Volvo steals its CEO from Skoda to lead its transformation in the coming years
Volvo has a new president and CEO: Klaus Zellmer, who has been leading Skoda since 2022, one of Volkswagen Group’s key players in the European market. He will replace Håkan Samuelsson, who returned to the Swedish company in March 2025 after his predecessor, Jim Rowan, was dismissed. Zellmer’s appointment coincides with Volvo’s recent rollout of its new strategic plan until 2030.
Zellmer will take office no later than October 1, 2027. “Klaus Zellmer brings extensive experience in the automotive industry, a strong track record of international leadership, and a proven ability to guide organizations through transformation and market changes,” said Eric Li, chairman of Volvo Cars’ board of directors.
"His experience, both in the high-end premium segment and in mass-market brands, fits Volvo Cars perfectly. The Board is confident that under Klaus Zellmer’s leadership, Volvo Cars will solidify its strong foundations and embark on a new phase with the clear ambition to strengthen its position as a leader in the premium automotive sector."
By the end of the decade, Volvo will launch a total of thirteen new models, all of them electrified (hybrids and 100% electric). However, this will be a product offensive that varies significantly by region: seven of the new models will target western markets, while the remaining six will be specific to China.
Volvo will launch 13 new models by 2030
The Western models will be based on the SPA2 and SPA3 platforms. In China, Volvo will share platforms with its parent company Geely and use specialized software. The company also expects significant cost reductions in both China and Europe thanks to synergies with Geely in component supply. By 2030, the part standardization rate is expected to reach around 30%, up from the current 10%, resulting in a 5% savings in material costs.
"I am pleased to join Volvo Cars at such an important moment for the company’s development," says Zellmer. "Few automotive brands have built a reputation as strong and enduring in terms of safety, consistently applying this core value across the entire mobility sector. I admire Volvo Cars’ timeless yet contemporary design language, as well as the clarity of its brand identity."
"The company has a solid foundation and an experienced team, and I am eager to work with my colleagues at Volvo Cars to build on these strengths. After nearly 100 years, Volvo Cars’ ability to reinvent itself time and again is an extraordinary achievement—and at the same time, a constant challenge. I hope to contribute to the company’s ongoing development and help shape its next chapter together."
Source | Volvo