The sale of Volvo to Chinese car maker Geely is the first time a Chinese car maker has acquired 100 percent of a foreign rival. Li Shufu, chairman of Geely Holding, said that they would push to expand market shares around the world while keeping to the characteristics that made Volvo popular. Stefan Jacoby, the former head of Volkswagen of America, was named president and chief executive and will join the board of Volvo in August to determine the strategy of the company.

Ford bought Volvo for $6 billion in 1999 as part of a global push in which it also acquired Aston Martin, Jaguar and Land Rover. Of those international luxury brands, Volvo is the last to be sold. Ford will now focuses on its core North American and European businesses. Ford, while emerging relatively healthy from the crisis during which General Motors and Chrysler filed for bankruptcy protection, is still struggling under about $27 billion in debt, and can use the funds from the Volvo sale to pay it off.

The Chinese car maker paid $1.3 billion cash and issued a $200 million note payable to Ford to complete the acquisition. Further payments are expected after an audit and final adjustments in Volvo’s value.

Below are some of the automobile recalls for June 2010

  • Access Options is recalling certain trucks and vans built on Ford E150, E350, Toyota Sienna, and Dodge Grand Caravan chassis and equipped with VMI/Ricon 6-way power seat bases. The seat base may have a defective weld on the pivot pin which could fail and injure the occupant. The manufacturer will replace the swivel plate free of charge if necessary. Owners may contact Access Option at 831-722-6804.
  • BMW is recalling 2008-2011 1-Series vehicles. In a crash that allows the front pre-tensioner and load limiter to deploy, the insulation around the pre-tensioner could ignite. The manufacturer is still working on a remedy for the problem. If owners would like more information, they can contact BMW at 1-800-525-7417.
  • Subaru is recalling certain 2010 Outback and Legacy passenger vehicles manufactured from February 16, 2009 through April 12, 2010. The wiring in the steering column electrical roll connector located behind the vehicle’s steering wheel may develop stress cracks and break resulting in certain electrical components not operating. Possible circuits affected are the driver’s frontal airbag, paddle shifter function, cruise control, horn control and radio functions. Dealers will check lot numbers of the steering roll connector and will replace it with a new one if the lot number showed any affected range of the failure occurrence. This service will be performed free of charge. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
  • Suzuki is recalling some 2006 grand Vitara’s and 2005-2006 XL-7 vehicles for the tension adjuster pulley that operates the power steering pump and air conditioner compressor. Repeated heat stress can cause the outer portion plastic materials to deteriorate and break off. Broken pieces of the pulley can get caught between the pulley and the drive belt, causing the drive belt to come off, making the vehicle difficult to steer. Dealers will replace the power steering pump drive belt tension adjuster pulley free of charge. Owners may contact Suzuki at 1-800-934-0934.
  • Volvo is recalling some 2010-2011 C30, 2010 S40 and V50 vehicles equipped with 6 speed manual transmissions. The gearshift lever stud assembly may not have been torqued to the correct specification which could result in the gearshift lever cable or stud assembly to become loose, making it difficult to engage, disengage or shift gears. Dealers will torque the gearshift lever stud assembly to the correct specification free of charge. Owners may contact Volvo at 1-800-458-1552 or customercare@volvoforlife.com.
  • Volvo Trucks is recalling certain model year 2001-2006 VNL and VNM trucks manufactured with a TRW sealed drag links. Certain factors can exist, which if left untreated may result in a ball socket separation resulting in complete loss of steering. Dealers will inspect and repair the ball socket or the drag link as required. The safety recall is expected to begin on or before August 15, 2010. Owners may contact Volvo Trucks at 1-800-528-6586

Some final documentation, financing and government approvals are the only thing holding back Fords sale of Volvo to major automaker Geely Holding Group, which would make Volvo the first major automaker to become Chinese owned. Ford expects the formal signing of the sales documents will take place in the first quarter of 2010 with the deal being closed in the second quarter.

Ford will continue to work with Volvo Cars “in several areas” after the sale but will have no financial interest in Volvo. The sale would ensure Volvo has the resources and capital necessary to strengthen the business and build its global franchise. Ford will focus on and implement its core ONE Ford strategy meaning they will return to the traditional Ford, Lincoln and Mercury brands.

2009-2010 XC70 – computer problem – Some vehicles may have a computer programing problem which involves the fuel pump which could create a stall. Please contact your Volvo dealership immediately.

2008-2010 S80 – computer problem – Vehicles may have a computer problem regarding the fuel pump that could create a stall. Please contact your Volvo dealership immediately to have this safety problem corrected.

Having many problems with your Volvo and you think you may be driving a lemon? Call the California Lemon Law Firm of Delsack and Associates for a Free CA Lemon Law consultation. They have been helping consumers since 1987. Call and speak with an attorney now at 888-Ex-Lemon.

2008 Volvo XC90 – Some vehicles equipped with V8 engines may have been built with incorrect bolts to the engine mount. This could lead to stalling of the engine without prior warning. Please call your dealership immediately to make an appointment.

Having problems with your Volvo? Do you think you may be driving a lemon? Call the California Lemon Law Firm of Delsack and Associates for a Free CA Lemon Law consultation. 888-Ex-Lemon ( 888-395-3666).

2008 Volvo XC90 – Visibility problem – On certain SUV’s, the climate control module may receive a shut down signal. If this happens your defroster may not work while driving. This could result in personal injury and/or vehicle property damage. Please call your dealership immediately and make an appointment.

Having problems with your Volvo? Do you think you may be driving a lemon? Call the California Lemon Law Firm of Delsack and Associates for a Free CA Lemon Law consultation. 888-Ex-Lemon ( 888-395-3666).