Did you know? The Lowcountry plant currently produces the fully electric Volvo EX90 SUV. | Photo by CHStoday
Ten years, $1.3 billion in Lowcountry investments — and Volvois ready to rev things up. The Swedish brand has plans to continue growing its Charleston-area plant, which is located about 35 miles from downtown in Ridgeville.
Global, national, and local leaders from Volvo, including Håkan Samuelsson, the Global CEO and President of Volvo Cars, took time to answer any questions folks had about the plant, plans, and production.
Photo by CHStoday
Earlier this week, I heard directly from the Volvo team about their future plans, I toured the plant, and even got hands-on. Shameless brag, I installed a third row seat.
I wore this fancy blue jacket, steel-toed shoes, and a headset as I got a behind-the-scenes look facility and a better understanding of how things work.
Photo by CHStoday
Here’s how they plan to kick things into the next gear: Volvo plans to expand both volume and financial growth, while fully utilizing the plant. That includes producing the hybrid XC60, which is a mid-size SUV, late next year — plus several new models by 2030.
But the impact doesn’t stop there. Volvo works with several local schools, like Ashley Ridge High School, Cross High School, RB Stall High School, and Woodland High School, through its Accelerator Program. The company also partners with several universities from across the state and the state Technical College System via ReadySC.
Asked
Asked
Currently, how many cars per year can the Ridgeville plant produce?
Money.com’s car insurance comparison tool could save you up to 19%. | Photo via Shutterstock
There’s a lot we don’t know. But we do know that “15 minutes could save you 15% or more” by switching car insurance providers.
Why? This marketing campaign works because the numbers speak for themselves — and the claim is true.
Comparing car insurance really can save you 10% to 19% more money. And Money.com has an easy-to-use (and free) car insurance tool to help you find providers in Charleston. Check it out.
Charleston County is revisiting its Single-Use Plastic Bag Ordinance and what a “reusable carryout bag” means. The Environmental Management Committee is looking to make changes to the definition to reduce plastic pollution. (WCSC)
Travel
Vacation is calling, and Breeze Airways has answered with a new nonstop flight from Charleston to Cancun. The new route begins Saturday, Jan. 17, with flights operating once a week.
Concert
Get ready to rock, Eric Church is making a stop at the North Charleston Coliseum with his Free The Machine Tour on Saturday, March 7. Snag your tickets next Friday, Oct. 3 at 10 a.m. (Holy City Sinner)
Edu
The College of Charleston was named a top university in the South by the US News and World Report. The Cougars had high marks in four categories, like Top Public Schools — Regional Universities, and four of the college’s academic programs were recognized. Take a closer look.(Holy City Sinner)
Shop
The city has plans to turn an empty storefront on King Street into a hub for local small businesses. This project will offer makers and sellers a space to test things out before committing to their own storefront, all while supporting the city’s initiative to lift up underrepresented businesses. (The Post and Courier)
Picture this: Beautiful 3000-sq ft home, plus a three-car garage, starting in the $300s. That’s True Homes’ new 3-3-3 offer, so you can finally have a home theatre, office, and gym.*
Biz
At CHStoday, we share hyper-local and need-to-know information about your Charleston faves. Now, it’s time for you to tell us the best biz in the city. Click on this form to start nominating in various categories.
Shop
At Warby Parker, every pair of glasses starts at $95. Pick your perfect pair and experience eye care that’s simple, convenient, and delightful.*
Category
Events
🍻 Don’t worry, beer happy
This year’s festival is bigger than ever, featuring more breweries than in previous years. | Photos by Zach Ubaldini
Hurry, time is running out to get your Charleston Beer Fest tickets. The festival at Riverfront Park will return Saturday, Oct. 25 from 2 to 7 p.m. You’ll enjoy live music while you explore 75+ brewing companies, games, plus food and craft vendors.
Tickets are going fast — there are some VIP, general admission, and designated driver tickets left. Your ticket grants you:
Commemorative beer stein
Beer tastings
Opportunities to compete for prizes in the beer games
Did you know? This event serves as the primary fundraiser for Palmetto Community Care — all proceeds will help support individuals living with HIV/AIDS in our community.
The Buy
Swap this summer’s top trending beaded bags for something a little more seasonally appropriate: rich hues of leather + luxurious suede. These are our top five bags for fall:
👜 We’re calling it now: This softly-brushed, chocolate-hued suede purse will be the bag of the season.
👜 Lucky Brand’s full-grain leather mini tote features top handles and a removable crossbody strap for added versatility.
👜 Level up any autumn outfit with this elegant satchel bag that’s on sale for under $40.
👜 This stadium-approved clear handbag is the perfect game day accessory.
👜 Luxuriously soft handfeel and rugged durability are two standout features of this fun heart-shaped leather purse.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
Winner, winner, (General Tso’s) chicken dinner. If you guessed Beautiful South by Kwei Fei, you nailed it. Congrats to readers: Brady C., Susan D., Ella N., Audrey L., Carrie J., and Mikaela M.
I was sipping on “This Side of Paradise” — a mocktail, featuring coconut orgeat, dragonfruit syrup, orange and pineapple juice, and ginger beer.