The purpose of the company is to grow the merchandise business initially based on the Volvo brand. In order to do this and support the BA/BUs to a whole new level it has been clear it is necessary to restructure this business with professionals within the Group.
The company was established January 1, 2008 and has three major objectives. One is to supply Volvo stakeholders with adequate merchandise for their various needs. Another is to protect and build the Volvo brand in accordance with rules from Volvo Trademark Holding, merchandise guidelines, the merchandise council and Volvo’s branding philosophy. The third is to enable a profitable soft offer.
The ambition is to build an organisation with ability to support BA/BU in their merchandise sales ambitions. External partners will be contracted in order to ensure the set up as cost efficient as possible but at the same time keeping full control of Branding issues.
The company will be 100% owned and managed by Volvo Technology Transfer (VTT), emphasising the entrepreneurial view of building a company from day one. VTT also has the experience how to run small businesses within the Group.
Josefine Figer, with ten years of experience within the Merchandise industry, has been recruited to head Volvo Merchandise Company (VMC) which will be based in Gothenburg. She will report to VMC board and also be member of Volvo Merchandise Council.
Please join me in congratulating Josefine Figer to her new appointment and give her your best support to develop this brand supporting company.
Per Löjdquist, Senior Vice President Volvo Group, Corporate Communications and Brand Management