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Volvo: don't sully our brand with Gordon Brown's image

Car maker says Volvos are dynamic, and other similar words to that effect

By Jason Stamper Published 10 June 2011 18:37

The revelations in the Daily Telegraph today that there was a plot code-named 'Project Volvo' that sought to unseat former Prime Minister Tony Blair in favour of Gordon Brown, have been taken in good humour by Volvo.

Peter Rask, regional president of Volvo Car UK, Ireland and Iceland, said: "If only the Labour party had been like today's Volvos - dynamic, agile and innovative - perhaps the UK economy would have been in a better place than it finds itself today!"

The car manufacturer added: "Clearly before labelling the plot, Labour politicians of the time hadn't acquainted themselves with the Volvo brand in the last decade with cars like the new S60 and V60 bringing a new dimension to the brand in terms of design and driver appeal."

Best not to mention, then, Jeremy Clarkson's Sunday Times review of the Volvo S60. While it was mostly positive and did include the line that its handling is like, "pouring cream on Uma Thurman's thigh," Clarkson also opined that it is "not especially nice to drive" and, "can do the business in the same way that a teenage boy can tidy his room and make breakfast."

The code-name for the alleged plot to oust Tony Blair was apparently based on Gordon Brown's supposed character traits of being "dependable, robust but ultimately dour". Not at all like a modern Volvo, in other words.

Jason Stamper is NS technology correspondent and editor of Computer Business Review.

More from Jason Stamper

8 comments

Sat, 2011-06-11 12:03 — C Baker

For the sake of peoples' jobs, i hope the brand survives this association.

Sat, 2011-06-11 14:38 — Stuart Eels (not verified)

This is all rather unfair, I bet the maker of the Tranbant are really upset by Volvo pinching their brand leader.

Fri, 2011-06-10 19:39 — Dave C (not verified)

Wasn't Volvo rescued by the Chinese?

Fri, 2011-06-10 19:50 — Arturo Bandini (not verified)

How on Earth can someone with responsibility for Ireland, Iceland and the UK not recognise that these nations were not all run by New Labour and their respective economic difficulties are not attributable to the Labour Party but international finance?

Glib cockmuncher.

Fri, 2011-06-10 18:42 — DudeMamood (not verified)

Ha ha I don't know who to feel more sorry for - Brown or Volvo?

Fri, 2011-06-10 20:54 — hugh markey (not verified)

Tony was undoubtedly a bit of a boy racer. He also had a problem driving on the left hence his tendency to open her up. Like a lot of ambitious teen rockers, Tony's aspirations, dreams or what-have-you morphed into the real deal. Remember Davy of the Monkees sharing a ring with Sony Liston. Affirmative -Davy got a broken nose for his trouble. Apparently Davy was under the impression rock stars could 'rock and roll' anywhere.
In-so-far as the Swedish model [ automobile ] is concerned, Gordon supplied all the safety facilities: brakes and airbags. Tony insisted on crossing the centre-line and just couldn't get back on the left. Consequently, Gordon kept him on the straight and narrow. Gordon was the perfect driving instructor.
What's all this rubbish about the Volvo being a clapped out model. It worked didn't it! And after the biggest median barrage in history, Cameron had to share the champagne with Nick. Reminds us of a Rolls and a Mini!
L Plates

Fri, 2011-06-10 22:05 — Scotty

There is a similarlity, volvo's are also involved in smash ups, like the Great Balloon's economic achievements.

Sat, 2011-06-11 00:56 — Lox (not verified)

Hi Arturo, still clinging to the myth that the depth of the economic crisis in the UK wasn't in large part due to GB? It was, you know. Your unwillingness to accept that says a lot for your loyalty. Not sure what it says about your critical faculties, though....