????To ensure a smooth expansion in China, Geely must also secure its intellectual property rights, covering older Volvo technology, some of which may have been developed by Ford and still belong to the Dearborn, Michigan-based company.
????Peter Horbury, who was Volvo's design chief, recently was transferred to Geely's operations to oversee the creation of a third brand for the company in China, one that incorporates older Volvo technology. Replacing Horbury as head of Volvo design is Thomas Ingenlath, a former Volkswagen designer.
????Other Chinese automakers have tested the reception of home-grown models in Detroit and other foreign auto shows. The response has been lukewarm, at best. The Geely venture represents another approach that could allow China to sell its cars worldwide. Geely-Volvo is considering new plants in Chengdu, Sichuan, Daqing and Heilongjiang. Export of Volvos from China may follow.
????Yet China also has grown into the single largest automotive market in the world, with millions of consumers striving to afford personal transportation. Now the country has a Harvard-educated basketball star to help consumers understand why their next automotive purchase should be a Volvo.
