A Good Problem to Have: Volvo Boosts 2026 Production as EX60 Demand Surges

Volvo’s decision to launch its most advanced SUV yet is paying off faster than anyone expected. Barely a month after its January debut, the 2026 Volvo EX60 has shattered internal sales forecasts. Consequently, the Swedish automaker is already rewriting its manufacturing strategy for the year to prevent a massive backlog of orders.

Despite its premium positioning, the EX60 is currently outselling the smaller, more affordable EX30 in its first month—a feat that has stunned industry analysts and forced the Torslanda factory into overdrive.

Table of Contents

1. Surpassing the “Small” Giant: EX60 vs. EX30
2. Torslanda’s Historic Summer Shift
3. The “Gemini” Effect: Why Buyers are Rushing
4. Range King: The 810km Benchmark
5. Global Rollout: When Can You Order?

Surpassing the “Small” Giant: EX60 vs. EX30

In a surprising twist, European retail orders for the mid-size EX60 have outpaced the initial launch numbers of the compact EX30. While the EX30 was designed to be a high-volume “entry” model, the EX60 has resonated more deeply with family buyers and tech enthusiasts.

• Sweden Alone: Over 3,000 orders were placed in its home market within the first 30 days.
• Forecast Beat: Volvo executives confirmed that demand in nearly all major European markets is “considerably higher” than internal projections.

Torslanda’s Historic Summer Shift

To meet this overwhelming demand, Volvo is taking a step it has never taken in its history. The company is currently negotiating with labor unions to keep the Torslanda plant in Sweden open for an extra week during the traditional summer break.

“That so many customers ordered the EX60 in the first month has surpassed our expectations, and it’s a good ‘problem’ to have,” said Erik Severinson, Chief Commercial Officer at Volvo Cars.

Additionally, the factory is implementing “Mega Casting”—a Tesla-style manufacturing technique that replaces hundreds of small parts with a single cast. This will help the plant scale production more rapidly as customer-spec models begin rolling off the line next month.

The “Gemini” Effect: Why Buyers are Rushing

The EX60 isn’t just another SUV; it is the first vehicle in the world to feature Google Gemini AI as a built-in assistant. Unlike traditional voice controls, Gemini allows for natural, multi-step conversations.

Drivers can ask the car to “Check my email for my hotel address and navigate there,” or even ask “Will my mountain bike fit in the trunk?” using the car’s internal cameras and spatial awareness to provide an answer.

Range King: The 810km Benchmark

While the AI is a major draw, the EX60’s hardware is what closes the deal. Built on the new SPA3 architecture, the flagship P12 variant sets a new industry standard.

Global Rollout: When Can You Order?

While European order books are currently full, the rest of the world is waiting for their turn.

• United States: Pre-orders are scheduled to open in late spring 2026.
• Australia: The first shipments are expected to arrive between late 2026 and early 2027.
• Deliveries: European customers who secured early slots will receive their P6 and P10 variants this summer, with the high-range P12 following in late 2026.