Within only four years of having taken over Volvo from Ford, Geely plans to launch up to three new luxury models, according to company sources.

The Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, which is Ford’s preferred bidder for Volvo, told the Wall Street Journal that the firm would sell two or three bigger, more luxurious cars within the next four years to boost global sales.

Under Geely’s restructuring plan for Volvo, the target is to achieve global sales of more than one million units per year. Currently, Volvo’s sales are around 400,000 units per year, but Geely plans to more than double this number within five years.

To do so, Geely plans to build a new plant in China with the capability of producing 300,000 units per year. Geely predicts that Volvo could sell up to 200,000 units per year in China.

Last year, it sold 12,600 units. Geely is offering around two billion euro for Volvo but what makes the sale drawn out are the issues over intellectual property rights.

The new Volvo C70 rewards the owner with extra self-assured elegance

The new Volvo C70 launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show in mid-September has the same smart three-piece steel roof, practical seating for four adults and world-leading convertible safety as before. With an updated design and elevated premium feel, the C70 also delivers an “I want” aura of absolute world class.

The Volvo C70 is in actual fact two attractive cars in one. It is as much an elegant coupe as it is a sporty convertible. With the same gentle, clean lines in both versions. Above all, however, the Volvo C70 is a car to enjoy. For people who reward themselves with the best in life.

“The Volvo C70 has classic convertible lines and a strong identity of its own. What we have done is to carefully redesign the front and rear so they harmonise more with both today’s and tomorrow’s Volvo models. We have also increased the exclusiveness of the materials and trim details to enhance the atmosphere of luxury and enjoyment inside the car,” explains Fedde Talsma, Exterior Chief Designer at Volvo Cars.

Modernised, self-assured front

With its new front, the Volvo C70 reveals traces of the S60 Concept Car that was unveiled in early 2009. Thereby the C70 is upgraded to relate more closely to the design language of the larger cars in the Volvo model range

Bodywork details such as the front wings have also been redesigned, contributing to the decidedly altered appearance. The nose is more wedge-shaped and has been given added three-dimensional depth by moving some elements of the front both longitudinally and vertically. The new headlamps and the décor around the foglamps, for instance, have been angled offset up and to the rear, at the same time as the detailing of the lower grille has been enhanced.

From head-on, the front forms an open, inviting “V”. The enlarged iron mark and the new, larger air intake reinforce the self-assured stance. Owners who want to be seen even more can specify a dramatic new red colour, Flamenco Red Pearl.

“The new C70 has a clearer, more pronounced face. The car’s natural elegance has been modernised so it blends seamlessly with the most up-to-date, the most sophisticated backdrops,” says Fedde Talsma.

Exclusive new rear design

The exclusive high-tech LED lamps, of the same type as found on the Volvo XC60, are the most noticeable update at the rear. The entire lamp unit is clearly integrated with the oval that frames the new C70’s rear panel.

As at the front, new lines and details in the bumper and elsewhere have been integrated to emphasise the depth and dynamism of the design language.

Interior that rewards the driver

The interior has been updated in several respects to create a unique ambience in the Volvo C70. The instrument panel has been redesigned, giving it a wider, sleeker look and the surface of the panel has a new texture that enhances the feeling of quality.

The exclusive new instruments, with gauges and graphics specific to the C70, are yet another example of how the car’s premium feel has been emphasised still further.

“We’ve focused the new interior features around the driver to give the owner a stronger perception of being rewarded behind the wheel. The seats are upholstered in a new type of soft hide and there is even better detail finish to make driving a more pleasurable experience than ever before,” continues Fedde Talsma.

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The refreshed Volvo S80 – first class exclusiveness and driving properties

The refreshed Volvo S80 is the result of an intensive dialogue between Volvo Cars’ project group and the discerning customers in the premium sedan segment. “We are ready to give the competition a tough match. With the new S80, we’re placing the bar at the very highest level when it comes to exclusiveness, quality and driving properties,” says Volvo Cars President and CEO Stephen Odell.

The refreshed Volvo S80 is being unveiled for the very first time at the Geneva Motor Show in early March and sales will start in spring 2009.

Building on great success in key markets such as Russia, Volvo Cars’ large sedan model takes centre stage with far greater self-assurance than ever, the result of a more distinctive and elegant design, a more exclusive interior and a sharper chassis and upgraded engine range.

“From the outside, the refreshed S80 looks both larger and more elegant. But we’ve also given it a tougher face. In Germany, they talk about the “böser blick”, that is to say the front of the car should look rather menacing when it fills the rear-view mirror of the car in front,” explains Volvo Cars Design Director Steve Mattin. He adds:

“However, the refreshed S80 should not just be seen, it has to be experienced. The atmosphere inside is both more comfortable and luxurious, with an increased aura of craftsmanship. We’ve also made the interior more driver-oriented, not least with a new steering wheel and upgraded instruments. Our chassis and engine experts have made sure the driving experience is as exclusively attractive as the interior is.”

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An early Christmas present from Volvo Cars – a glimpse of the next-generation Volvo S60

A few days before Christmas, Volvo Cars treats the automotive world to an early unwrapping of a car that will shine bright in the streets for years to come.
The Volvo S60 Concept gives the car world a glimpse of what the all-new Volvo S60 is going to look like when it arrives in 2010.
“The all-new S60 will be one of the strongest players in a segment where the competition is razor-sharp,” says Volvo Cars President and CEO Stephen Odell.

The coupe-inspired lines that gave the original S60 its characteristic stance are even more pronounced in the next generation.
“The sporty design gives visual promise of an enthusiastic drive and I can assure you here and now that the all-new S60 will live up to that promise. The driving properties are better than in any previous Volvo. The car’s technology will also help you to be a better and safer driver,” says Stephen Odell.
The concept car reveals that the Volvo Cars design team is stepping up to the next level in the development of the products’ DNA.

“The concept car’s exterior gives a clear indication of what customers can expect of the all-new S60. On the inside we’ve been even more daring – there the focus has been on creating a vision of the future in the slightly longer perspective,” says Volvo Cars Design Director Steve Mattin.

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Ford is in talks with the Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation, China’s biggest car-maker, in a desperate attempt to sell its prestigious Volvo brand.

A source close to the American motor giant said it recently made a second approach to SAIC, which already owns the rights to the MG car marque.

Earlier talks in the summer faltered over price. Ford, which bought Volvo for £4.4billion in 1999, is said to be hoping the sale will fetch £4 billion.

The disposal would send an important signal to the US Congress that Ford is taking major action to restructure its business in return for a massive cash injection.

“Now that Ford is in dire straits this would be a good opportunity for SAIC to snap up Volvo on the cheap,” said the source.

“The price has dropped considerably since seeking a sale in the summer.”

Ford, Chrysler and General Motors are begging for a government lifeline of £23.1billion amid harsh trading conditions.

The US Congress will meet this week to evaluate the situation, with all three of the car giants’ futures at stake.

Aaron Bragman, a car industry analyst with economic forecaster IHS Global Insight, said that though the companies had agreed to accept a significant measure of government control, including restructuring, any aid would not affect the sale of Volvo, which has 105 dealerships in the UK.

“The sale of Volvo has become part of the conditions of Government assistance,” he said.

A spokesman for Ford, which is being advised on the deal by financial services firm JPMorgan Chase, confirmed that the company was in talks with a Chinese car-maker, but declined to name SAIC.

A source at SAIC declined to comment. It is understood that Ford is also in talks with other potential bidders for Volvo, the last remaining brand in its premium auto group that had included Jaguar, Aston Martin and Land Rover.

The bidders could include Indianbased Tata Motors, China-based Dongfeng Motor Group and South Korea-based Hyundai Motor, as well as private equity firms such as Texas Pacific Group.

Thailand’s Energy Future Will Be Powered By Volvo FlexiFuel E85 In Surprise Announcement, Volvo Reveals First Locally Produced
E85 FlexiFuel Vehicle – Volvo S80 2.5FT
Volvo announces a double first for Thailand set to benefit the Thai economy and environment.
Not only does Volvo formally launch the import of the Volvo C30 1.8F at the upcoming Motor Expo 2008, but astonishes all with the launch of Thailand’s first and only locally produced E85 FlexiFuel vehicle with the reveal of the Volvo S80 2.5FT at Bangkok Racing Circuit today, attended by HE The Ambassador of Sweden, Lennart Linnér, Minister of Energy, Dr. Wannarat Charnnukul, and the CEO’s of PTT, BCP, Mitr Phol, PetroGreen and the Thai Ethanol Manufacturing Association amongst many other VIP guests.
This move is seen as another critically needed and key step in Thailand’s development towards a more secure energy future through the promotion and use of less polluting and more importantly renewable biofuels made from home-grown agricultural produce. Embraced by the people, businesses and the government, renewable local biofuels will save more money for Thai motorists and reduce the Kingdom’s economic burden from the need to buy foreign oil which last year accounted for some 9% of GDP.
This announcement comes in parallel with the efforts of Ministry of Energy, PTT Plc and Bangchak Petroleum to sell E85 gasohol commercially. And to excite Thai consumers even more, these two E85 FlexiFuel Vehicles. Volvo S80 2.5FT and Volvo C30 1.8F will make their public sales debut during “Motor Expo 2008” from November 28, onwards.
Mr. Paul Stokes, President of Volvo Car Thailand, said “For Volvo, environment has been a core value of our brand for decades and so we have always fully supported the efforts of the Royal Thai Government, and particularly the Ministry of Energy in advancing renewable biofuels with an aim of energy security for Thailand from the very beginning. Today, Volvo announces yet another milestone commitment in this journey as we will be the first car company to produce E85-compatible FlexiFuel Vehicles locally here in Thailand, starting with our globally successful and award winning large prestige sedan Volvo S80 2.5FT, and also to formally launch the Volvo C30 1.8F as an imported product.”
Dr.Wannarat Charnnukul, Minister of Energy, said “The government holds as a main policy to promote the use of alternative energy no matter what change happens to the oil price. The higher mixture of ethanol in gasoline would reduce the country’s reliance on crude oil imports and reduce the cost of living. It would also strengthen the country’s long-term energy security and economy. Over the past several months, we have deeply appreciated the friendly cooperation from Volvo in supporting the government’s energy policy. I think Volvo S80 2.5FT E85 will be another compelling choice for Thai motorists.”
Launched in September last year, in diesel and benzene variants, the all-new Volvo S80 is second generation of Volvo’s large prestige sedan sculpted with timeless Scandinavian design and brimming with world-class safety firsts that together form a cohesive network of exterior and interior systems working in a seamless concert which drew universal applause from world’s auto industry as one of the world’s safest cars. The Model Year 2009 is no exception, adding both Volvo’s Blindspot Information System (BLIS); Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Driver Alert technology to the locally made versions alongside the keyless entry/drive Personal Car Communicator (PCC) and much more already in place.
Adding the bioethanol 2.5FT E85 FlexiFuel engine to the line-up, Volvo S80 guarantees its responsible exclusiveness as an intelligent choice in a way that you simply cannot find in other cars.

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Here is the first glimpse of Volvo Cars’ next concept car.
The Volvo S60 Concept will be unveiled at the Detroit Motor Show in early January 2009 – and it gives a clear indication of what the all-new Volvo S60 will look like when it is introduced during 2010.

“We both can and dare to deliver even more exciting and more dynamic designs while retaining our grip on the lead position with regard to safety. The concept car shows part of our future, it’s a hint that the all-new S60 will be one of the strongest contenders in the CD premium segment,” says Stephen Odell, President and CEO at Volvo Cars.

The first picture reveal the coupe-inspired silhouette that gave the original S60 its unique stance. It is now being even further accentuated.
“The concept car’s design gives a visual promise of enthusiastic driving characteristics and I can assure you that the all-new S60 will deliver a sporty drive like no Volvo before,” says Stephen Odell.

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Volvo Cars has teamed up with world-famous Swedish glassworks Orrefors to work on the company’s next concept car, which will be a first taste of the next-generation Volvo S60. The joint creation, a floating centre stack of hand-made Orrefors crystal, will be shown for the first time at the Detroit international motor show in January 2009.

In the concept car, the graceful, crystal-clear centre stack forms a gentle, calm wave from the instrument panel all the way to the rear seat backrest. “It almost looks like a waterfall from the instrument panel, flowing through the centre of the car,” says Volvo Cars design director Steve Mattin.

The crystal panel appears to float above the centre console’s functions and controls. It rests softly on rubber pads and with the help of invisible light sources the crystal’s shimmering glow can be tailored to match the driver’s mood. “If you want to explore the full scope of Scandinavian design, Sweden’s glassworks are a natural source of inspiration. Large glass areas are very much part of modern Swedish architecture, creating the special, light transparency,” says Steve Mattin.

He adds: “In a concept car, you are able to release your imagination and creativity. Our iconic, super-thin centre stack was the perfect subject. We reinterpreted it and gave it a refined new form. Then it was up to Orrefors to use their superb skill to transform our exciting vision into reality.”

Hand crafted down to the smallest detail
The experts at Orrefors were keen to take on the challenge and the result is one of the most unusual and labour-intensive objects in the company’s 110-year history. Producing the stack was a challenge – even for the experienced experts at Orrefors. Traditionally, the moulds for the crystal are first chiselled by hand from thick planks of alder wood. After casting, the glass is carefully polished to produce its final, crystal-clear lustre.

“The undulating, slightly twisted shape and the precise dimensional requirements were two exciting challenges we had to face. Crystal is a living material, shaped by living people. We are not used to working with tolerances of tenths of a millimetre. What is more, we’re talking here about an exceptionally large piece of glass,” explains Orrefors design manager Gunilla Arvidsson.

Crystal-like future plans
In order to meet the relevant strength standards, the finished piece consists of three sections joined together at the Volvo Cars concept car workshops. “The full-size crystal piece in the concept car will not be a production feature. However, it does open up opportunities to use crystal on a smaller scale in the future. We’ll have to see how our customers respond,” says Steve Mattin.

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Volvo Cars, a subsidiary of Ford Motor Co. (F), Wednesday said it will lay off another 3,300 employees, including 2,700 in Sweden, to “meet the rapidly deteriorating market situation in the global car industry.”

In addition, it will terminate contracts with 700 consultants around the world, the Gothenburg, Sweden-based automaker said.

The move is in addition to the layoffs announced in June when it said it will let go 2,000 workers, including 500 consultant. In total, Volvo will lay off 6, 000 people worldwide, including 1,200 consultants.

Volvo Cars has about 24,500 people worldwide, including 17,000 and Sweden. Most of the Swedish employees, 13,000, are in Gothenburg.

“These actions are necessary to create a new and sustainable Volvo Car Corporation – a company with more focused operations and structure,” said Stephen Odell, who took over as chief executive just over a month ago. “The unstable economic environment has resulted in a very unpredictable situation, and the downturn in the global car industry is more drastic than expected.”

A spokeswoman declined to say how much money Volvo aims to save with the layoffs.