Ford Motor Co. declared on Monday that “it will re-evaluate strategic options for Volvo Car Corp., including the possible sale”. They also said tha the decision to renew its options for Volvo is due to the “significant decline” in the auto industry, especially in the last three months.
“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 Alan Mulally, chief executive officer.
The review will take “several months”, according to Ford. Meanwhile, plans to allow Volvo to operate on a more stand-alone basis will continue to be put in place.
I for one would be much more likely to buy a Volvo if it didn’t have any shared Ford-parts or engineering. I give this maneuver, if true, a big “thumbs up”