Chinese carmaker Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co. (simply known as Geely) completed the purchase of Volvo Cars from Ford Motor Co. on Monday. According to Ford, Geely paid $1.3 billion in cash today and issued a $200 million note for the acquisition of the Swedish carmaker. The exact amount of the final sale price will be announced later this year when the final adjustments on Volvo's value are made, and could result in additional proceeds to Ford.
"Volvo is an excellent brand with a strong product line, and it has returned to profits after a successful restructuring. We are confident Volvo has a solid future under Geely's ownership," said Alan Mulally, Ford's president and CEO.
"At the same time, the sale of Volvo will allow us to sharpen our focus on the Ford brand around the world and continue to deliver on our One Ford plan serving our customers with the very best cars and trucks in the world."Under the agreement, Ford will continue to cooperate with Volvo in several areas supplying powertrains, stampings and other vehicle components. It will also provide engineering support, information technology, access to tooling for common components, and other selected services for a transition period.
The Detroit automaker added that it has also come to an agreement with Geely on the use of intellectual property.
As previously announced, Stephen Odell, CEO of Volvo Car Corporation, will return to Ford as group vice president and Chairman and CEO of Ford Europe. Stuart Rowley, CFO of Volvo Cars, will also head back toFord as chief financial officer, Ford Europe.
"Volvo is a proud company with a talented and dedicated team of employees," said Odell. "I am especially pleased that with Ford's continued investment in recent years, Volvo is well positioned for the future with an exciting range of products that remain true to its core values – safety, quality, environmental responsibility and modern Scandinavian design."
Geely has announced that Volkswagen's former U.S. Chief Stefan Jacoby will replace Odell and become CEO of Volvo Car starting from this month.
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