Chinese Volvo

[don kalmar union]

An interesting article in the New York Times on Swedish fears for the future of Volvo cars and indeed many other chinese involvements in their economy....

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/06/14/w...9wFYZtb-XSTEiM

[Rustyfrog]

I wonder what would have happened if Geely didn't put money into Volvo. Would anyone else have stepped in?

It was pity that the Chinese/Geely didn't get involved with SAAB to prevent it dying.
I always regretted in a small way, never owing one.

[Wagon Sailor]

Originally Posted by Rustyfrog

It was pity that the Chinese/Geely didn't get involved with SAAB to prevent it dying.
I always regretted in a small way, never owing one.

You still can -there are plenty out there.

[Auto Addict]

Originally Posted by Rustyfrog

I wonder what would have happened if Geely didn't put money into Volvo. Would anyone else have stepped in?

It was pity that the Chinese/Geely didn't get involved with SAAB to prevent it dying.
I always regretted in a small way, never owing one.

They didn't get involved because a company called NEVS (National Electric Vehicle Sweden AB) a Swedish electric car manufacturer acquired the assets of SAAB from a bankruptcy estate in 2012 but ... they are backed by (surprise, surprise) another Chinese investment Co. called "Evergrande Group" who have 68% of the shares in NEVS with the other 32% held by a Chinese Energy company called "National Energy Holdings" both of which are almost certainly directly liked to the almighty CCP

As for having regrets of not owning a SAAB.... I would highly recommend you go and find yourself a nice example, while there are still good ones available. I've owned 8 SAABs so far, mainly 9-5 AEROs and loved them all Although SAABs are a little different to VOLVOs they are equally great cars (engineered to last) with superb ergonomic interiors, comfy seats and a particularly great 2.3 litre H.O.T. (B235R) petrol (non GM) engine mainly found in the 9-5 AERO cars. Pix below of my last 9-5 AERO I had.

[Rustyfrog]

Originally Posted by Wagon Sailor

You still can -there are plenty out there.

A couple of reasons why I didn't buy a SAAB. I just don't have the space for another car. My OH wont let me sell her car to make room for one.
Also I am not very mechanically minded. So with that in mind, I am wary of running costs.
However it dosen't stop me admiring one every time I get near one.

[griston64]

I like this bit A Swedish saying defines success in life through the “three V’s,” Volvo, villa, vovve — a Volvo, a house, and a pet dog.

[DaveNP]

I'm not fully versed in all of the ins and outs of Volvo/Geely but I can't help wonder if this isn't another of those 'be careful what you wish for' scenarios. Volvo were in trouble but the European attitude seems to be 'we can't have state involvement in industry' so they were left to fend for themselves, along came Geely, ostensibly a Chinese manufacturing/finance company, whoopee Volvo is saved. Time passes and the Chinese masters want to milk their asset so now we're weeping over loss of independence, control by a foreign power that has no qualms about playing fast and loose with intellectual property, and the loss of a Swedish icon etc.

[xsaab]

The company that makes the London taxi cab is also owned by Geely and uses Volvo components plus sharing various technologies (so rumour has it)

[Adrian888]

It is fact, not rumour.

[The Thong]

Originally Posted by DaveNP

I'm not fully versed in all of the ins and outs of Volvo/Geely but I can't help wonder if this isn't another of those 'be careful what you wish for' scenarios. Volvo were in trouble but the European attitude seems to be 'we can't have state involvement in industry' so they were left to fend for themselves, along came Geely, ostensibly a Chinese manufacturing/finance company, whoopee Volvo is saved. Time passes and the Chinese masters want to milk their asset so now we're weeping over loss of independence, control by a foreign power that has no qualms about playing fast and loose with intellectual property, and the loss of a Swedish icon etc.

Beware of strangers bearing gifts eh?

TT