2013 Audi A3

Ford considering Volvo sale, joins GM to ask Sweden for aid

 
2 2,049 views Dec 1, 2008

Brand sales are difficult in the U.S. and Europe, where there has been little interest thus far

Brand sales are difficult in the U.S. and Europe, where there has been little interest thus far

Enlarge Photo
General Motors has disavowed selling any of its brands but Hummer, but tough financial and market situations are bringing serious pressure to bear. Just this morning, Ford has announced it is opening up consideration of 'strategic options' for its Volvo brand, reversing repeated denials that the brand would be sold. According to the latest reports, both companies have approached the government of Sweden for aid for Saab and Volvo.

At first blush, the request for Swedish aid echoes the moves of Ford and GM in Washington, D.C., but upon closer inspection, more may be at work in the desire to top up the cash reserves at Volvo and Saab. According to the Financial Times, the request for aid is being made in preparation for sale, sweetening their books to attract buyers - a position made stronger by Ford's announcement today.

“Given the unprecedented external challenges facing Ford and the entire industry, it is prudent for Ford to evaluate options for Volvo as we implement our ONE Ford plan,” said Ford President and CEO Alan Mulally. Specifically, the sale of Volvo is being considered as Stephen Odell, Volvo's CEO, works to build a stronger balance sheet and a more 'stand-alone' position for Volvo within the Premier Automotive Group (PAG).

The Swedish aid contacts were reportedly made through Volvo CEO Odell, and Jan-Ake Jonsson, managing director of Saab, to Sweden's industry minister, Maud Olofsson, and other officials. The requests are not falling on deaf ears - Sweden is considering allocating about $247 million to the two carmakers, either through direct aid or loan guarantees, with more possibilities in sight.

On the sale of Volvo, Ford says it will probably take several months to complete the review of options available, so the first decisions shouldn't be expected before late Q1 2009.



Tags:
Posted in:
 
Contribute
Send us a tip Comment Contact the editor
Follow Us

 

Have an opinion?Join the conversation!

  • Posting indicates you have read this site's Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
  • Notify me when there are more comments
Comments (2)

  1. ma_Chris avatar Chris Posted: 12/1/2008 9:24am PST

    i dont want ford to lose volvo but if volvo and saab both get dropped.. imagine those two brands partnering on their own............
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  2. ma_NoNameDenton avatar NoNameDenton Posted: 12/1/2008 2:06pm PST

    Could be worse, some people want the Sweidsh government to nationalize the brands
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

 

Have an opinion?Join the conversation!

Connect with Facebook

Motor Authority. Now with your friends.

Discover stories your friends read.
Share stories more easily.
You control what you share.
Learn more

Research New Cars

Go!


More from High Gear Media

 
 
MotorAuthority
  • Follow Us
  • Twiiter
  • Facebook
 
 
© 2011 MotorAuthority. All Rights Reserved. MotorAuthority is published by High Gear Media. Stock photography by Homestar, LLC. Send us feedback.