Sweden without Volvo

Many don't know for the past few years iconic swedish car maker has been owned by Ford. As Saab is owned by GM.

In face of the world financial crisis and in particular concerns about the survival of the US automakers there is much talk in Sweden about the car industry here.

The Local (a online news site) reported last week that Rolf Wolff, dean of the school of business at Gothenburg University, had called on the government to nationalize Volvo and Saab to safeguard the pool of knowledge within the Swedish auto industry."If Volvo Cars disappears as a base for industrial knowledge and skills, then Sweden will never again be a part of the auto industry. All the knowledge and skills would be lost, and with it all future associated development potential would be gone. Forever," Wolf warned.

A new survey has shown that 68 per cent of Swedes would like to see the State take temporary control over the firm.

It is hard to imagine the world without Volvo, let alone what impact it would have on the economy in Sweden.

On a sad note, Joern Utzon the Danish architect responsible for possiblity one of the most recognised landmarks in the World. The Sydney Opera House, dies at 90.