Why Volvo

Volvo cars press release – Today, 28 March, Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co. Ltd and Ford Motor Company have signed a stock purchase agreement regarding the ownership of Volvo Car Corporation. The deal is anticipated to be completed in the third quarter of 2010.

Stated in Zhejiang Geely Holding Group’s press release:
Mr. Li Shufu, Chairman Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co. Ltd, says:
“We are pleased to have reached this agreement with Ford, enabling us to safeguard and strengthen Volvo’s renowned brand heritage. This transaction will ensure Volvo’s Page 1 of 2 continued leadership in the premium segment, where it enjoys a global reputation for safety and environmental-friendly technologies. This famous Swedish premium brand will remain true to its core values of safety, quality, environmental care and modern Scandinavian design.”

“As part of the proposed transaction, Zhejiang Geely Holdings will maintain the strong collaborative relationships that Volvo has built with employees, unions, suppliers, dealers and above all, customers. On completion, Volvo Cars will be a separate company with its own management team based in Gothenburg, Sweden, and a new board of directors.
The board and the management will have a mandate to develop Volvo Cars’ leadership in safety and clean environmental technologies, expanding the company as a world-leading premium brand with a presence in more than 100 markets and ambitious plans in the fast-growing Chinese market.”

Facts about Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co., Ltd.
Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co. Ltd. was founded in 1986 with its headquarters in Hangzhou, China. Zhejiang Geely Holding Group and its associated companies have established operations that span the automotive value chain, from research, development and design to production, sales and servicing. They are a fully-integrated independent auto manufacturer producing cars, engines and transmissions. Today, they are one of China’s fastest growing automotive manufacturers, as well as the industry’s leading privately held group.

Click here to watch the press conference: https://www.media.volvocars.com/global/enhanced/en-gb/Media/Preview.aspx?mediaid=32185

For further information please go to:

Ford Motor Company’s media centre: http://www.media.ford.com/ and to Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co.’s media centre: http://www.geely.com/global/media_centre/press_releases.html

Volvo Polestar STCC Pre-Season test 2010

Arnold Worldwide has partnered with EuroRSCG 4D to develop an integrated campaign to promote the introduction of the new Volvo S60 at the Geneva Auto Show. The theme, “The Naughty Volvo”, aims to build on the brand’s responsible reputation by showing it has a fun and adventurous side, too.

The campaign objective is to spark conversation about the new model among driving enthusiasts by demonstrating the S60′s driving dynamics, design and innovative technology. The campaign launches with a digital experience in March and will expand throughout the year to include TV, social marketing, press ads, experiential activity, outdoor and CRM elements.

The online campaign centers around three Naughty Volvo Films shot at Volvo’s proving grounds in Sweden. The digital experience allows consumers to engage with the films, which feature increasingly mischievous product demonstrations. Users will be able to turn up the films from levels one to three to increase the excitement of the product demonstration. The films can be accessed at www.naughty.volvocars.us.

Level One of the first film showcases The Naughty Volvo going through a product demonstration called Slalom. It shows the S60 undertaking a standard slalom test and finishes with the tagline, “Want it Naughty?” Level Two shows a naughtier looking S60 turning from standard orange to a hot red color completing the same course, but this time driving oh-so-close to delicate objects such as porcelain plates and a goldfish bowl which are precariously placed on top of the slalom cones. The end of Level Two asks the question, “Want it even naughtier?” Level Three shows the new S60 negotiating the same course, only this time driving backwards with expert precision. It ends with, “Not naughty enough? You tell us.”

At this point, users will be invited into a crowd-sourcing program where fans of the car are invited to submit ideas on how to create a Level Four experience, the most adventurous and mischievous of the product demos. The winning ideas will be produced by Arnold and EuroRSCG 4D and released prior to the S60′s on-sale date later this year.