Volvo Cars has appointed Skoda boss Klaus Zellmer as its next chief executive to lead the carmaker’s new product and growth strategy in Europe.
Zellmer will inherit a plan to launch seven new electrified cars in European and other Western markets by 2030, while targeting higher sales, margins and cash generation.
He will succeed Håkan Samuelsson and take up the position no later than October 1, 2027. Samuelsson will work with the Volvo Cars board to oversee the transition.
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The seven Western-market models form part of Volvo’s largest product offensive to date, alongside six regionally tailored electrified cars being developed specifically for China.
Volvo has yet to identify all seven European models or confirm their individual launch dates. They will use its existing SPA2 and SPA3 vehicle platforms, reducing the investment required compared with developing the first vehicle on an entirely new architecture.
The manufacturer expects the strategy to help it achieve an EBIT margin above 8% by 2030 while responding to trade tariffs, technology restrictions and differing customer preferences across global markets.
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Zellmer to inherit Volvo growth and margin targets
Samuelsson, who returned as Volvo Cars president and chief executive in April 2025, outlined the product and profitability strategy earlier this month.
He said: “The challenges for the car industry are immense, but our strategy gives a clear answer to how we adapt to these and our ambition is to be the leading premium car brand.
“With a regionally optimised product portfolio, unique synergies, electrification and new levels of efficiency, we will build a company capable of reaching beyond 8% EBIT margins.”
An 8% EBIT margin would move Volvo closer to the profitability traditionally associated with stronger premium manufacturers. However, weakening demand, tariffs, rising costs and intense competition from Chinese brands continue to put pressure on margins across the sector.
Zellmer is currently chairman of the board of management and CEO of Skoda Auto.
Under his leadership, Skoda delivered record results in 2025, followed by further growth and record electric vehicle deliveries during the first half of 2026.
He was previously a member of the board of management at Volkswagen Passenger Cars, where he was responsible for marketing, sales and aftersales.
Zellmer also spent more than 20 years at Porsche, holding senior positions including CEO of Porsche Deutschland and CEO of Porsche North America.
Eric Li, chairman of Volvo Cars, said: “Klaus Zellmer combines deep automotive expertise with broad international leadership experience and a strong record of guiding organisations through transformation and changing market conditions.
“His experience from both the high-end premium segment and high-volume brands, is an excellent fit for Volvo Cars.
“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.”
Zellmer said: “The company has a solid foundation and an experienced team, and I look forward to working with colleagues across Volvo Cars to build on these strengths.
“After almost 100 years, Volvo Cars’ ability to reinvent itself time and again is both a remarkable achievement and an ongoing challenge.
“I look forward to contributing to the company’s continued development and to shaping its next chapter together.”
Samuelsson has led Volvo Cars across two tenures, from 2012 to 2022 and again since April 2025. He returned to develop the company’s strategic roadmap, provide stability and prepare for the appointment of a long-term successor.