Volvo's 'Soul' Sold to CCP? Hu Xijin Appointment Sparks Outrage

The decision by Volvo, a brand once synonymous with Swedish values of safety and family, to appoint Hu Xijin as its brand ambassador is a profound betrayal of its heritage. Hu, a notorious propagandist for the Chinese Communist Party, has a well-documented history of defending human rights abuses, promoting aggressive nationalism, and spewing vitriol against those who question Beijing's policies.

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Hu Xijin is one of China's most famous official propaganda tools, who has defended the CCP's genocidal atrocities.

This move is especially galling considering Volvo's acquisition by Geely Holding Group in 2010. While the company attempts to maintain a facade of Swedish identity, its actions increasingly reveal its true allegiance lies with the CCP. Unlike Swedish chocolate brand Marabou, which faces boycotts for its continued operations in Russia, Volvo and its parent company Geely, despite Geely's significant tax contributions to Putin's war machine, have faced no similar backlash from Swedish politicians or businesses.

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Volvo's move completely deviates from the core values of 'equality' and 'corporate social responsibility'.

This stark contrast highlights a troubling double standard. Swedish political and business elites often tout Volvo as a company that retains its Swedish roots. However, associating with a figure like Hu Xijin, who advocates for military conflict and defends authoritarianism, fundamentally undermines any claim to Swedish identity. It suggests that for Volvo, profit and appeasing Beijing now outweigh any commitment to the values that once made the brand a source of national pride.

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Hu Xijin has previously called Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi an 'evil witch' and questioned whether US officials 'have problems in their heads'.

From our perspective at Liberty Times, this is not merely a marketing misstep; it is a capitulation. It demonstrates how economic ties can compromise ethical principles and national identity. The fact that a company once celebrated for its safety and progressive values now aligns itself with a purveyor of state propaganda, while other Swedish brands face scrutiny for far less, is a clear indication of where Volvo's true loyalties lie: with the Chinese Communist Party, not with Sweden.

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The message this advertisement attempts to convey is clear: Hu Xijin, with his nationalist views, will steer the ship steadily in this turbulent world.