.
The state-of-the-art Ridgeville plant, which already assembles the fully electric EX90 flagship and the Polestar 3, is getting prepped for its new resident. Volvo has sunk a cool USD 1.3 billion into the facility over the past decade, future-proofing it with expanded body and paint shops and even a high-tech battery pack production line. This isn’t just about shuffling assembly lines; it’s about securing American manufacturing jobs and creating a versatile production hub.
The South Carolina plant will be producing both the mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions of the XC60. The PHEV is particularly important, currently ranking as the fourth best-selling luxury plug-in hybrid in the US. Volvo sees it as a crucial “bridge toward electrification,” giving customers a taste of electric driving that often convinces them to go fully electric for their next purchase.
So, soon you’ll be able to get America’s favorite Swedish SUV, assembled by American autoworkers in the heart of South Carolina. With the massive, fully electric EX90 and the versatile hybrid XC60s all calling Ridgeville home, Volvo’s US plant will truly be offering something for everyone, from the EV pioneer to the family wanting a practical and stylish hybrid. It’s a smart, strategic play that proves Volvo is here for the long haul, serving up its Swedish meatballs with a side of Southern charm.
