Volvo 1970 - 1993 - Ex Volvo Head for 20+ years dies @ 89

Honest John Back Room » Motoring discussion
View Threaded
Sat 7 Dec 2024 09:58
Volvo 1970 - 1993 - Ex Volvo Head for 20+ years dies @ 89 - Falkirk Bairn

Pehr Gyllenhammar, who has died aged 89, was a international business leader as the long-serving head of Volvo and later chairman of the UK insurance group Aviva.

Chief executive from 1971 and chairman from 1983 to 1993 – Volvo’s cars maintained a high reputation as a symbol of Swedish manufacturing quality.

Backed a merger with Renault in 1993 - this failed and resigned.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Mon 9 Dec 2024 19:48
Volvo 1970 - 1993 - Ex Volvo Head for 20+ years dies @ 89 - Xileno

The merger with Renault should have been a success. Volvo were using some of their engines in the models and I think one of the more expense Safranes used a Volvo unit. I think the 850 was one of the best models.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Tue 10 Dec 2024 09:45
Volvo 1970 - 1993 - Ex Volvo Head for 20+ years dies @ 89 - nellyjak

I think the 850 was one of the best models.

agree.....3 of the best cars I ever owned were Volvo..a 260...a 760...and lattterly a V70.

All great cars.

Reply | Report as offensive | Link
Tue 10 Dec 2024 11:44
Volvo 1970 - 1993 - Ex Volvo Head for 20+ years dies @ 89 - SLO76
Presided over the best period in Volvo’s history in my opinion. From the tough as old boots Amazon, brick like 144, 240, 740 and 940 all of which could do huge mileages and run your family around in safety for decades to the later 850 series that was every bit as much a drivers car as a BMW 5 series yet retained Volvo's legendary longevity and safety.

The merger with Renault could’ve worked well as it offered Renault a premium brand and access to larger engines with granting Volvo access to smaller engines and platforms. As long as they retained their individual quality unlike Nissan did with their merger/takeover with Renault.
Reply | Report as offensive | Link