Volvo has confirmed it will expand production of the XC40 to meet unexpected demand for its recently-released compact SUV.

The Swedish manufacturer has received close to 80,000 orders for the new XC40 following its launch in early 2018.

Production will be expanded at the company’s Ghent plant and Volvo will also add XC40 production to its Lugiao plant in China next year.

The factory is also expected to begin production of new models from Volvo’s sister brand Lynk&Co.

Customers have reported that build dates for some XC40s have been delayed until October, despite originally being promised for June.

New models, including a replacement V40, based on Volvo’s compact CMA platform are being planned following the popularity of the XC40.

“The XC40’s success has surpassed even our highest expectations,” said Håkan Samuelsson, president and chief executive of Volvo Cars.

“The small SUV segment is the fastest-growing segment in the industry now, and with these additional CMA-based models we expect to benefit further from that growth.”

The coming new product from Volvo will include fully electric vehicles.