Volvo Cars Taps Klaus Zellmer to Lead the Company as CEO

Volvo Cars has appointed Klaus Zellmer, currently CEO of Volkswagen-owned Škoda, as its next President and CEO. Zellmer is expected to take charge by October 1, 2027, succeeding Hakan Samuelsson. Zellmer to Take Over Volvo Cars Leadership Zellmer brings more than 30 years of experience in the automotive industry and currently leads Škoda. His appointment marks a planned leadership transition at Volvo Cars. He will succeed Hakan Samuelsson, who was reappointed as Volvo Cars CEO in 2025. Samuelsson's current contract runs until April 2027. Leadership Change Comes Amid Market Challenges The transition comes as Volvo Cars works to revive sales amid a combination of market pressures, including weaker electric vehicle demand, US tariffs and high development costs. The company is navigating changes in consumer demand and the broader automotive market while continuing to invest in new vehicle programmes and its electrification strategy. Volvo Cars Plans 13 New Models Last week,…

Volvo Cars has appointed Klaus Zellmer, currently CEO of Volkswagen-owned Škoda, as its next President and CEO. Zellmer is expected to take charge by October 1, 2027, succeeding Hakan Samuelsson.

Zellmer to Take Over Volvo Cars Leadership

Zellmer brings more than 30 years of experience in the automotive industry and currently leads Škoda. His appointment marks a planned leadership transition at Volvo Cars.

He will succeed Hakan Samuelsson, who was reappointed as Volvo Cars CEO in 2025. Samuelsson’s current contract runs until April 2027.

Leadership Change Comes Amid Market Challenges

The transition comes as Volvo Cars works to revive sales amid a combination of market pressures, including weaker electric vehicle demand, US tariffs and high development costs.

The company is navigating changes in consumer demand and the broader automotive market while continuing to invest in new vehicle programmes and its electrification strategy.

Volvo Cars Plans 13 New Models

Last week, Volvo Cars outlined plans to launch 13 new models between now and 2030, with the stated aim of doubling its market share.

The company is also adjusting its production footprint in response to tariff pressures. Plans include shifting production of the hybrid XC60 to South Carolina and increasing EX30 production at its plant in Belgium.

Zellmer Brings Automotive Leadership Experience

Commenting on the appointment, Volvo Cars Chairman Li Shufu said Zellmer has a track record of guiding organisations through transformation and changing market conditions.

Shufu also highlighted Zellmer’s experience across both premium and high-volume automotive brands, which he said would be relevant to Volvo Cars.

Transition Ahead of 2027

Zellmer is expected to assume the President and CEO role by October 1, 2027. Until then, Samuelsson will continue in his current position under his existing contract.

The planned transition comes as Volvo Cars works on its model pipeline, production footprint and response to changing conditions in the global automotive market.