Volvo Cars Startup Programs & Corporate Open Innovation Analysis Transportation · Automotive

The first mass-produced Volvo car rolled off the production line in Gothenburg in 1927. Since then, they have delivered a steady stream of cars equipped with world-leading innovations. Today, they are one of the most well-known and respected car brands in the world with sales in about 100 countries. Volvo Car Group (Volvo Cars) is owned by Zhejiang Geely Holding (Geely Holding) of China. Volvo Cars formed part of the Swedish Volvo Group until 1999 when Ford Motor Company bought the company. In 2010, Geely Holding acquired Volvo Cars. They produce premium cars with the following body types: Sedans, Estates/Sportswagons, Cross Country vehicles, SUVs, and Convertibles. Their cars are characterized by intuitive, human-focused, functional Scandinavian design and good craftsmanship. Relative to the strength of the brand, Volvo Cars is a small producer with global sales reaching 421,951 cars in 2012. Their largest markets are the United States, Sweden, China, Germany, and the UK. Their corporate and brand strategy is ”Designed Around You” and puts people at the heart of everything they do. As a responsible company, they want to contribute to a more sustainable society. To ensure that they are in harmony with customers and society, they do their part by spearheading the development of sustainable mobility - from plug-in hybrids and all-electric cars to active cooperation in a partnership project on road trains. They are proud to continuously deliver world-first solutions; innovations that put people first, by saving and simplifying their lives. Volvo Cars were owned by AB Volvo until 1999 when it was acquired by the Ford Motor Company as part of its Premier Automotive Group. Geely Holding Group then acquired Volvo Cars from Ford in 2010.