Why Volvo is hammering home safety after EV ambitions dashed
Briefly

"You have your first child, you come home from the hospital, and you start thinking about safety in a much more visceral way," Volvo CEO Jim Rowan told an audience during a Q&A at Volvo's CMD. He emphasized that safety isn't just a feature—it forms the emotional core of Volvo's brand identity, especially in moments that matter most, like bringing home a newborn. This focus on visceral safety connects deeply with families who are discerning about their vehicle choices.
"Safety is our superpower." This tagline encapsulates Volvo's identity as it seeks to reassure investors amid a turbulent market. The company is prioritizing its reputation for safety—a previously established advantage—that resonates particularly with parents and families who value protection over other automotive features. In a market hungry for innovation, Volvo believes that maintaining its safety-first philosophy will ultimately draw in consumers looking for reliability and peace of mind.
While Polestar's USP lies in its slogan 'Pure progressive performance,' Volvo's lies in 'safety, sustainability, human-centric design, and family-oriented customers,' Rowan told Fortune. This clear differentiation sets Volvo apart from its sibling brand Polestar, which is competing in the crowded EV market. Volvo's commitment to safety and family-friendly ethos positions it as a uniquely trustworthy choice in an era where technological advancements often feel complex and risky.
Several factors, including falling consumer sentiment, the pullback of Government subsidies, and rising global tariffs, have helped push the carmaker's stock down to a record low since it first floated public. This context highlights the challenges facing Volvo Cars as it navigates a transitioning automotive landscape, marked by economic uncertainties and shifting consumer preferences. The need for a clear strategy rooted in its historic safety credentials is more crucial than ever.
Read at Fortune Europe
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