Last week saw Scandinavian automotive supplier body FKG’s Annual Forum in Gothenburg, bringing together more than 400 component producers, politicians and union leaders. Just-auto was there and here is a quote snapshot of what is always a fascinating and lively conference organised by the tireless FKG.
“It is not every day we can talk about 1,300 new jobs” – Volvo CEO Hakan Samuelsson discussing third Torslanda shift.
Go deeper with GlobalData
“There is a saying in Swedish – ‘keep your ears on the track’ – it is a very positive thing” – FKG managing director Fredrik Sidahl concerning new Volvo jobs.
“We are looking for active participation and critical input” – Volvo CEO Hakan Samuelsson to suppliers.
“Those of you [FKG delegates] who have operated in France and Italy, you know it is very difficult to conclude a trade union agreement” – IF Metall chairman Anders Ferbe.
“I hope industry makes its voice heard to say how important it is to have FTAs. I know there is going to be a hullabaloo and [in] Parliament there will be an awful lot of discussions” – European Parliament member Olle Ludvigsson.
US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?
Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.
By GlobalData“France – oh France – is in a huge problem and gives rise for concern” – FKG MD Fredrik Sidahl.
“1,300 new jobs in in Volvo – brilliant” – IF Metall chairman Anders Ferbe.
“We have vacancies – [the] purchasing department [for example] has quadrupled in size” – Jaguar Land Rover director purchasing Ian Harnett.
“I have the benefit of being on the Social Democratic party board and perhaps I have certain influence” – IF Metall chairman Anders Ferbe.
“Sweden needs a bigger industrial sector to solve the problem of unemployment” – Volvo CEO Hakan Samuelsson.
“The Go Global activity is supported by the Swedish government. It is enough to make it happen” – FKG MD Fredrik Sidahl.
“Already today, we are working on improving trade between Iran and Sweden. As long as you follow the rules, you are today able to do a lot of business” – Scandinavian-Iranian Chamber of Commerce board member Robert Lundqvist.
“We have not got an industrial Minister – that is a bid odd. The Prime Minister I guess, understands the situation better than the previous one – he is quite fresh” – FKG MD Fredrik Sidahl.
“We will end up with around 470,000 cars [total] this year, which will be an all-time high for Volvo” – Volvo CEO Hakan Samuelsson.
“We have to be very critical of [President Vladimir] Putin’s regime. Unfortunately, Putin is winning his game – we are too slow” – Teknikföretage chief economist Anders Rune.
