Originally appeared on Automoblog.net

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Volvo Cars recently started production of the new V90 premium estate in Torslanda, Sweden. The V90 comes from Volvo’s modular vehicle platform known as SPA (Scalable Product Architecture). SPA boasts a number of benefits for the automaker, like economies of scale. SPA allows multiple vehicles, powertrains, electrical components, and safety technologies to be built off one platform. In addition, such architecture can better accommodate electric and hybrid variants of Volvo’s cars.
Last month, Volvo revealed two concepts based on their new Compact Modular Architecture (CMA).
Modular architecture investments are so important for Volvo, they have nearly doubled their staff at the Torslanda plant the last two years. The plant now employs some 6,300 workers. Volvo hired approximately 1,000 engineers over the same period, and continue to actively recruit for their R&D arm. Numerous jobs for Volvo’s suppliers and related businesses in Sweden have also been created. “Taking the new V90 into production is an important milestone for Volvo,” said HÃ¥kan Samuelsson, President and Chief Executive, Volvo Cars. “We have invested heavily in preparing the Torslanda plant for building SPA vehicles and it is encouraging to see the positive response to the new 90 cars.”
Volvo V90. Photo: Volvo Cars
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