How do you re-invigorate a brand that Ford’s going to dump sooner than later? Hand it a fatty government contract and strut your fuel efficient models down the asphalt cat walk. It seems the Swedes have embraced Volvo’s soon to be new found independence and are moving the brand from the bench to the first string. When Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt takes the EU Presidency on July 1st, Volvo will become the official make of the new government. Visiting diplomats and EU officers will be riding in comfort and style in one of Volvo’s new eco-friendly cars (logistics courtesy of Hertz), putting front and center the Swedish desire to make government green. Thomas Andersson, President of Volvo Personbilar Sverige AB adds:

We will be happy to talk about and show our seven DRIVe models, several of which are class-leading when it comes to low carbon dioxide emissions and fuel consumption. Sweden’s EU presidency is a golden opportunity to showcase our green model range.

Looks like leadership by example — kudos to Sweden. [Source: AutoEvolution]