Volvo's new factory gains Ministry of Environmental Protection approval

Gasgoo.com (Shanghai June 23) - Volvo's planned factory in Daqing, Hei Longjiang has gained the Ministry of Environmental Protection's seal of approval, dfdaily.com reported today. The annoucement means that Volvo has passed one of its largest hurdles in constructing the new 84 hectare factory, which will specialize in producing the 113K and C60 sedans (pictured above), as well as a yet unnamed minivan, rumored to be the XC680. Volvo has invested 4.58 billion yuan ($708.9m) in the site, which will include painting and welding rooms as well as a test circuit.

The Daqing factory follows Volvo's decision of beginning S60 and XC60 (pictured below) production in Sichuan's capital of Chengdu. The manufacturer has invested 5.4 billion yuan ($835.7m) in the Chengdu site.

"From now on, of all the vehicles Volvo will provide, only a minority will be imported, while most will be made in the country," announced CEO of the China division Shen Huizeng enthusiastically.

In line with new parent Geely's market strategy, Volvo will also open its chief marketing center in Shanghai.

Volvo's goal for 2015 is to sell 200,000 vehicles in the country, as well expand its dealer network from 110 to 220 dealerships. If Volvo is able to make that target, it would go a long way to helping them reach their global goal of 800,000 sales.