Volvo’s chief manufacturing executive has resigned after just nine months, with the move coming as the Swedish automaker prepares for a significant production ramp-up at its plant in Ridgeville, South Carolina.
Miguel Tavera, the company’s head of manufacturing and supply chain for the Americas since October 2025, has resigned, reports Automotive News. The executive’s departure was described as abrupt, and comes at a critical juncture for the automaker’s $1.3-billion factory — its only one in the United States.
In late 2026, the Volvo (VLVOF) brand’s best-selling global model, the updated XC60, will begin production at the facility. A larger flagship SUV in one of the most profitable auto segments is also expected to be built there.
It’s part of the automaker’s goal to double the number of models built at the plant by 2030.
Volvo
Volvo manufacturing chief departs at pivotal time
A Volvo spokesperson confirmed Tavera’s resignation without divulging more details about his sudden departure. Despite a promising start to his tenure—Tavera himself said it was an “exciting” first month in October 2025—he leaves the role after only nine months.
In the interim, global production chief Nicolas Guibert will oversee the automaker’s industrial operations in the Americas until a permanent replacement is secured.
The Ridgeville plant is vital for Volvo’s North American operations and future growth. Opened in 2018, it helps the brand localize production and lower its reliance on imports. This is particularly crucial given the implications of tariffs on vehicles not produced locally.
More Automotive:
- Lucid loses crucial EV exec after CEO shift
- EV target takes unexpected turn in one of the world’s top markets
- Ford begins testing tech that will change Americans’ minds about EVs
Volvo’s plans to expand production at this plant will nearly double the workforce to 4,000. It will also close in on the facility’s maximum capacity of 150,000 vehicles per year.
Currently, fewer than 5% of all Volvos sold in the U.S. are produced in South Carolina, but Volvo wants over half its U.S. volume to be built domestically.
“Our strategy is to build where we sell,” Volvo Cars CEO Hakan Samuelsson said last year.
Why the timing of Volvo’s leadership change matters
Volvo’s goals for the South Carolina plant will benefit from leadership continuity, particularly roles like Tavera’s. This position involves oversight of factory operations, production ramps and retooling, and managing supplier integration.
The timing of Tavera’s departure isn’t ideal, given that Volvo is approximately six months away from planned local production of the upgraded XC60. This is the company’s most important model in the U.S., having accounted for 36% of its first-quarter sales. Last year, the XC60 became the brand’s best-selling vehicle of all time, reports Autoblog.
Related: Leading auto CEO lays out USMCA strategy ahead of July deadline
By late 2028, the brand’s flagship SUV is expected to go into production at Ridgeville, too. It will slot in above the existing XC90 and compete with rivals like the BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class.
Expected to start at around $80,000, this vehicle is expected to deliver higher profit margins for the brand.
What’s next for Volvo
Volvo will be looking for a permanent replacement for Tavera as soon as possible. Filling this role quickly could help minimize any disruption at Ridgeville as the facility enters its next growth phase.
Ramping up production at the plant and introducing all-new models will require careful leadership to maintain quality standards, coordinate supply chains, and navigate changing trade conditions.
Any delays or production bottlenecks could lead to increased costs, which is why Tavera’s replacement will be under greater scrutiny in the months ahead. Furthermore, any production issues could lead to customer dissatisfaction, which could hurt sales.
Volvo’s position in North America will be closely monitored over the next few months as it works through this leadership transition and prepares to boost local production of several key, high-profit vehicles.
Related: Rivian CEO reveals a costly mistake EV rivals keep making