Sakova and Volvo Confirm Electric Car Production Launch by End of 2026

Valaliky/Bratislava, June 21 (TASR) - Kosice Volvo Car facility plans to launch the production of electric cars by the end of 2026, Economy Minister Denisa Sakova (Voice-SD) confirmed after meeting with representatives of the Swedish car maker in Kosice on Friday. The facility was visited also by President Peter Pellegrini, who checked the progress of works in the Valaliky industrial park. "At the full production rate, set to be launched in December 2026, the Valaliky facility is expected to produce about 250,000 electric cars annually, which is quite a large number and this facility will contribute about 1.3 percent of national GDP," said Sakova. Volvo intends to employ 3,300 people in eastern Slovakia with an average monthly salary of €1,400 and more. "Together with individual subsuppliers, we estimate the creation of about 12,000 jobs here, in the east of Slovakia," claimed the minister. The total Volvo investment stands at €1.2 billion, with the Slovak state contributing about €270 million via direct investment aid. Volvo Cars vice-president for global production Geert Bruyneel believes that the region of Kosice is the right place for the production of electric cars with a capable labour force. He added that the new facility will use state-of-the-art technology and know-how, and operate as a climate neutral enterprise. mf