NBA’s Jeremy Lin set to be the face of Volvo in China

NBA’s Jeremy Lin set to be the face of Volvo in China

Linsanity is sweeping across China, and Volvo wants to ride the wave. You don’t have to be a basketball fan to know that it refers to Jeremy Lin, the New York Knicks point guard that has been the NBA’s story of the year so far. The Taiwanese American is reported to be in talks on an endorsement deal with Volvo, to endorse the brand in China.

A deal may be announced soon. Sources close to the deal say that both parties are in advanced negotiations, having reached a preliminary agreement.

The 6ft 3in 23-year-old ex-Harvard player is following the footsteps of former Houston Rockets’ All-Star center Yao Ming in drawing Chinese interest to the NBA. Lin, who blogs in Mandarin and English on his Chinese Twitter-style weibo, has 2.5 million followers.

NBA’s Jeremy Lin set to be the face of Volvo in China

Volvo is hoping Lin’s popularity will draw people to showrooms. The Swedish brand, now owned by Chinese carmaker Geely, sold 449,255 cars last year, and wants to double sales to 800,000 vehicles by 2020. The brand is looking to form a manufacturing joint venture with Geely as part of initial plans to open two factories and an engine plant in China.

Volvo’s latest product is the impressive looking V40 that premiered in Geneva. Click here for the report and gallery.

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Danny Tan

Danny Tan loves driving as much as he loves a certain herbal meat soup, and sweet engine music as much as drum beats. He has been in the auto industry since 2006, previously filling the pages of two motoring magazines before joining this website. Enjoys detailing the experience more than the technical details.

 

Comments

  • xavier lert on Mar 16, 2012 at 4:44 pm

    Month : Feb = Lin Lin Lin
    Month : March = MeloLin MeloLin MeloLin

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  • Looks like Volvo has now woke up! As of lately, I noticed their new models are pretty good looking. A very underrated brand. Good luck!

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  • arch747 on Mar 16, 2012 at 10:09 pm

    He’s just a flash in the pan.In the latest game, he just scored 6 points only with 6 turnovers and 6 assists. Theie coach has resign and their team lingering at the last playoff spot. Wonder whether VW is making a wise decision with this 1 hit wonder.

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  • LINSANITY

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  • SaveTheEarth on Mar 16, 2012 at 11:33 pm

    Ya should as aggressive as this however Malaysia Volvo must still consider what Malaysian really want. Price it right, Volvo Malaysia still not on par with BMW or Merz. Price Volvo V40 around 160k. Benchmark again VW Golf TSI vs T4 (non complete full safety features), GTI vs T5 (full safety features).

    It will selling like hot cakes. When there are many Volvo in Malaysia then will have cheaper parts available. Secondary market for Volvo Malaysia will have a better value.

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  • Justin on Mar 18, 2012 at 9:12 am

    But yet he drives the current Merc E.Class

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