Sakova: Volvo to Launch Production of Test Vehicles in Kosice after Summer 2026

Kosice, 27 May (TASR) - The first test electric vehicles are expected to be produced by the new Volvo plant near Kosice at the turn of summer and autumn, Economy Minister Denisa Sakova (Voice-SD) said on Wednesday following her visit to the Valaliky Industrial Park and the Volvo Car Kosice plant. "At the end of summer or at the beginning of autumn, we expect the first prototype cars to roll out from this plant, where they will be manufactured under a testing regime," she said, confirming that the deadlines for the construction of production capacities or logistics and energy infrastructure will be met, with full production planned to be launched next year. "The company should produce approximately 250,000 fully electric vehicles per year. Naturally, its capacity can be increased via further investments to 500,000 cars a year," added Sakova. According to her, Volvo already employs approximately 600 people and plans to hire another 700 by the end of the year. Currently, 95 percent of the staff are Slovaks. According to an investment contract, the company should be employing 3,300 employees by 2028. Overall, including all subcontractors, tens of thousands of new jobs will be created in eastern Slovakia. Sakova described the project as one of the most significant investments in this part of the country. "In total for this investment, the state has allocated some €550 million for infrastructure projects and another €150 million for overhead costs, while Volvo has invested approximately €1.2 billion into this plant," she concluded. jrg