Who Would Buy Volvo?

Ford is preparing to put Volvo, the Swedish carmaker, on the sale block in a move that would leave the struggling American motor group with only its own-badge cars and Lincoln in the United States.

Volvo is part of Ford’s premier automotive group, a stable that includes Land Rover and Jaguar, which are both being sold. Their sale comes months after Ford disposed of Aston Martin as the American company struggled with record losses and plunging sales at home.

It had been thought that Volvo might be kept because it is profitable, but it is believed that Ford is now ready to receive offers. A Volvo sale would end Ford’s strategy of building up premium brands that began in the late 1980s.


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r_driver04 - 7/16/2007 4:56:18 PM

+2 Boost

You obviously don't pay much attention to the auto industry.

EnnNorak - 7/17/2007 9:42:30 AM

+2 Boost

Volvo is a strange mix of the good, the bad, and the ugly. The good is that they make vehicles with excellent seats. The bad is that they use blackmail marketing techniques with respect to availability of most paint colors. Only a few nondescript paint colors are standard. Also bad is that even the six-cylinder engine is transversely mounted. I suspect the 8-cylinder is also. At least the six is an inline six as opposed to an inherently-out-of balance 90-degree V6 that some European manufacturers still use. Ugly are the tail lights and the diagonal "ambassadorial" stripe that clutters the grille.

mini22 - 7/16/2007 11:22:45 AM

+4 Boost

Well Volvo appears to be a success with Ford. Perhaps the reason is that they did not take it into the premium market. It's quite clear that Ford never understood Jaguar as a premium brand.

Will_ - 7/16/2007 11:29:23 AM

-1 Boost

It's only when they decide to sell it when things start to look up for the brand. Their up and coming offerings look quite promising.

Larry - 7/16/2007 3:23:29 PM

-1 Boost

BMW will bid on Volvo, they have been reviewing the Volvo financal records, Volvo could help BMW by usings some of the Volvo front wheel drive platforms for future Mini products

M35MT - 7/17/2007 8:33:04 AM

-2 Boost

I've said it before and I'll say it again...Toyota, please buy Land Rover. I would love to own a new all-aluminum Range Rover that is actually RELIABLE!

There's a Volvo dealer down the road from me and I do wonder, who wants to pay 40 large for a Volvo? Nice cars, quirky and conservative looking and safe, but...a bit pricey. I find it hard to believe that most people pay close to sticker on them - but I'm basing this on absolutely nothing, just speculation :)