Volvo to open training school in China

Gasgoo.com (Shanghai April 26) - Volvo Cars has officially announced its plans to open a training academy in Chengdu, Sichuan, the Western China Metropolis Daily reported today. The school will help cultivate talent, from salespersons to dealership managers, for the company.

Li Shufu, chairman of Volvo's parent company Geely, said that he has always hoped to open a Volvo training school. Reportedly, during a conference in Volvo's home city of Gothenburg, Sweden, Mr. Li had a private dinner with the heads of the University of Gothenburg and Chalmers University of Technology.

The school will be a joint venture between Volvo and Hainan University's Sannan College. Classes will be done in association with the Xi'an Autotechnology Vocational College.

Chengdu will be host to Volvo's first Chinese factory, which is due to open in 2013. Currently the factory, which is still within the planning states, has more than 60 staff. After going online, it will have an annual production capability of 100,000 vehicles.