Volvo’s IPO will keep it ahead in the electric-car race

VOLVOS SPORTIPOIPO subtle reminders of their Swedish heritage, from tiny blue-and-yellow flags adorning some models to the “hammer of Thor” headlights that provide illumination for all its vehicles. A brand coupling Scandi-cool design with concern for safety and the environment has in recent years helped Volvo expand its footprint beyond its European heartland to China and America. It hopes to keep going. An initial public offering (), announced on October 4th will make it both “more Swedish and more global”, says Hakan Samuelsson, Volvo’s boss.At the Swedish end, listing in Stockholm will reinforce Volvo’s Norse identity. Globally, the is a chance to draw on a more diverse pool of investors as it broadens its worldwide reach, while remaining small and nimble enough to navigate the fast-changing automotive business. And Mr Samuelsson stresses that not much would change in its relationship with Geely, the Chinese firm that has owned Volvo since acquiring it from Ford in 2010 for $1.8bn. Geely intends to remain the largest shareholder and the two firms will continue to share costs and technology.