Volvo needs to have an exceptional family car that can compete head on with the Camry and Accord on the higher end of the market ($25k+). If they offer a better warranty, better driving ergonomics, a more distinctive look, and a feature or two that the competitors don’t have, Ford would have the makings of an excellent foundation for the Volvo brand.

I still think it can work… but I have extreme doubt that it will ever happen.

And Dumbler. They announced in a backhanded way that Chrylser might be for sale (I still think that Dieter wasn’t thinking at that moment). Then they ‘talked down’ the company in the media. Next thing you know all the other auto groups were tripping over themselves to say they were not interested. It would be like me trying to sell my house and saying in the sales ad how much I disliked the property. Who would want to look at it if I did that?

But, can they make it?

What it looks like to me is that Ford has decided that Volvo brings in a certain cost-savings, design value, and brand value that is worth X dollars annually. The present value of that cash stream is what they are looking for someone to drop at their doorstep.

Until that moment comes, they won’t say word one about selling Volvo, which is smart. That would diminish the brand value and hurt their current customer base. Only GM is stupid enough to do that (Hummer, Saab, Saturn, Buick, etc).

As long as able to support the Mother ship anything are welcome.
Fire sale is not a fun thing, in a few yrs down the road, Ford will regret having let go a good product. But Volvo has not been running near the red line nor firing consistently.

Saab is even in a more sad affair. Those Swedes must starting to really hate us.