Hakan Samuelsson leaves Volvo after almost ten years Car News

Håkan Samuelsson resigned as Volvo boss after the better part of a decade, to be replaced by former Dyson chief Jim Rowan.

This ends one of the most transformative eras of the brand’s 95 years. Under Samuelsson’s leadership, Volvo has refocused its product line, developed a new architecture, set sales records and embarked on a future based on electrification, while continuing to make safety a priority – having started limiting the top speed of all its models to 112 mph in an effort to reduce the number of road accident fatalities to zero.

Samuelsson remains one of the most outspoken CEOs we’ve seen in years, ready to talk about most topics and always with direct answers.

He will also be missed for his ability to not only spot coming changes in the way cars are created and sold, but to act on them before his rivals.

Here are some highlights of his tenure:

2014 After a strong 2013, Volvo launched its revitalized lineup with the all-new XC90, its first car developed under Geely ownership.

2015 Volvo’s worldwide sales passed the 500,000 unit mark for the first time.

2016 In another bumper year for sales, Volvo began building a factory in the United States for cars based on its new SPA platform and partnered with Uber to develop self-driving cars.

2017 Volvo has pledged to electrify its range in just two years and launched Polestar as a sister brand.

2018 The Volvo XC40 won Car of the Year and boosted sales, while the 360c concept hinted at self-driving goals.

2019 Volvo delivered on its promise of electrification and unveiled its first electric vehicle.

2020 Samuelsson won our Issigonis Trophy for reinventing Volvo’s image, doubling capacity and rapid electrification.

2021 Sales reached nearly 700,000, despite the chip crisis.