Driving Fans is hearing of some discordant rumblings involving Volvo’s Europe-based management and the head of China-based Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co. that owns Volvo. Apparently Geely’s brass wants to focus on higher-end luxury sedans with more potent engines to better compete with Mercedes-Benz and BMW. These brands rank very high on the status rung with China’s elite. Geely also wants to introduce vehicles with more styling pizzazz than Volvo’s current conservatively shaped sedans and wagons. The recent unveiling of the stunning Concept Coupe at the Frankfurt (Germany) Motor Show indicates how Volvo’s future products might look. Volvo’s day-to-day managers support that design shift, but are wary of spending development dollars on an expensive luxury model primarily for a single market. They’re likely correct, but as with most businesses, the owners usually get their way.
