Skoda’s Klaus Zellmer named new president and CEO of Volvo Cars

The board of Swedish carmaker Volvo Cars has appointed Skoda Auto Chairman and CEO Klaus Zellmer as its new president and CEO, effective October 1, 2027. Zellmer will replace Håkan Samuelsson, who was reappointed in 2025 after his replacement, Jim Rowan, was sacked. Volvo is presently owned by the Chinese automotive conglomerate Zhejiang Geely Holding Group. 

1. Klaus Zellmer brings over three decades of auto industry experience. 
2. Volvo to launch 13 new cars globally by 2030.

Zellmer brings over 30 years of experience in the automotive industry. Most recently, he served as the chairman of the Board of Management and CEO of Skoda Auto. Prior to that, he worked with Volkswagen and Porsche. “Few automotive brands have built such a strong and lasting reputation for safety, consistently applying this core value across the mobility sector,” said Zellmer to our sister publication, Autocar UK.

Eric Li, the president of Volvo’s Chinese parent firm Geely, said Zellmer’s “experience from both the high-end premium segment and high-volume brands, is an excellent fit” for Volvo. “The Board is confident that, under Klaus Zellmer’s leadership, Volvo Cars will build on its strong foundations and enter its next chapter with a clear ambition to strengthen its position as a leading premium car company,” he added.  

In India, Skoda leads the operations of Volkswagen Group’s business, and the group is exploring a partnership with Indian conglomerate JSW Group. The alliance will explore opportunities to expand Skoda Auto Volkswagen India’s portfolio, deepen local sourcing and strengthen manufacturing. Both companies announced an MoU when Zellmer and Volkswagen brand CEO Thomas Schäfer were in India last week.

What is Volvo up to currently?

Volvo EX90

Volvo Cars announced plans to launch 13 new cars globally by the end of 2030. Of these models, 7 are for Western markets, and the remaining 6 are for the Chinese market. For the latter market, models will be developed in collaboration with Geely. New sedans and estates will be part of the brand’s European lineup. For the Indian market, Volvo is bringing its flagship electric models, including the EX90 SUV and the ES90 sedan.