Autoblog Geely http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog Geely http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/favicon-v5.png Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/ Dan Roth, Zach Bowman and Jeff RossThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry. <![CDATA[China still 10 years away from globally competitive car company]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/25/china-still-10-years-away-from-globally-competitive-car-company/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/25/china-still-10-years-away-from-globally-competitive-car-company/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/25/china-still-10-years-away-from-globally-competitive-car-company/#comments Filed under: , ,

Chinese car plant assembly line

It may be a spell before Chinese automakers are capable of turning out a globally competitive vehicle. That's the findings of a sprawling 200 page report by Bernstein Research. The group went through the trouble of purchasing two Chinese-made cars, importing them to Europe and disassembling them down to every last nut and bolt. The study also included in-depth interviews with CEOs at each of the major manufacturers, including Great Wall, Chery, Brilliance and SAIC among others. Researchers found that by and large, global partners aren't holding up their end of joint venture deals, with the vast majority of foreign automakers seemingly not taking the Chinese market seriously.

The one exception to that rule, according to Bernstein, is General Motors and SAIC. GM has pumped a staggering amount of cash into China, and as a result, SAIC seems leagues ahead of its peers on the design and engineering front. Speaking of engineering, the study found most Chinese cars to simply be reverse-engineered examples of foreign models, with the Toyota Corolla being the most popular. That's due in part to the fact that Chinese automakers spend $100 million a year on research and development on average. For comparison's sake, a company like Volkswagen or Toyota spends closer to $1 billion. The Truth About Cars has a closer look at the report's contents. You can find that writeup here.

China still 10 years away from globally competitive car company originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Feb 2013 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> brilliancecherychinachinese automakersgeelygeneral motorsgmgreat wallsaic Mon, 25 Feb 2013 16:29:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20476132/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20476132/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/25/china-still-10-years-away-from-globally-competitive-car-company/20476132/article-detail.xml 20476132 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/chinese-car-plant-assembly-line_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/chinese-car-plant-assembly-line.jpg <![CDATA[London Black Taxi manufacturer sold to China's Geely]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/04/london-black-taxi-manufacturer-sold-to-chinas-geely/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/04/london-black-taxi-manufacturer-sold-to-chinas-geely/ http://www.autoblog.com/2013/02/04/london-black-taxi-manufacturer-sold-to-chinas-geely/#comments Filed under: , , ,

London black cabs

Geely, the Chinese company that also owns Volvo, now owns Manganese Bronze Holdings (MBH), makers of London's Black Cab. MBH went into administration late last year, and some had looked to Geely to rescue the company in which it had a 19.7-percent equity stake. Although it's taken three months to strike a deal, and more than half of the workforce was let go, Geely finally agreed to buy MBH for 11.4 million pounds ($17.9M US).

The purchase confers to Geely "the business and principal assets" of MBH, including the intellectual property and trademarks, equipment, properties, unsold stock, "goodwill" and complete ownership of the China-based joint venture in which Geely was producing the Englong SC7-RV. Happily for fans of the iconic product, the deal keeps production in Coventry and Geely has stated its desire to reestablish and grow the firm.

Reasserting authority in the UK taxi market and getting back in the good books of owners will take money and commitment. Manufacturers like Nissan and Mercedes-Benz have been poaching former owners of LTI products, and what current owners have seen as a lack of service and support has turned apathy into ire. Geely will need to put the time and money into new, competitive and reliable models to make a success of its latest purchase. If those new models can retain the Black Cab's aesthetic place in the London streetscape, all the better for it.

London Black Taxi manufacturer sold to China's Geely originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 04 Feb 2013 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> administrationbankruptcyblack cabgeelylondonlondon taxiLondon Taxis Internationalltimanganesemanganese bronzemanganese bronze holdings Mon, 04 Feb 2013 08:45:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20446955/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20446955/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2013/02/04/london-black-taxi-manufacturer-sold-to-chinas-geely/20446955/article-detail.xml 20446955 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/london-black-cabs_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2013/02/london-black-cabs.jpg <![CDATA[Volvo agrees to transfer tech to new parent Geely]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/11/volvo-agrees-to-transfer-tech-to-new-parent-geely/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/11/volvo-agrees-to-transfer-tech-to-new-parent-geely/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/12/11/volvo-agrees-to-transfer-tech-to-new-parent-geely/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Volvo emblem on grille

Following the acquisition of Volvo by China's Zhejiang Geely Holding Group in 2010, we definitely saw this news coming. The two companies have signed an agreement that will give Chinese automaker Geely access to key technologies developed by Volvo, and in turn, the deal could help the Swedish automaker lower its production costs.

As a part of the "technological cooperation agreements" signed by both companies, Automotive News China reports that Geely will be able to tap Volvo for three much-needed technologies, including the use of a midsize platform, Volvo's proven safety innovations and interior air quality systems. The latter two technologies are important to improve the crashworthiness of Geely's cars, along with helping isolate vehicle occupants from China's often severe air pollution. The report says that Volvo tech will likely be used on a premium car brand that Geely is expected to create.

Volvo, on the other hand, is to benefit from the "local market exploration experience and cost control experience" of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, which is technical way of saying that Volvo will be able reduce its costs by tapping into Geely's established supply chain.

Volvo agrees to transfer tech to new parent Geely originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 11 Dec 2012 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> chinachinese carsgeelyvolvovolvo carsvolvo chinazhejiang geely holding group Tue, 11 Dec 2012 18:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20399933/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20399933/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/12/11/volvo-agrees-to-transfer-tech-to-new-parent-geely/20399933/article-detail.xml 20399933 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/09-review-09-volvo-xc60_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/06/09-review-09-volvo-xc60.jpg <![CDATA[Boardroom battles may be hurting Jacoby's bid to turn Volvo around]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/05/boardroom-battles-may-be-hurting-jacobys-bid-to-turn-volvo-arou/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/05/boardroom-battles-may-be-hurting-jacobys-bid-to-turn-volvo-arou/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/10/05/boardroom-battles-may-be-hurting-jacobys-bid-to-turn-volvo-arou/#comments Filed under: , , , ,



Escalating tensions between Volvo CEO Stefan Jacoby and Volvo Vice Chairman Hans-Olov Olsson may be working against the Swedish brand's stated goals of regaining lost European market share, as well as remaining relevant as a luxury brand on the world stage.

Reports indicate that Jacoby and Olsson have clashed on statements made about Volvo group strategies, as well as butted heads on a "key executive appointment" in recent weeks.

Some of the conflict is by design, oddly enough, as new Chinese owner Geely intentionally brought Olsson back into the fold - the Swede is a former CEO of Volvo himself and has served some four decades with the company, all told - to keep Jacoby sharp. However, the Geely-devised system of "checks and balances" may be off the rails at this point, as the battle has become increasingly intense and is said to have held up some day-to-day decisions.

To make matters worse, Jacoby has been out of the picture for a bit after suffering a small stroke last month and taking medical leave.

Despite these insider reports of troubled times, Geely chairman Li Shufu (who also serves as chairman of Volvo) seems to believe that the arrangement is working as planned. It was Li that tasked Olsson with with closely watching Volvo management, as it tries desperately to turn around its lately flagging fortunes.

On the record, the company has stated that all is well in the house of Volvo. Spokesman Per-Åke Fröberg responded to the agllegations flatly, "There is no conflict between Stefan Jacoby and Hans-Olov Olsson."

Boardroom battles may be hurting Jacoby's bid to turn Volvo around originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 05 Oct 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> geelyhans-olov olssonstefan jacobyvolvo Fri, 05 Oct 2012 10:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20341927/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20341927/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/10/05/boardroom-battles-may-be-hurting-jacobys-bid-to-turn-volvo-arou/20341927/article-detail.xml 20341927 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/stefan-jacoby-hands-up_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/10/stefan-jacoby-hands-up.jpg <![CDATA[Volvo CEO Jacoby suffers mild stroke, takes leave]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/24/volvo-ceo-jacoby-suffers-mild-stroke-takes-leave/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/24/volvo-ceo-jacoby-suffers-mild-stroke-takes-leave/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/24/volvo-ceo-jacoby-suffers-mild-stroke-takes-leave/#comments Filed under: , ,

Stefan Jacoby, Volvo CEO - headshot with Volvo stand in background

Reuters reports that Stefan Jacoby, CEO of Volvo, has suffered a mild stroke. It happened last week, and although Jacoby says he has limited movement in the extremities on his right side, he says he's already begun improving.

Jacoby, 54, is "under medical supervision" and will be on sick leave for a month. It's a busy time for the company captain as a he works out how to convey the full value of Volvo offerings and is apportioning Geely's $11 billion investment, not to mention supervising the launch of the V40 Cross Country and a considering a Mini rival. Company CFO Jan Gurander has taken over in Jacoby's absence. We wish Jacoby a speedy and complete recovery.

Volvo CEO Jacoby suffers mild stroke, takes leave originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Sep 2012 09:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> geelyjan guranderstefan jacobystrokevolvo Mon, 24 Sep 2012 09:14:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20331194/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20331194/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/09/24/volvo-ceo-jacoby-suffers-mild-stroke-takes-leave/20331194/article-detail.xml 20331194 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/stefan-jacoby-volvo-ceo_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/09/stefan-jacoby-volvo-ceo.jpg <![CDATA[Chinese automakers hope to boost exports]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/15/chinese-automakers-hope-to-boost-exports/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/15/chinese-automakers-hope-to-boost-exports/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/05/15/chinese-automakers-hope-to-boost-exports/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Great Wall Phenom

We've heard for years that Chinese automakers hoped one day to export their wares to the United States. Ironically, the global economic slowdown could be what gives the Chinese incentive to finally make it happen.

Chinese automakers ramped up production capacity to meet surging demand at home only to see the local economic conditions slow from 30 percent growth in 2010 to just 2.5 percent in 2011. On top of that, the Chinese auto marketplace has now become crowded with foreign and domestic competitors.

"The rapid growth phase of China's auto market is coming to an end, and we see exports as one possible outlet for all the capacity we have built up," Xing Wenlin, Great Wall Motor vice president in charge of overseas markets, tells Reuters. Great Wall's Phenom concept (pictured above) was shown a few years ago as a possible export model.

While most Chinese-made cars aren't up to American quality expectations, developing automotive markets like Egypt, Ukraine, Brazil and Indonesia are clamoring for cheap, reliable transportation. Chinese automaker Chery said earlier this year it would be selling cars in Europe by 2015.

Geely's purchase of Volvo in 2010 has boosted the Chinese company's automotive technology expertise and could help it achieve its goal of doubling exports to 70,000 units this year. While the U.S. is still out of reach for most Chinese automakers, Geely may begin selling a Chinese-made car in the UK by the end of this year. If successful there, a logical next market would be North America.

Chinese automakers hope to boost exports originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 May 2012 08:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> chinachinese automakersgeelygreat wall Tue, 15 May 2012 08:57:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20236337/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20236337/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/05/15/chinese-automakers-hope-to-boost-exports/20236337/article-detail.xml 20236337 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/greatwallphenom_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/05/greatwallphenom.jpg <![CDATA[Geely announces $11 billion investment in Volvo]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/09/geely-announces-11-billion-investment-in-volvo/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/09/geely-announces-11-billion-investment-in-volvo/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/04/09/geely-announces-11-billion-investment-in-volvo/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Li Shufu and Stefan Jacoby of Volvo Volvo is poised to rapidly inflate its presence in China, and it believes the way forward is through an $11 billion spending plan. "We want to revive Volvo and give the brand its strength back," says Li Shufu, Chairman of Geely Automobile Holdings. Speaking with German magazine Wirtschafts Woche, Shufu disclosed that Geely will put up $11 billion for a new engine factory, increased research and development and technology upgrades. However, Volvo's Per-Ake Froberg tells Reuters that Volvo itself will be providing the funds through borrowing and other means.

No matter where the funding comes from, the investment is meant to aggressively drive the Volvo brand in the Chinese market, where the Swedish brand sold about 50,000 cars last year. Geely wants Volvo to account for 20 percent of the premium car market in just three years(!) with a target of 200,000 vehicles for 2014. It's all part of an ambitious plan to double Volvo sales over the next ten years, and for its stewardship, Geely will get a new premium brand for China that uses Volvo tech and engineering. In addition, the two brands will be combining their purchasing power to get better deals from suppliers and small engine and electric vehicle development will also be shared between Volvo and Geely.

As the last Swedish brand standing, it's heartening to see that Geely has designs on increasing Volvo's sales. Here's hoping the recently voracious appetite for cars in the Chinese market doesn't shortchange American buyers looking for Nordic iron.

Geely announces $11 billion investment in Volvo originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 09 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 11 billiongeelygeely volvo 11 billionli shufustefan jacobyvolvovolvo geelyvolvo sales Mon, 09 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20210884/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20210884/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/04/09/geely-announces-11-billion-investment-in-volvo/20210884/article-detail.xml 20210884 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/li-shufu-stefan-jacoby-volvo_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/04/li-shufu-stefan-jacoby-volvo.jpg <![CDATA[Volvo bidding for (parts of) Saab]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/24/volvo-bidding-for-parts-of-saab/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/24/volvo-bidding-for-parts-of-saab/ http://www.autoblog.com/2012/02/24/volvo-bidding-for-parts-of-saab/#comments Filed under: , , , , , , ,

Saab and Volvo cars positioned together

Volvo is reportedly interesting in getting out its checkbook in search of a production parts bargain over at Saab. No, the 9-5 likely won't be wearing a Volvo badge any time soon, but the tooling that helped build parts for the big sedan could one day be in a Volvo factory.

SaabsUnited quotes an unnamed source who states that Volvo is interested in purchasing tooling from the Saab bankruptcy estate. The source reiterated that Volvo isn't interested in any production at the Trollhättan factory, adding that the purchased parts would likely travel to China for use by Volvo owner Geely.

While we're putting this story in the rumormill for now, purchasing expensive tooling at a fire-sale discount sounds like a potentially brilliant idea for Geely and Volvo. Volvo could soon begin building vehicles in China to expand its presence in the emerging market, and it always helps to get such a project off the ground with some high-quality parts that obviously haven't been used much lately.

Volvo bidding for (parts of) Saab originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 24 Feb 2012 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> geelysaabsaab bankruptcysaab factorysaab partstrollhattenvolvo Fri, 24 Feb 2012 10:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20178588/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20178588/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2012/02/24/volvo-bidding-for-parts-of-saab/20178588/article-detail.xml 20178588 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/saab-and-volvo-cars-together_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2012/02/saab-and-volvo-cars-together.jpg <![CDATA[Volvo designer Horbury headed to China with Geely]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/03/volvo-designer-horbury-headed-to-china-with-geely/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/03/volvo-designer-horbury-headed-to-china-with-geely/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/11/03/volvo-designer-horbury-headed-to-china-with-geely/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Peter Horbury, Volvo designWhen you think of designer Peter Horbury, Volvo follows logically. Soon, we'll all have to expand our thinking to leap from mention of Mr. Horbury to Chinese automaker (and Volvo owner) Geely. The well-regarded designer has been linked with Volvo for decades, and now he's reportedly adding styling responsibilities for Geely to his to-do list. He'll pack his bags in Gothenburg, Sweden where he's been vice president of Volvo design, and touch down in China to offer his talents to the Geely Group as it works to grow its brand and eventually offer its vehicles worldwide.

Bringing a steady-handed designer to lead its styling efforts will help Geely stand apart from its sometimes weirdly penned compatriots. Looking at what the British designer accomplished during his tenure at Volvo, going from iconoclastic boxes to a decidedly curvy design revival in Gothenburg, he's already masterminded what Geely needs to accomplish. The best part is that it's not a loss of design continuity for Volvo, as he'll stay on there, but it's a whole new playground for Mr. Horbury to devise a new design language.

This should be interesting.

Volvo designer Horbury headed to China with Geely originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 03 Nov 2011 10:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> car designergeelyhorburypeter horburypeter horbury chinavolvo Thu, 03 Nov 2011 10:28:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20097337/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/20097337/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/11/03/volvo-designer-horbury-headed-to-china-with-geely/20097337/article-detail.xml 20097337 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/peter-horbury-geely_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/11/peter-horbury-geely.jpg <![CDATA[Geely channels London's iconic taxi with Englong SC7-RV for Shanghai]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/15/geely-channels-londons-iconic-taxi-with-englong-sc7-rv-for-shan/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/15/geely-channels-londons-iconic-taxi-with-englong-sc7-rv-for-shan/ http://www.autoblog.com/2011/04/15/geely-channels-londons-iconic-taxi-with-englong-sc7-rv-for-shan/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

Geely SC7-RV
Geely Englong SC7-RV - Click above to view the image gallery

Chinese automaker Geely is part owner of Manganese Bronze, which makes the famous black taxi cabs for the UK and Chinese markets. But while a pricey cab makes sense for the UK, a high-dollar cab in China isn't always profitable. For that reason, Geely will introduce the Englong SC7-RV next week at the Shanghai Motor Show.

While the instantly recognizable UK taxi does its job well, it utilizes a platform that is totally unique. By contrast, the Englong SC7-RV will reportedly use a platform from Geely's existing fleet. And since the parts are common and the production will likely occur in China, costs are expected to dip considerably. And if you ask us, the SC7-RV actually manages to look kind of cool. Even better for prospective taxi owners in China, this livery special will likely make it to production.


Gallery: Geely Englong SC7-RV

Geely Englong SC7-RV

[Source: China Car Times]

Geely channels London's iconic taxi with Englong SC7-RV for Shanghai originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 15 Apr 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> british taxi cabchina taxienglongenglong SV7-RVgeelyliverylondon taxishanghaishanghai 2011taxitaxis Fri, 15 Apr 2011 17:30:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19914380/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19914380/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2011/04/15/geely-channels-londons-iconic-taxi-with-englong-sc7-rv-for-shan/19914380/article-detail.xml 19914380 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/englon-sc7rv_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2011/04/englon-sc7rv.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Volvo moves away from 'premium' image]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/29/report-volvo-moves-away-from-premium-image/ http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/29/report-volvo-moves-away-from-premium-image/ http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/29/report-volvo-moves-away-from-premium-image/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Volvo CEO Stefan Jacoby

Volvo should no longer be lumped into the premium category, according to the wishes of CEO Stefan Jacoby. It's not that the cars aren't good, but according to Autocar, Jacoby thinks it sends the wrong message. "It sounds like a pricing strategy, and it's got an expensive ring to it," he tells the UK pub. Having recently come to Volvo from a tenure as CEO of Volkswagen's American operation, Jacoby has no illusions about where his new brand sits. This latest statement dovetails with an earlier assertion of his that it's too early for Volvo to consider gunning for the BMW 7 Series or Mercedes S-Class, directly contradicting Li Shufu, chairman of new owner Geely.

Rather than put on airs, Jacoby wants Volvo to emphasize its unique Swedishness to stand apart from the herd. Going after the territory well-covered by the German juggernauts hasn't set Volvo's sales off in search of the 800,000 units per year Jacoby wants to be shifting come 2020, which lends a certain credence to the new strategy.

[Source: Autocar | Image: Damian Dovarganes/AP]

Report: Volvo moves away from 'premium' image originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> stefan jacobystefan jacoby autocarstefan jacoby volvovolvovolvo premium Mon, 29 Nov 2010 14:27:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19735754/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19735754/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/11/29/report-volvo-moves-away-from-premium-image/19735754/article-detail.xml 19735754 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/stefan-jacoby-at-mpg-breakfast-ap_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/stefan-jacoby-at-mpg-breakfast-ap.jpg <![CDATA[Yes or No? Jacoby reportedly says Volvo isn't ready for a 7 Series rival]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/01/yes-or-no-jacoby-reportedly-says-volvo-isnt-ready-for-a-7-seri/ http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/01/yes-or-no-jacoby-reportedly-says-volvo-isnt-ready-for-a-7-seri/ http://www.autoblog.com/2010/11/01/yes-or-no-jacoby-reportedly-says-volvo-isnt-ready-for-a-7-seri/#comments Filed under: ,

Volvo CEO Stefan Jacoby

Just days after Geely purchased Volvo from Ford, the Chinese automaker's chairman, Li Shufu, proclaimed that the Swedish automaker needed a 7 Series fighter. Shufu's idea makes a lot of sense, at least in the large car-loving China market, where Volvo leadership wants to push a lot more metal. But when Shufu stated that Volvo needed to go big, he admitted that he needed to sell the idea to the company's new board. According to Autocar there is at least one very important vote that doesn't like the idea - at least not yet.

New Volvo CEO Stefan Jacoby reportedly called the idea of a Volvo that can go toe to toe with a Mercedes-Benz S-Class "a step too early." The British site claims that Jacoby prefers to hold off on going further upscale until after Volvo reaches its goal of 800,000 sales per year within the next five years.

So who's right here? Shufu undoubtedly knows the China market very well, and he's thinking that the key to China's collective heart comes in the form of a sedan with a lot of rear leg room. Jacoby, on the other hand, is taking a more pragmatic approach; use the company's funds to spur overall growth and then look upmarket once the company reaches its volume goals. Add in the fact that Jacoby already experienced first-hand how tough it can be to bring a new large luxury vehicle to market (Volkswagen Phaeton, anyone?), and we can see why the new Volvo CEO is preferring to play it slow.

[Source: Autocar | Image: Bjorn Larsson Rosvall/AFP/Getty]

Yes or No? Jacoby reportedly says Volvo isn't ready for a 7 Series rival originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 01 Nov 2010 11:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> geelyLi Shufustefan jacobyvolvo Mon, 01 Nov 2010 11:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19696904/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19696904/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/11/01/yes-or-no-jacoby-reportedly-says-volvo-isnt-ready-for-a-7-seri/19696904/article-detail.xml 19696904 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/volvo-stefan-jacoby_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/11/volvo-stefan-jacoby.jpg <![CDATA[Geely-owned Volvo seeks €600 million EIB loan]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/11/geely-owned-volvo-seeks-600-million-eib-loan/ http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/11/geely-owned-volvo-seeks-600-million-eib-loan/ http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/11/geely-owned-volvo-seeks-600-million-eib-loan/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

2011 Volvo S60
2011 Volvo S60 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Volvo received a €200 million loan from the European Investment Bank in March of this year, and sought another €300 million to cement its finances as it navigated the process of being sold by Ford. The rest of the funds were put on hold as Ford concluded the deal with China's Geely, but now that the sale is complete Volvo is ready to take delivery of the additional sum.

Geely-owned Volvo has revised its product timeline compared to when when it first applied for EIB assistance, however. As a result, it now seeks €600 million. At the moment, the process is on hold while Geely discusses loan guarantees with the Swedish government, but perhaps that extra dosh - assuming it's approved - will help pay for Volvo's 7 Series and S-Class competitor.

Gallery: 2011 Volvo S60


[Source: Reuters]

Geely-owned Volvo seeks €600 million EIB loan originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 11 Sep 2010 14:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> eibEuropean Investment BankEuropeanInvestmentBank Sat, 11 Sep 2010 14:12:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19629133/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19629133/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/09/11/geely-owned-volvo-seeks-600-million-eib-loan/19629133/article-detail.xml 19629133 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/geelyvolvoeib-loan_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/09/geelyvolvoeib-loan.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Geely to be dissolved by 2012]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/07/report-geely-to-be-dissolved-by-2012/ http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/07/report-geely-to-be-dissolved-by-2012/ http://www.autoblog.com/2010/09/07/report-geely-to-be-dissolved-by-2012/#comments Filed under: ,

Geely LogoGeely Automotive Holdings, one of the four largest automakers in China, has announced that it will dissolve the Geely brand by 2012. The other brands under the Geely umbrella are Gleagle, Emgrand, Englon and now Volvo. The goal is to let the sub-brands emerge and strengthen sales while the Geely models fade away.

Gleagle, short for Global Eagle, is the automakers global brand, while Emgrand offers luxury options. The Englon division is responsible for the London Taxi-esqu TXN and TX4. The existing Geely Freedom Ship and Yuan Jing are going to be turned into Gleagles while the King Kong and Golden Eagle models will become Englons. If this all sounds terribly confusing to you, don't be alarmed this just means you're normal.

As the Geely brand dissolves, the company will focus on assisting their existing dealerships achieve greater levels of profitability and service. Also, they will begin to increase the number of Emgrand dealerships from 200 up to 250.


Gallery: Beijing 2010: Geely Emgrand GT


Gallery: Geely Englon TXN Taxi


[Source: China Car Times]



Report: Geely to be dissolved by 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 07 Sep 2010 16:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> chinaemgrandfreedom shipgeelygeely automotive holdingsGleaglegolden eagleking kongVolvoyuan jing Tue, 07 Sep 2010 16:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19623862/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19623862/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/09/07/report-geely-to-be-dissolved-by-2012/19623862/article-detail.xml 19623862 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/geely_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/04/geely.jpg <![CDATA[Report: Volvo's new chairman wants 7-Series, S-Class rival]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/04/report-volvos-new-chairman-wants-7-series-s-class-rival/ http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/04/report-volvos-new-chairman-wants-7-series-s-class-rival/ http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/04/report-volvos-new-chairman-wants-7-series-s-class-rival/#comments Filed under: , , , ,

2011 Volvo S60 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Geely isn't wasting any time in shaping up its newest acquisition's product line. The Chinese automaker officially completed its deal to purchase Volvo from Ford earlier this week, and already the Swedish brand's new chairman is making noises about a new large luxury sedan to go toe to toe with the likes of the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Li Shufu, Volvo chairman and co-chair of Geely, said that the brand already competes with luxury German carmakers in most markets, but lacks all of the hardware to do so effectively. To remedy the problem, Li wants to put the rush on a new saloon to take the fight to the Bavarians.

According to the Financial Times, Volvo repeatedly ran into roadblocks when it attempted to develop a large four-door under Ford. Evidently the Blue Oval was concerned about a long-wheelbase Swede nabbing sales from Jaguar - another brand Ford owned at the time. A new Volvo sedan is far from a done deal, though. Li says that the thought of a range-topping sedan is his, and he'll have to convince the company's new board to give it the green light. With an ambitious goal to double Volvo to 600,000 units in five years primarily through growth in large-car loving China, a D-segment player sounds like a good bet - at least for select markets.

Gallery: 2011 Volvo S60


[Source: Financial Times - reg. req.]

Report: Volvo's new chairman wants 7-Series, S-Class rival originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 04 Aug 2010 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> geelyLi ShufuLiShufuVolvovolvo chinaVolvoChina Wed, 04 Aug 2010 13:31:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19580729/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19580729/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/08/04/report-volvos-new-chairman-wants-7-series-s-class-rival/19580729/article-detail.xml 19580729 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/01-s60-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/01-s60-630.jpg <![CDATA[BREAKING: Ford officially sells Volvo to Geely for $1.8b]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/02/ford-officially-sells-volvo-to-geely-for-1-8b/ http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/02/ford-officially-sells-volvo-to-geely-for-1-8b/ http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/02/ford-officially-sells-volvo-to-geely-for-1-8b/#comments Filed under: , , ,

2011 Volvo S60 - Click above for high-res image gallery

After months of protracted negotiations, Ford has officially sold Volvo to Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Company Limited - aka Geely - for $1.8 billion.

The Chinese automaker originally included a $200 million note and the balance in cash, and today, it paid the remaining $1.3 billion to wrap up the sale, although the final sale price won't be released until later this year and could put more cash in the pockets of FoMoCo.

Under the terms of the sale, Ford will continue to supply Volvo with everything from powertrains to stamping systems and other vehicle components for differing periods of time. Additionally, Ford and Geely have come to an agreement on intellectual property usage, with Volvo allowed to grant sub-licenses to specific systems to third parties, including Geely.

Stefan Jacoby - formerly of Volkswagen - will take the helm as the new President and Chief Executive of Volvo Cars, and under the new ownership, the automaker will continue to keep it headquarters and manufacturing centers in Sweden and Belgium.

Full details in the dueling press releases after the jump.


Gallery: 2011 Volvo S60


[Source: Ford, Geely]

Continue reading BREAKING: Ford officially sells Volvo to Geely for $1.8b

BREAKING: Ford officially sells Volvo to Geely for $1.8b originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 02 Aug 2010 07:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> BREAKINGfordford geelyford volvoford volvo geelyFordGeelyFordVolvoFordVolvoGeelygeelyvolvovolvo geelyVolvoGeelyZhejiang Geely Holding Group Company LimitedZhejiangGeelyHoldingGroupCompanyLimited Mon, 02 Aug 2010 07:46:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19577155/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19577155/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/08/02/ford-officially-sells-volvo-to-geely-for-1-8b/19577155/article-detail.xml 19577155 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/17-2011-volvo-s60-630op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/08/17-2011-volvo-s60-630op.jpg <![CDATA[EU reportedly clears Volvo's sale to Geely]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/07/eu-clears-volvos-sale-to-geely/ http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/07/eu-clears-volvos-sale-to-geely/ http://www.autoblog.com/2010/07/07/eu-clears-volvos-sale-to-geely/#comments Filed under: , , , , , ,

2011 Volvo V60 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Volvo and Geely have taken another step toward holy matrimony. The European Union has officially approved the Chinese company's takeover of the Swedish manufacturer. The EU found that the move wouldn't stifle competition within its borders and gave all of the interested parties the green light. Ford originally agreed to sell Geely its former ward in March of this year, and the $1.8 billion dollar purchase is well on its way to becoming reality.

The move is a big one, not just for Volvo and Geely, but the whole of the Chinese auto market. According to Reuters, the buy is the largest overseas automotive acquisition any Chinese company has made to date. We would be surprised if it were the last, though.


Gallery: 2011 Volvo V60


[Source: Reuters]

EU reportedly clears Volvo's sale to Geely originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 07 Jul 2010 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> EUEuropean UnionEuropeanUnionFordGeelyVolvoVolvo GeelyVolvoGeely Wed, 07 Jul 2010 17:59:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19545000/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19545000/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/07/07/eu-clears-volvos-sale-to-geely/19545000/article-detail.xml 19545000 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/04-v60-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/07/04-v60-630.jpg <![CDATA[Volvo reportedly considering poaching Saab boss for CEO post]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/04/volvo-reportedly-considering-poaching-saab-boss-for-ceo-post/ http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/04/volvo-reportedly-considering-poaching-saab-boss-for-ceo-post/ http://www.autoblog.com/2010/06/04/volvo-reportedly-considering-poaching-saab-boss-for-ceo-post/#comments Filed under: , , ,



With Volvo forever separated from Ford, the Swedish automaker needs of a new leader, and a report from Automotive News shows that that search may start and end in the country's own back yard. Swedish Business daily Dagens Industri claims Jan Ake Jonsson, the current CEO of Saab, is on the short list of names who could one-day run Volvo. Volvo's current CEO, Stephen Odell, will reportedly leave the Swedish automaker for a post as head of Ford Europe.

The Swedish paper reports that Jonsson has already been contacted for the position, though the current Saab boss told the news outlet that he promised Spyker CEO Victor Mueller that he'd stay on a while longer. That doesn't sound like a long-term commitment to Saab, but it doesn't say that Jonsson has his bags packed, either. We're sure, though, that new Volvo owner Geely would calm a lot of nervous Swedes by appointing the native Jonsson to the top Volvo spot.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req.]

Volvo reportedly considering poaching Saab boss for CEO post originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 04 Jun 2010 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> geelyJan Ake Jonsson saab volvoJanAkeJonssonSaabVolvosaabspykerswedenvolvo ceoVolvoCeo Fri, 04 Jun 2010 17:32:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19501709/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19501709/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/06/04/volvo-reportedly-considering-poaching-saab-boss-for-ceo-post/19501709/article-detail.xml 19501709 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/jan-ake-jonsson-630op_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/06/jan-ake-jonsson-630op.jpg <![CDATA[Geely to build car cheaper than Tata Nano?]]> http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/23/geely-committe-to-build-car-cheaper-than-tata-nano/ http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/23/geely-committe-to-build-car-cheaper-than-tata-nano/ http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/23/geely-committe-to-build-car-cheaper-than-tata-nano/#comments Filed under: , , ,

Geely IG Fantastic Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Tata Motors has milked the Nano minicar's "most affordable" status for a ton of press, but it might soon hand the title belt over to a new challenger. According to a report at TopNews.in, Geely's reportedly got its own ultra-frugal compact in the works for 2010. Called the IG, it's expected to bring a $2,250 price tag and a 1.0-liter, 70 horsepower motor to the party.

We have no idea what to expect from a new car that's priced like a lawn tractor, but word is that Geely aims to surpass the Nano from a quality standpoint. We already have a good idea of what the IG might look like if/when the Chinese microcar hits crowded city streets in a couple years, since Geely showed off the IG Fantastic concept car at last year's Shanghai Motor Show.

While we're certain the concept's gullwing doors will never see life outside an exhibition hall, we're thinking that a cute little runabout could fare quite nicely with a $2,250 price tag. We'll likely never see the IG here in the States, but the folks in China and India will probably love it.

[Source: TopNews]

Geely to build car cheaper than Tata Nano? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 23 May 2010 11:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> 250geelygeely igGeelyIgig 2Ig2low cost car iglow cost car nanoLowCostCarIgLowCostCarNanotata nanoTataNano Sun, 23 May 2010 11:05:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19487069/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19487069/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/05/23/geely-committe-to-build-car-cheaper-than-tata-nano/19487069/article-detail.xml 19487069 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/04/geely_ig_fant_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/04/geely_ig_fant.jpg <![CDATA[Video: Geely Panda gets to stuntin']]> http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/19/video-geely-panda-gets-to-stuntin/ http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/19/video-geely-panda-gets-to-stuntin/ http://www.autoblog.com/2010/05/19/video-geely-panda-gets-to-stuntin/#comments Filed under: , , , , ,

Geely Panda strutting its stuff - Click above to watch video after the jump

We hate to say this, but until now, we didn't realize it was physically possible to do a stoppie in a subcompact car. We thought launching a vehicle onto its front rollers was generally left to the two-wheeled crowd, but a new video of the Geely Panda has officially proven otherwise. The company has let loose a video of a fleet of the tiny cutesy hatchbacks being flogged in the best way possible. Want to see a Panda do donuts in reverse? No problem. How about cruise along on two wheels? You got it.

We have no idea what the text in between the shots of the cars suffering the kind of abuse that only stunt drivers can inflict and video of the assembly line says, but that's okay. We understand the cute-as-a-button Panda paw print, and, as you all know, hooning is a universal language. Besides, it makes us think of the old Isuzu I-Mark and various Saab stunt team exhibitions, and that can't be all bad. Hop the jump to see the mad skills for yourself. Thanks for the tip, JPHyundai!

[Source: Geely via YouTube]

Continue reading Video: Geely Panda gets to stuntin'

Video: Geely Panda gets to stuntin' originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 May 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]> GeelyGeely PandaGeelyPandaPandaStuntstunt drivingStuntDriving Wed, 19 May 2010 15:00:00 EST http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19483481/article-comments.xml http://www.autoblog.com/feed/19483481/article-comments.html http://www.autoblog.com/feed/2010/05/19/video-geely-panda-gets-to-stuntin/19483481/article-detail.xml 19483481 http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/geely-panda-630_thumbnail.jpg http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2010/05/geely-panda-630.jpg -1 2