While it may seem strange for a brand manager to be regretful of the reliability of his company's product, Kerr stated that it is "very difficult when you are trying to build a brand image today" when people only "think of the boxy cars we had in the past."
Kerr's statements may have some truth, especially when examining the Russian market, which was never exposed to the older-generation Volvos. Without the image of 'old Volvo' hindering 'new Volvo', the Russian market is booming for the Swedish brand, with sales up 10% and in greater numbers than BMW, Audi and Mercedes, reports Automotive News.
Kerr highlighted the issue of Volvo's environmental performance, acknowledging that the brand must improve its CO2 emissions if it wishes to be successful. "CO2 has been something of a weak spot for us," Kerr said. However, if Volvo can bring in new emissions reducing technology then it may be able to reach its sales goal of 200,000 units in Europe once the current economic crisis subsides.
Ford, which still owns Volvo, no longer sells any vehicles in the premium segment apart from its Lincoln brand now that Jaguar and Land Rover are sold. In response, management hope to reposition Volvo as a global premium carmaker.
Volvo’s strategy is to roll-out several new models and advanced fuel-saving technologies such as stop-start and brake-energy regeneration. There are also plans for the introduction of petrol-electric hybrid models, including a possible plug-in hybrid.
The carmaker is also conducting a review of its products with the outcome likely to be fewer models. There is also the possibility of North American production of some models, however this is a low priority at the moment.
