4X4 News: Ford's Glee Over Selling Volvo To Geely

When Ford bought Volvo back in 1999, the companya profit since 2005", however, Geely Chairman Li
paid a reported $6.5 billion, but Ford have announcedShufu has reportedly said "we are pleased to have
that it has entered into a "definitive agreement" withreached this agreement with Ford, enabling us to
Geely, Chinese car manufacturer for $1.8 billion (£1.2safeguard and strengthen Volvo's renowned brand
billion). A spokesperson for Ford has said "we at Fordheritage".
believe that Volvo's solid foundation, plus theThe BBC News website has reported that "more than
commitment of Geely, will ensure that Volvo can13 million cars were sold in China last year – a rise
continue to build its business and continue, toof nearly 50% on the previous year, which has lead
profitability".Geely spokesperson to say "they expect annual sales
The slump of the recession has had an effect onin China to total 400,000 this year" – which could
every industry in one way or another and the carhelp to boost Volvo and maybe even make a profit
industry is just one of many that have experienced afor the first time in 5 years.
negative impact. According to the BBC News website,have reported that the sale of Volvo represents the
"Ford hopes that the sale of Volvo will help it pay off"final step in Ford's dismantlement of its Premier
its debts and focus on its core brands, following a direAutomotive Group", which previously included Aston
period for the global car industry".Martin, Jaguar and Land Rover. The story of Volvo
Volvo has seen success throughout the years,under Ford's ownership may not have given them a
including its 4x4 models, such as the XC70 and XC90,fairytale ending, but with Geely now in charge they are
which have achieved a 5/5 for safety and a 4/5 forplanning on re-writing the future of Volvo which could
reliability in a review by What Car? Not a badlead to a happy ever after for the Swedish marquee
evaluation if you ask me- but is it enough? reports thatafter all.
"Ford can finally rid itself of Volvo, which hasn't turned