From Scandinavia with Love

Swedish automaker Volvo enters a new phase in Malaysia with managing director Lennart Stegland, writes Tien Chew

Cars are fascinating because you combine mobility with your personal expression. There are very many emotions connected to cars,” declares Lennart Stegland, Volvo Malaysia’s latest helmsman since January this year. A cheerful individual and a self-confessed optimist who loves a good laugh, Stegland is a veteran in the automotive industry and has served many managerial and executive positions over the course of his 36 years with the company. When asked to describe Volvo cars to someone who has never heard of the brand before, he is quick to reply with confidence: “It is a car for people with a refined taste and high level of personal integrity. Our customers do not need to show off, for they are fully confident in what they are doing.” It is hard to dismiss such a notion as the brand seems to exude a positive image without trying too hard, thanks to its modern design language and its reputation as one of the safest car companies in the world. Malaysia also has a long history with the Swedish car maker, having operated in the country for well over 50 years now while also having local production facilities. The Volvo boss himself admits that Malaysians are well educated and informed when it comes to cars, which he attributes to our savvy Internet know-how and presence. Stegland also spills the beans on the brand’s secret ingredient, crediting the speciality of the manufacturer’s “Scandinavian design language that consists of clean simple lines combined with extremely good design proportions” which works wonders with the “world-class crash and active safety systems” and “high quality pure materials.” Let’s not forget that Volvo also originates from a country that has quite the opposite weather pattern to Malaysia, therefore influencing the way they have built and specified its products. With a long passion for developing technology since his younger days, Stegland spent many years in Volvo’s research and development department, subsequently climbing to the rank of vice president. However, that doesn’t mean he hasn’t delved in the commercial side of the business as well, for he has worked in a number of European countries in the sales division of the company. “I very much believe in true teamwork and the delegation of authority because we have hired very competent leaders and members of the team,” he explains when it comes to leadership. “We believe in our people and we want them to grow in their skills and capabilities. Our employees are guided by clear strategies and we clearly describe the frames and the direction of our work,” he adds. Under Stegland’s direction, Volvo has ambitious plans to grow in Malaysia. He admits that the company needs to undergo changes in the branding, products and customer support departments. “The strong connection with the customer and our ability to serve them is essential for the future,” he opines. An area Stegland is also keen on expanding is the company’s network and workshops in order to address customers’ needs in a professional manner. Hailing from a cold country, he confesses that the Malaysian heat is sometimes too “extraordinary” for him. And when this committed veteran is not forging a path for his company to regain a bigger share of the Malaysian automotive market, he likes to unwind to music of diverse genres ranging from AC/DC to Gustav Mahler and Bach.

“I very much believe in true teamwork and the delegation of authority”