Is Volvo 100% Owned by Geely?

Unpacking the Ownership Structure of Volvo Cars

Over the past decade, Volvo Cars, the renowned Swedish luxury automaker, has undergone significant changes in its ownership. While it is commonly believed that the Chinese multinational automotive company Geely fully owns Volvo Cars, the reality is more nuanced, and many people remain curious about the precise nature of this relationship.

Geely's Purchase of Volvo

In 2010, Geely Holding Group acquired Volvo Cars from Ford Motor Company in a landmark deal valued at $1.8 billion. This acquisition marked a key step in Geely’s strategy to expand its global presence and positioned the company as a major player in the international automotive industry. Since then, Geely has played an active role in steering Volvo Cars’ strategic direction and development.

Who Owns It Now?

As of the most recent updates in 2025, Geely Holding Group, through its subsidiary Geely Sweden Holdings AB, remains the largest shareholder with approximately 78.7% of Volvo Cars' shares and voting rights. However, it is inaccurate to claim that Geely owns 100% of the company. Following its public listing on the Nasdaq Stockholm stock exchange in 2021, Volvo Cars became a publicly traded entity, with the remaining shares held by a diverse group of institutional and retail investors worldwide. Geely continues to exercise significant control as the majority shareholder, while Volvo operates as an independent company under this structure.

The Autonomous Operations of Volvo

Despite Geely’s majority ownership, Volvo Cars has maintained a high degree of operational independence. This arrangement has enabled the brand to flourish, with Geely providing substantial resources that have fueled the introduction of numerous new models and achieved record sales. Volvo continues to uphold its core Swedish heritage, prioritizing safety and innovation, while benefiting from Geely’s support in areas such as technology and global expansion.

What Ownership Means for Volvo

This ownership dynamic allows Geely to back Volvo’s ambitious global goals while preserving the brand’s distinctly Swedish identity. Looking ahead, Volvo Cars is committed to a fully electric future, with plans for all new vehicle launches to be electric by 2030 and a gradual expansion of its electric vehicle lineup. Geely’s position as the majority shareholder aligns closely with this bold electrification strategy.

In summary, Geely acquired Volvo Cars in 2010 and has since served as its principal owner, supporting independent operations under Chinese oversight. This partnership has positively influenced Volvo’s growth, particularly in advancing its electric vehicle agenda and overall performance.