Volvo may officially announce Chinese manufacture plans by the end of February

Gasgoo.com (Shanghai February 21) - Official plans for Chinese manufacture of Volvos may be announced at the end of the month, auto.sina.com.cn reported today. At a Volvo news conference held in the past few days, Ning Shuyong, spokesman for parent company Geely, said that the company currently had no comment on the issue. However, reports have circulated in the media that Volvo production will start in Shanghai and Chengdu, with the Shanghai facility beginning operation later.

Sources revealed that employment drives for the Shanghai Volvo factory, located in the city's Jiading district, have been completed for the most part. The Chengdu site is reportedly also nearing completion. According to media speculation, because the Chengdu facility is being built on pre-existing foundations, it will probably lead production.

Ever since Geely's takeover of the Swedish automobile manufacturer last August, there have been competing bids for manufacturing rights coming in from cities all across China, from as far as Daqing, Heilongjiang in the far northeast of the country to Shanghai.

There were also reports of Geely Chairman Li Shufu (above picture, left) visiting Chengdu early last week. The city also reportedly played host to Geely dealer and supplier conferences. City Party Committee Secretary Li Chuncheng and Mayor Ge Honglin will are expected to meet with Li Shufu this Thursday.