Perhaps it it an act of charity to the people of Sweden, or perhaps the people at Ford just really need 6 billion dollars.  In either case the Ford motor company is attempting to unload the “unprofitable” Swedish car manufacturer Volvo from it’s roster.  According to CNNmoney.com:

“The move comes three days after the second largest U.S-based auto maker said it would consider selling the money-losing Swedish car company. Ford has said the review could take several months and Volvo will continue implementing a restructuring that involves cutting about a quarter of its work force. Ford bought Volvo for $6.5 billion in 1999.”

Ford really needs some new management in my humble opinion.  After buying Jaguar, Ford eventually sold the company for a massive loss to India’s Tata motors.  Now comes the Volvo debacle which will likely come as a hit to Ford’s bottom line.  Likely buyers would be well advised to take advantage of a perfect storm situation and buy Volvo for a steal.  Since Ford is on the brink of collapse and looking for a government bailout check, you know that they must be struggling for some liquid assets.

This is all likely part of Ford’s effort to retool and make themselves look better for investors and American tax dollars.  By dumping Volvo Ford is likely looking to increase the profitability of the brand in the long run.  I do find it ironic that Ford is so willing to dump its two brands associated with quality.

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