Van Hollen, Cardin, Trone Applaud Inflation Reduction Act Investment in Medium- and Heavy-Duty EV Truck Production
U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and U.S. Congressman David Trone (all D-Md.) today applauded the Biden-Harris Administration announcement of $208,224,054 in federal funding to support the Volvo Group’s efforts to upgrade and reequip three domestic manufacturing facilities – including its Hagerstown location – to increase production of its Mack and Volvo electric medium- and heavy-duty trucks. This major investment will create new union jobs across the three facilities – in addition to the existing 7,900 United Automobile Workers the company employs – and support the production of clean vehicles right here in Maryland.
The funding was awarded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains (MESC) through the Automotive Conversion Grants Program, which the lawmakers secured $1.7 billion in funding through the Inflation Reduction Act.
“Investing in producing cleaner electric vehicles for our truck fleet is crucial for our nation’s economic strength, air quality, and domestic manufacturing jobs. Through this funding from the Inflation Reduction Act, we’re creating good union jobs and helping get more zero-emission trucks on the road – this is a win for our economy, a win for workers, and a win for our environment,” said Senator Van Hollen.
“Volvo Group’s Hagerstown manufacturing facility is an important asset to Maryland and the country’s auto industry. With this investment, growing and maintaining jobs while creating a clean energy future is made possible,” said Senator Cardin. “Our support for President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act continues to keep Maryland at the forefront of innovation, sustainability and economic growth.”
“When Democrats passed the Inflation Reduction Act last Congress, we built a stronger future for America. This funding for the MACK and Volvo facility in Hagerstown will support hundreds of good-paying jobs, strengthen our energy infrastructure, and help fight the climate crisis for generations to come,” said Congressman David Trone. “I’m proud to have voted for this law and see it deliver results directly to our communities.”
“The Volvo Group is committed to being a leader in the shift toward a decarbonized transportation system,” said Marcus Minkkinen, Vice President and General Manager, Volvo Group Powertrain Production Hagerstown. “This grant will support increased production of innovative zero-emission technology and components for Mack Trucks and Volvo Trucks and help us prepare our workforce for this important transition.”