- Volvo Cars will begin test production at its Kosice plant after summer 2026.
- Serial vehicle production at the Slovakia facility is scheduled to start in 2027.
Volvo Cars has confirmed that its upcoming manufacturing facility in Slovakia will enter the next phase of development after summer 2026, when the company plans to initiate test production activities at the Kosice plant. Commercial serial production is scheduled to begin in 2027 as the automaker continues expanding its European manufacturing footprint to support future vehicle demand and production efficiency goals.
The company stated that construction work at the Kosice facility is progressing according to schedule, with several major operational milestones already completed. Volvo Cars revealed that the body shop section of the plant, equipped with approximately 600 robots, has already produced more than 100 fully completed vehicle bodies during preliminary operational trials. This marks a significant step toward validating manufacturing readiness ahead of test production commencement.
Key Progress Achieved at Volvo Cars Kosice Facility
Alongside body shop validation activities, the company also confirmed that the mega casting and press shop operations have successfully delivered their first production units. These developments indicate that core manufacturing systems within the facility are moving closer to full-scale operational capability. Volvo Cars additionally announced that construction has started on a new Welcome Centre at the site, which will support employee onboarding, visitor management, and operational coordination activities once production operations expand further.
Following the start of production operations, Volvo Cars expects a substantial share of the plant’s components to be sourced locally within Slovakia. The automaker stated that up to 36% of the parts used in each vehicle manufactured at the facility will come from Slovak suppliers, reinforcing regional supply chain integration and local industrial participation within the project.
Employment Expansion Planned Before Serial Production
The Kosice manufacturing plant currently employs more than 600 workers as construction and preparation activities continue across the site. Volvo Cars further stated that around 70 additional employees are expected to join the facility in June 2026. The company also plans to recruit another 700 employees by the end of the year as it prepares for test production activities and eventual serial manufacturing operations in 2027.
Volvo Cars Kosice Plant Development Overview
The following table highlights the major development milestones announced for the Kosice manufacturing facility.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Test Production | After summer 2026 |
| Serial Production | 2027 |
| Robots in Body Shop | 600 |
| Vehicle Bodies Produced | More than 100 |
| Local Parts Sourcing | Up to 36% |
| Current Employees | 600+ |
| Additional Hiring by End of 2026 | 700 employees |
The Kosice project represents a major manufacturing investment for Volvo Cars in Central Europe and highlights the company’s long-term strategy of strengthening regional production capabilities. With body shop validation already underway and critical operations delivering initial production units, the facility is steadily moving toward its targeted launch timeline for vehicle manufacturing operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Volvo Cars begin production at the Kosice plant?
Volvo Cars plans to begin test production at its Kosice manufacturing plant after summer 2026, while full serial production operations are scheduled to officially start in 2027. The company stated that several core manufacturing systems are already operational, including the body shop, mega casting operations, and press shop facilities. These milestones are helping the company validate production readiness before commercial manufacturing activities commence at the Slovakia-based facility.
How many local parts will be sourced for vehicles produced at the Kosice plant?
Volvo Cars stated that up to 36% of the parts used in vehicles manufactured at the Kosice facility will be sourced from Slovak suppliers after production begins. The company aims to strengthen local supply chain integration and regional manufacturing participation through supplier partnerships within Slovakia. This localized sourcing strategy is expected to support operational efficiency, reduce logistics dependency, and contribute to regional industrial development surrounding the new production facility.
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